[Gaiaakgyyyg]

My sister who married at 29 and the other recently married at age 32 says the average marriage age is early to mid twenties and that it's medically unsafe to have a child after age 30 (my mom had me at 37 and I was born with CP, so perhaps there's some truth to that). I'm 24 and I'm just starting to seriously contemplate marriage and kids but can't find anyone

So I was wondering what is the average marriage age.

I've heard a lot about women who wait until age 30, 40, or 50 to get married and have kids. And another problem posed with my marriage and kids fantasy is needing to go back to college to get a better career and with wonky periods since age 18, it worries me

[jakitula]

My mum had my brother at 40 and my bf'smum had him in her late 30's and they are both fine. I'm not sure what CP is but do you know if it is proven to be linked with older mothers? Talk to your doctor about it because they would be the best one to tell you what is safe and what is not.
Don't worry about average ages, as long as you're happy and safe.

[johobuo]

Actually, it's after 35 that the risks of things like Down syndrome increase. It doesn't mean that it's dangerous per say; it does mean that after 35 you probably will be watched more closely if you get pregnant, but there are certainly a good number of women who marry later in life that start families. Age doesn't mean that you WILL have pregnancy complications. It just means that the risk of such increases.

I agree that it would be something to discuss with your doctor if you're concerned.

[Gaiaakgyyyg]

CP is Cerebral Palsy which is more or less a nuerological disorder that affects the brain, speech, motor skill, muscle tone, balance, learning, vision, hearing, etc. I have a really mild version so I'm not wheelchair, cane, walker, or brace bound. Sometimes people don't know anything's wrong with me. In my case it's affected mostly my learning and reasoning style, speech (which I'm told by some I sound fine but it took years of speech therapy and practice), and most of all my balance and my hamstrings are really tight. It hurts to walk over some terrains and distances. From what I know it may have to do with an ailment my mother had while pregnant and some birth trauma (it's a birth defect). And she was like 37 when she had me. And there's a history of disabilities in my family so no matter what; that's a concern for me.

[jakitula]

It is certainly something to tak about with your doc, especially if there is a history of disabilities. You can talk about what causes them and what ways to reduce risks. It will most likely help you feel better

[v74ClzKY]

Hi Princess, my understanding of CP is that it is caused by a lack of oxygen at birth. Perhaps an issue of being in birth canal too long, cord wrapped around neck for too long, or emergency ceasarians where baby still didnt get out in time.

I have a friend who also has CP, he has a pretty good life. His legs are buckled, but he can walk, his arms are crooked also, so when he walks he is like a puppet on a string. His speach is really poor, but we can understand him, just have to listen.

He sleeps with girls ( he is a bit of a hussy actually), has a part-time job, is a social person, he loves life, just hates his speach. For him there is no learning difficulties, only physical barriers. I thought CP was only restricted to physical issues not learning.???

[Gaiaakgyyyg]

It's mostly physical but I think it also affects the brain. Perhaps the LD and CP are seperate but I do know that a CP victim's intelligence can range from mental retardation to genius level. Ironically, I've been called retarded, LD, smart, and even very intelligent by various people.

I don't want to go into the details of what my medical records say but I do know that I lost my breath for a minute or two when I was born.

[Gaiaakgyyyg]

It is certainly something to tak about with your doc, especially if there is a history of disabilities. You can talk about what causes them and what ways to reduce risks. It will most likely help you feel better

I noticed within my family the particular disabilities seem to be some form of depression, eating disorders, and/or learning disabilities. And even speech impediments.

[Gaiaakgyyyg]

But anyway, may we stay on topic and just discuss the average marriage age of Americans (particularly women)?