Vicky Kaushal, At 37 & Katrina Kaif, at 42, Is There a Right Age for Having a Baby?

Bollywood’s beloved couple, Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif, recently delighted fans by announcing their pregnancy through a heartfelt Instagram post. Soon after, fans flooded Google with searches like “Katrina Kaif age” and “Vicky Kaushal age”, realising the couple is stepping into parenthood at 42 and 37, respectively. This naturally stirred conversations: Is this considered late, and is there really a right age to have a baby?

Though celebrity pregnancies tend to generate debate regarding age and fertility, it's a question that is particular to all couples going through the process of having children. We exclusively spoke to Dr Rajni Mittal, MBBS and MD Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chief Medical Officer, Hindu Rao Hospital - Delhi, to learn about what science, physicians, and health professionals have to say. Here is what she shared with us.

Does Age Actually Count in Pregnancy?

Biologically, age is a factor in fertility and pregnancy outcome. Women tend to be most fertile in their 20s, with fertility slowly decreasing after the age of 35. Men also see sperm quality decrease with age, although at a slower pace than in women.

Yet, with advances in medical treatment, fertility interventions, and better life choices, most couples today are successfully giving birth to healthy babies at the age of 30 and 40. Katrina and Vicky's good news is a timely reminder that parenthood is no longer limited to old-fashioned schedules.

Also Read: Nail Ridges During Pregnancy: Expert Answers If It's a Concern After Katrina Kaif's Announcement

Advantages of Having Children Late in Life

Here are a few advantages of having children late in life, according to Dr Mittal:

• Emotional and Economic Stability: Older parents tend to embark upon this stage with greater stability, tolerance, and economic independence.
• Career and Personal Development: Most couples would like to prioritise career achievements or individual milestones before assuming parenthood.
• Improved Readiness: Emotional maturity and life experience can lead to responsible parenting.

Challenges To Watch Out For

However, Dr Mittal highlights that one should not be lured by this so much. Here are some challenges of late pregnancy that couples need to watch out for:

• For Women: Greater likelihood of complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and chromosomal defects (such as Down syndrome).
• For Men: Marginally increased risk of genetic defects associated with advanced paternal age.
• Medical Support: Older parents may need more intense prenatal care, fertility treatment, or even lifestyle changes to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Is There a Right Age to Get Pregnant?

Dr Mittal pointed out that there is no single right age to bear a child; it just depends on personal situations, health, and readiness. The key thing is to be in good physical, emotional, and mental shape for the experience.

• Couples planning to have a child later in life should:
• Visit a gynaecologist or fertility specialist early.
• Practice a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet and physical exercise.
• Undergo appropriate prenatal tests.
• Give top priority to mental well-being and stress management.

Bottomline

While biology provides the guidelines, contemporary medicine and shifting lifestyles have reshaped the timeline of parenthood. The success story of Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif is a heartening reminder that every couple has a different journey, and it is most important to bring a child into a loving and caring environment.