Pregnant At 50: The Biological Clock Extended

So it's official, Janet Jackson is pregnant with her first child. Two weeks ago the superstar songstress announced to her fans that she had to cut her world tour short because she was planning a family with her husband. I immediately assumed adoption or surrogacy but low and behold just a few weeks shy of her 50th birthday, Ms. Jackson is pregnant.

This news has automatically sparked  discussion regarding how risky is it for a woman reaching the golden season life to have a child. Due to the singer's age, doctors say there are major risks and complications that could pose themselves during the pregnancy especially during the first trimester. Interestingly enough, doctors say at her age she had a 1% chance of conceiving.

Though the odds are thought to be against them, in today's times, women are starting families much later in age as compared to even a decade ago. According to the CDC, the number of women who are getting pregnant over the age of 50 has increased 165% in the last 15 years. Doctors say as more fertility treatments become available and technology improves, women have more of a choice to delay bringing life into this world.

Usually after 30, women who haven't had a child start to become worrisome that their time will soon run out which leaves them in a hurry to find "Mr. Right" to get busy right away. These new findings bring slight pressure off the woman worried about her biological clock. She can put focus back on herself and reaching her life goals instead of putting babies in the forefront.

Being in that age bracket myself, I surely can relate and breathe a little easier for this time extension. I personally have so much that I want to do and accomplish that a "mini me" is the last thing on my list currently. 35-40 is more realistic and desired at this point.

So kudos to Ms. Jackson and all the other women over 40 pushing the clock out of their way. Not saying having these blessings earlier in life is unwelcome either. Whether you are in your 20s or ready to celebrate your 50th, it's more so about when you are ready instead of being pressured by that nagging clock.

How do you feel about women starting families later in life?