IELTS sample essay: Why do couples delay parenthood?

Nowadays many couples are not interested in having children early in their lives. What are the causes behind this phenomenon? And what are the effects on family and society?

Sample response

A large number of couples now prefer having kids in their late 30’s or early 40’s. This is not exactly a healthy trend because having kids at an advanced age can lead to many problems for the mothers as well as their babies.

The reason that prompts many couples to delay parenthood is the desire to secure their financial independence before they become parents. They want to establish themselves in their chosen career before the baby arrives. Nowadays in most families both husband and wife work. And when both of them work, they do not have the time to raise a baby. As a result of this they postpone the baby until they have achieved the desired level of financial security.

The problem with this arrangement is that it can lead to many health problems. It can even lead to infertility. As people age their fertility decreases. For example, a large number of women in their 30’s and 40’s have difficulty conceiving. And couples who fail to conceive after delaying pregnancy in the first few years of their marriage are more likely to experience feelings of guilt and anger. They end up spending insane amounts of money on infertility treatment.  This will drive up the cost of medical insurance. If they still fail to conceive, it is not uncommon for a large number of them to fall into depression. They might also find it difficult to deal with the questions of their family and friends.

Even if they manage to conceive, their pregnancy is more likely to be inflicted with numerous health problems. For example, when a woman becomes pregnant after she turns 35, she is more likely to develop problems like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. These women are also more likely to undergo a Caesarian section and give birth to underweight babies. The babies, too, are affected. Children conceived at an advanced age are more likely to suffer from congenital anomalies like autism.

 As stated above delaying pregnancy is not a positive trend. It can affect the health of both mom and baby. And unhealthy women and children are not in the interest of the society. It is hoped that instead of postponing pregnancy, couples would make alternate arrangements to fit a baby into their busy schedule.