Pregnancy Accelerates Biological Aging in Young Women, Study Shows

A recent study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health sheds light on the potential toll pregnancy may take on women's biological ageing. Conducted among 1735 young individuals in the Philippines, the research reveals that women who have been pregnant appeared biologically older compared to those who haven't, with increased pregnancies correlating with accelerated biological ageing. Interestingly, this ageing effect wasn't observed in men, hinting at a specific impact of pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The findings, published in The Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, contribute to existing epidemiological evidence suggesting that high fertility could have adverse effects on women's health and longevity. What's novel here is the detection of these costs earlier in life, before typical signs of ageing manifest. This was made possible through innovative tools using DNA methylation to gauge cellular ageing, providing insights into a previously unexplored aspect of reproductive health.

Lead author Calen Ryan, PhD, emphasizes the significance of these results, highlighting the acceleration of biological ageing linked to pregnancy, particularly in young, high-fertility women. This association persisted even after adjusting for factors like socioeconomic status and smoking, indicating a direct impact of childbearing on biological ageing.

Ryan acknowledges the need for further research, particularly regarding the long-term health implications of accelerated epigenetic ageing associated with pregnancy. He also underscores the importance of considering diverse populations, recognizing that the aging process may vary across regions.

The study's co-authors, spanning multiple institutions, stress the importance of supporting new parents, especially young mothers, in light of these findings. The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, underscoring its significance in understanding the broader implications of reproductive health on ageing.

In essence, this study underscores the potential long-term effects of pregnancy on women's health and calls for increased support and awareness for new parents, particularly young mothers, as they navigate the complexities of parenthood amidst biological changes.