Health of Children Born to Older Mothers. (360G-Wellcome-089744_Z_09_Z)

In view of an almost total absence of data in what is a new social phenomena, the recently held 56th study group of the RCOG has recommended research to investigate the health of children born to older mothers* and in particular those born to mothers over 40 years. Our proposed project aims to:- 1) Provide detailed initial analysis of any effect of increasing maternal age on health outcomes of children, specifically of children* born to mothers of 40 years or older. 2) Investigate if mater nal and paternal parenting experience alters with increasing parental age at birth. The study will utilise data from the 9 month, 3 year and 5 year sweeps of the Millennium Birth Cohort Study (MCS) and the 9 month and 3 year sweeps of the National Evaluation of Sure Start (NESS). Analysis of existing MCS/NESS health outcomes will include growth, neurodevelopment, temperament and behaviour. Information on parent-child, parent-parent relations and parent mental health will also be analysed. Should this initial analysis provide evidence of health threats or benefits, a further more detailed study involving individual assessments will be made. *Please note this study will consider health of all children born to older Mothers NOT just first borns