Delayed fatherhood.

[achondroplasia]

Birth data from developed countries indicates that the average paternal age is increasing . As the trend to older fatherhood has become established , concerns have been raised that this may be linked to adverse outcomes , such as pregnancy complications , congenital anomalies , and long -term health implications for the child . Since the sperm of older fathers may be impaired due to the general effects of ageing , their offspring may be at risk due to defects in sperm quality at conception . A literature search was performed to identify pregnancy complications , fetal anomalies and health issues for the child when the father is in an older age bracket . Evidence for impairment in the sperm and genetic material of older fathers was reviewed . With an older father , there is evidence of an increase in stillbirths and a slightly increased risk of autism , bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in the offspring later in life . The increased risk of achondroplasia has long been recognised . For the mother , there is an increased rate of Caesarean section . Investigations of other possible adverse outcomes have produced mixed findings . Further robust and longitudinal studies are needed to clarify these issues .