Pregnancy affects the body's age-related processes
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Pregnancy increases biological age by an average of 24 months. But after the birth of a child, this indicator levels off, or even decreases. This is evidenced by the results of a new project by Yale University employees.
The concept of biological age reflects an indicator of the physiological "wear and tear" of the organism. In fact, it characterizes our state of health, which determines the quality of life and the likelihood of developing chronic pathologies. Usually, this indicator should correspond to the passport age, although it often happens otherwise.
It is no secret that the period of conception and carrying a baby is a significant stress for the female body. Therefore, it is not surprising that the process of biological aging in this period is accelerated and the risks of developing various pathologies increase. To better understand the peculiarities of this condition, scientists analyzed information about more than 100 pregnant patients, simultaneously calculating the indicators of their biological age using epigenetic chronometry.
In addition, the specialists collected blood samples from the participants: the tests were carried out early in pregnancy, mid-term and close to the delivery date, respectively. The fourth analysis was performed after the birth of children (about 12 weeks later) in more than half of the participants. As a result, the scientists also tried to determine whether there was a link between body mass index before conception and indicators of biological age-related changes.
In the course of the study, a pronounced correlation was established between the change in biological age and gestational age. Throughout pregnancy, the average increase in biological age was about 2.4 years. Meanwhile, significant "reverse" changes were also found: biological aging was slowed down and even "rolled back" starting from the prenatal period and for about 12 weeks after the birth of the infant. Some participants in this period lowered their epigenetic age by 7-8 years at once.
The body mass index of women before pregnancy demonstrated a change in the trajectory of biological age. After childbirth, the epigenetic aging process became more intense in participants with higher BMI, which is not the case for the period of breastfeeding, which contributes to the apparent inhibition of biological age-related changes.
Experts believe that the information obtained during the study demonstrates many interesting points within the course of ageing processes. Body mass index before conception and the period of breastfeeding are basic factors that can slow down or accelerate a woman's biological aging. It is now important to continue research to clarify the associated processes, the potential for cumulative effects, and changes during subsequent pregnancies.
The scientists' report can be accessed at of Science Direct