DNA May Help Determine When Women Will Have Kids

BOSTON (CBS) – Many women are postponing pregnancy and wondering, “When does my clock run out?” Dr. Mallika Marshall says part of the answer may be in her DNA. There are many factors that help determine when a woman will have her first baby including finances, educational and career goals, and the fertility of their male partner, but your genes could also play a small role. Scientists found 12 areas of DNA that influence reproductive behavior including when women decide to have their first baby and how many children they are likely to have. They also found genetic variants that lead women to postpone pregnancy have little bits of DNA that are also associated with later menopause. In other words, these women may have more time to try to get pregnant. Scientists say this discovery could help doctors determine how long a woman can safely wait to have kids.
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Syndicated Local Source Type: news