While maternal health has traditionally been emphasized in discussions of pregnancy outcomes, recent research highlights that a father’s age and physical fitness can significantly affect placental development, with critical consequences for fetal growth, maternal health, and overall pregnancy outcomes.

Effects on the placenta:

Recent studies demonstrate that advanced paternal age and poor preconception fitness can impair placental development through altered gene expression and epigenetic modifications. These disruptions compromise the placenta’s ability to supply nutrients and oxygen, setting the stage for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Effects on the baby:

Evidence from a large population-based cohort study published in Human Reproduction Open in 2025 shows that advanced father’s age is associated with increased risks of: Preterm birth, Low birth weight, Neonatal intensive care admission and Other complications requiring medical intervention

This suggests that paternal age-related placental dysfunction plays a direct role in compromising fetal health.

Dangers to the mother:

Disrupted placental function related to paternal factors can also increase maternal risks, including the development of preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening hypertensive disorder during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is associated with significant maternal morbidity and long-term cardiovascular risks.

Overall pregnancy outcomes:

Collectively, these studies underscore that paternal factors—including age and preconception health—are critical but often overlooked determinants of placental function. Impaired placental development links paternal characteristics to serious complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and adverse maternal outcomes.

Integrating paternal health into preconception counseling and public health messaging could improve pregnancy safety and long-term outcomes for both mother and child.

Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0143400425001389

https://clinicalepigeneticsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13148-025-01815-1

https://academic.oup.com/hropen/article/2025/1/hoaf006/8042871