Why did Goku and Chi-Chi have Gohan at only 18 years old?

[TheGreatness25]

Regardless of the fact that it makes no sense, Goku states he is 12 during the 21st Budoukai. In fact, that's the ONLY time he says he's 12. And since each subsequent Budoukai is officially listed to be on the same date every time, that would make him 15 at the 22nd and 18 at the 23rd. So while claiming he's 13 at that point smoothes over a plot hole, it has no basis in the story itself and directly contradicts what the manga actually says.

So that's how people come to the conclusion they were 18.

I don't know know what part "doesn't make sense." I really did think that Goku said that he was 13 during the 21st Tenkaichi Budokai; I wasn't trying to "smooth" anything over. I checked it and he does say that he's 12, so I stand corrected. Oh well. But hey, thanks for the condescending, snarky answer anyway.

[TheZFighter]

Do we know for definite that Gohan's birth was planned?

[precita]

Do we know for definite that Gohan's birth was planned?

It obviously wasn't. I seriously doubt either Goku or Chi-Chi know anything about condoms.

[TheGreatness25]

It's s shonen manga and anime, not a Lifetime movie. I don't think that we should concern ourselves with accidental pregnancies, birth control use, etc. I'm merely suggesting that perhaps we're diving a little deeply when we start thinking of those things. I'm pretty sure they never crossed Akira Toriyama's mind.

[mabalia]

Country people of nowadays knows contraceptive methods. I can't say for sure if Chichi knew it or not, but if the place where she lived, Mount Frypan, live other people too, some women could give her the talk and explain to her. Chichi spent her teenage years, besides training martial arts, trying to learn how to be a good wife and that's usually a topic that magazines like the types she reads treats. So yes, I think she knows and Gohan was a planed and wanted baby.

I know people thinks she fails at being a good wife, but it's good to recognize that at least she tried.

[Gaffer Tape]

I don't know know what part "doesn't make sense." I really did think that Goku said that he was 13 during the 21st Tenkaichi Budokai; I wasn't trying to "smooth" anything over. I checked it and he does say that he's 12, so I stand corrected. Oh well. But hey, thanks for the condescending, snarky answer anyway.

Ahem. I was talking about the plot hole in the story where either eight months have passed, yet the Dragon Balls are active again, or a whole year has passed, yet Goku is 12 both at the beginning and end of that time frame. That's what doesn't make sense and what fans typically try to smooth over. In fact, this is the second time in this thread that the concept has come up. I assure you that my editorial comments on the narrative of Dragon Ball had nothing to do with you personally, and there was no condescension or snark in my post. I implore you to re-read my initial response to you with that information in mind and hopefully it will read a bit more as I intended it.

[Kid Buu]

I'm surprised you find them having kids at 18 odd, but are willing to accept marriage at 18.

[miguelnuva1]

I assume they were married long enough to turn 19 then Gohan was born.

I believe its stated Goku trains with Roshi 8 months and never turns 13 from the start of DB through the 21 Budokai meaning he has to turn 19 at most 4 months into Chi-Chi being pregnant.

Chi-Chi could be 18 or 19 depending on her birthday.

[Nejishiki]

I assume they were married long enough to turn 19 then Gohan was born.

I believe its stated Goku trains with Roshi 8 months and never turns 13 from the start of DB through the 21 Budokai meaning he has to turn 19 at most 4 months into Chi-Chi being pregnant.

Chi-Chi could be 18 or 19 depending on her birthday.

Yes, Turtle Hermit claims they will train for eight months. Goku claims he's 14 during the 21st Tenkaichi Budoukai. The Dragon Ball hunt lasted a little over a week, at best. After they summon Shen Long, Goku meets Turtle Hermit for training the next day.

[rereboy]

Do we know for definite that Gohan's birth was planned?

It obviously wasn't. I seriously doubt either Goku or Chi-Chi know anything about condoms.

They got married and Chichi seems traditional. I would be surprised if they (or at least Chichi) didn't considered having kids as the normal progression.

[Bruma rabu]

I'm sure chi-chi wanted a kid as soon as possible, she's been planing their marriage for about 6-7 years. The moment they got the night to them selves chi-chi went to work.

[Gog]

Because they wanted too? Honestly no reason for them to not have a kid at that age, if you ask me