Is 38 years old too old to have a child?

Answer 1

no

Answer 2

It is not for some. It is for others. The risk of having a child with Down's Syndrome goes up 900% and substantioally increases each year after that but, they are very sweet and special people that make the families around them different than they would have been. So, who is to say?

This is from Wikipedia. . .
The incidence of Down syndrome is estimated at 1 per 800 to 1 per 1000 births.[8] Approximately 95% of these are trisomy 21, making it the most common human aneuploidy. Down syndrome occurs in all ethnic groups and among all economic classes.

Maternal age influences the risk of conceiving a baby with Down syndrome. At maternal age 20 to 24, the risk is 1/1490, while at age 40 the risk is 1/106, and at age 49 the risk is 1/11.[9] Although the risk increases with maternal age, most children with Down syndrome (80%) are born to women under the age of 35,[10] reflecting the overall fertility of that age group. Other than maternal age, there are no other known risk factors.

There are other age related complications such as higher risk of cesarean section and placental previa but there are many benefits as well. But MANY much older women have had completely healthy children after wonderful deliveries and normal pregnancies. There is no black or white in this.

The advice I would give a 38 year old is the same I would give a 20 year old? Make sure you are prepared to love and care for this child no matter what they are or what they do, if that is the case, PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

Answer 3

NO WAY!!! If you are still able to conceive a child at 38 (because some women cannot) more power to ya. If you want to have a child, then have a child. I don't know who's standards you are going by thinking you are too old, but don't go by anybody's standards for that except for your own girl. If you want to have a child then good luck on that.

Answer 4

Well as it may seem you see but all ages of women from 18 to above can have a child but not too much old.I heard that a mother in 16th century at Russia give no more than 69 children a birth.The last of the child and she is currently 78 year old(I don't remember what age she is but i think 78).

Answer 5

No. Better 38 yrs old having a child than 15 yrs old having a child.

Answer 6

It is not too old to have a child. I had my first baby boy when I was 21. I got divorced right after he was born and raised him by myself. I am now 45. I got married 3 years ago and went to the doctor to have a tubal ligation. The doctor laughted and said I would never get pregnant. I just gave birth to another baby boy who is beautiful and very healthy and it was a normal pregnancy. I take very good care of myself and eat healthy and I guess that is what matters most. I have a perfect baby even though he is made from old eggs.

Answer 7

It is always up to the individual to decide when the best time to have a child is. However, the risk associated with bearing a child after the age of 35 significantly increases than those under 35. Risk in term of increase likelyhood of early developmental abnormalities along with learning and behavioral deviations, furthermore, embryo's susceptibility to various genetic disorders also increase after 35.

Answer 8

Do you feel too old to have a child? Talk to your Dr. about the risks of pregnancy after age 35....ask yourself about your lifestyle...will a child fit into to it and if not, are you willing to make the changes necessary to accomidate a child? I think you know the answer. Good luck.

Answer 9

No, I think that 38 is a great age to have a child- you have maturity and experience.

Answer 10

after age 35 the pregnancy is considered "high risk", however you can still get pregnant and have a healthy baby. My aunt gave birth at 43 to a healthy son. Good luck and take care of yourself!!

Answer 11

No. 58 is not too old to have a 20 year old.