What are some of the complications of having a baby 40 years or older?

Answer 1

greater difficulty concieving - some never do. Try to have fun in the attempts.

Greater incidence of birth defects of all sorts. Chromosonal, neural tube, etc. Some can be detected by utlrasound and/or amneo. A few can't. Still, the vast majority of babies to >40 are perfectly healthy.

You probably have less energy and more obligations than you did at 20. You also have more emotional maturity and likely more financial and practical resources.

Answer 2

Though the risk of certain abnormalities -- such as Down syndrome -- increases for women pregnant after 40, there's still a high likelihood of a normal, healthy baby.

An extensive University of California study of 24,000 mothers older than 40 showed a relationship between maternal age and several complications of pregnancy. Seven percent of mothers in their 40s suffered gestational diabetes, about four times the rate of younger mothers. Forty-seven percent of first-time mothers in their 40s had a Cesarean section, twice as many as women in their 20s. The study also showed increased risk of high blood pressure, longer labor and a higher frequency of premature or underweight births among older mothers.

Older women are also at increased risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality, according to Ed Smith, a genetic counselor and administrative director of the Department of Genetics at Magee Women's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System.

At age 20, approximately one out of every 1,000 pregnancies will involve a chromosomal abnormality, like Down syndrome. By age 40, this number jumps to one out of every 50 pregnancies.

"It's a substantially higher risk," says Smith. "But there's still a 98 percent chance of a normal, healthy baby."

Answer 3

A baby with downs syndrome is a large risk factor. Your risks for any birth defect, or genetic defect you may carry a marker for goes up as you and your eggs age. You can find out your chances/risks before you get pregnant by having genetic testing done on yourself and your partner. Good prenatal care including amniocentesis, CVF testing and ultrasound will tell you of any problems early on during your pregnancy. You may also want to go to an OB/GYN who specializes in high-risk pregnancies (women over 35 are often classified in this manner). But dont worry good nutrition, good genes, testing and good prenatal care lessens your chances for any problems that may arise no matter what your age. My mother had her second child at 42 with very little problems, and my little sister is fine.

Answer 4

My biology professor said the main thing is that the eggs are older, and more susceptible to chromosome damage. This results in a higher incidence of Downs Syndrome showing itself.

Answer 5

A baby with Down's Syndrome.

Answer 6

having a baby at your age, raising another child. it will be hard also you life may be in danger. people will think you are the grandmother not the mother and they may laugh at you behind your back. my landlord is having her seventh child. one is married,one in collage and the six one is starting first grade next month, she is due with the seventh and she is in her 40's. she is having a lot of problems.

Answer 7

Babies of older parents look old. Besides health risks, you energy level in on the down spiral. You can possibly be boring parents. and please don't say you have older children and try to make them babysit. That is the absolute worse. You will be out of touch on so many things and you will not allow your kids to have fun like "other" mommies.

Answer 8

I suggest talking to an OB dr

Answer 9

High risk of birth defects.