If you've already have had children what are the risks for birth defects for a 38 year old female?

Answer 1

It doesn't really matter that you've already had children; the new child could still be at risk for Down's Syndrome (trisomy 21).
If you are pregnant, or are planning to, it's a good idea to have an amniocentesis done. There are risks to it, but that is the only way they can do the genetic testing before birth.
Of course, just because you are 38 doesn't mean that you will have a child with birth defects, but the biological facts remain that although many women put off child bearing until their late 30s, our bodies were meant to do it in our early 20s.

Answer 2

I was 35 when I had my last one they were worried about possible birth defects and counseled us on the test that could and should be done to check on the chances. but we decided to leave it in the gods hands and she came out healthy and beautiful

Answer 3

I had my last one at age 37, they talked me into amneosentisis. She was fine, perfect 9 lb 8oz baby, --Now 7 and a brat!! LOL