How old is too old for having a baby?

Question

I am going to be 41 and I want a baby.

Answer 1

It is well known that older women run more risk of having a Down's syndrome baby. The rate is 1 in 400 at the age of 35, and goes up to 1 in 109 at the age of 40. When a woman is 45 the risk is 1 in 32 (compared with 1 in 1,500 at 25). There are other much rarer chromosomal abnormalities, such as Patau s syndrome and Edward's syndrome, which also increase in incidence with maternal age. Maternal serum screening and other tests can give approximations of risk, and amniocentesis can provide firm diagnosis, which allows a woman either to terminate a pregnancy, or help prepare her for the special needs her baby will have. No woman has to undergo any tests if she would rather not have this information.

Despite the increased risk with increased age of mother, it is important to remember that the vast majority of babies are fine, and except for the factor of chromosomal abnormalities, research suggests that the babies of older mothers are no more at risk of birth defects than the offspring of younger mothers.

You are also at higher risk of pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure.

Answer 2

Typically, if you want to conceive... before menopause. There are many things to consider before having a baby. Your physical and mental health, lifestyle, finances. Basically, stability is key.

Giving birth at 41, you will be 59 when your child turns 18. At 59 years old, you're ready to retire. Are you mentally prepared to deal with teen issues when you're about 56? Personally, you may want to consider adopting if you're not stuck on having a biological child. There are so many children who need a loving parent.

If you truly believe you're able to provide a loving, stable, safe environment for a baby... then I wish you the best!

Answer 3

Well past 40 is usually a dangerous age for you & your child.Some women become parralysed & other can die.But thats in very extreme cases.Your baby may even be born with great difficuties.It may be brain damged or disabled.Its riskey bussiness.Your best bet is go to you GP & get them to look you over to see if you would be healthy enough to give birth & the risks involved.Always be safe.Theres nothing worse than being told you may not be able to have a child.Its the one thing that can make some women complete.So I wish you all the luck in the world!I hope everything works out for you!

Answer 4

I know a 42 year old new mother. Give it a try - but don't be too disappointed if it won't work for you.

Of course, if you already have kids, you might have less trouble. The age limit seems largely for first timers.

Peace!

PS - 20-25 is NOT a good age for everyone. I mean not all of us can give up our lives for kids before we have lived one on our own, you know what I mean? I waited until I was 32 and I had no trouble - plus I had the patience and career behind me to do it right. So often it's a struggle just to support yourself at 20-25 - so I have to disagree with that answerer.

Answer 5

I say 45 for sure. But then again I have no science proof or anything. All I know if my aunt had a child at the age of 40-45? I forget and the doctor gave her heck because it is her fault that my cousin will be blind before she is 20. The older a woman gets the more problems occurs during birth. I would speak to a doctor if I were you because you want to make any mistakes that could destroy your child's life.

My aunt has never forgave herself my cousin almost did not survive and she still could die.

My cousin is 14 years old and I love her.

Answer 6

I think that you should ask a doctor about it. If the risks are to high for you to take, you may want to consider adoption, if you really want a baby. You could adopt a young child, and even though its obviously not the same, it would still be a precious living human, that you are responsible for. Its not as wonderful as having your own child, but at least you wouldn't have to worry about the child's health risks, of 40's birth. I hope this helps, and good luck!

Answer 7

If it's GOD willing, HE will provide you with what you NEED, not want! 41 is kinda OLD to be getting pregnant. try adopting a new born. Women's productive organs don't function as strong as if when you were in your 20's. Babies need a strong whomb, strong mother and at that age, a woman is stronger in other areas. Too risky at that age. But God bless!

Answer 8

Discuss this with your family doctor. They tell you it's higher risk by age 35. I'm 40 yrs. old with 4 boys, last one was born when I was 37. He was perfectly healthy and it was my easiest pregnancy. Personally, I feel if you want a baby at age 41....do it. Good luck & God Bless.

Answer 9

That is pushing it. Though it seems to be a trend to have babies later in life these days, if you have hit your fortieth birthday (and obviously you have) then your body is preparing for menopause; actually, it begins preparing in the late thirties, even though you dont notice these changes until the early to mid-forties. You are on the cusp, dear. Becoming pregnant throws this off and the risk of birth defects also increases with age.Furthermore, if you had a child now, he or she would still be in college and you would be nearly ready for retirement. Children are best had when their parents (married) are in their mid-twenties and early to mid-thirties. I know some folks who are now in their fifties and their youngest child is a mere nine years-old and frankly, they are more like the child's grandparents than her parents. Think this one through.

Answer 10

physically you aren't too old...

Adriana Emilia Iliescu (Romania, b. May 31, 1938), was 66 years 230 days old when she gave birth by cesarean section to her daughter Eliza Maria Bogdana at the Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bucharest, Romania, on January 16, 2005, after receiving IVF treatment.

mentally
you sound ready

go for it!

good luck