I am 34 and1/2 is it irresponsible for me to try to get pregnant again?

Question

My husband and I have no children and I lost a baby earlier this year. I worry that I'm to old and trying at my age would result in a disabled child. I feel terrible for feeling this way since I believe all children are precious. Any good advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I am so sorry about the loss of your baby. No, you are not too old at all, nearly all my patients are in their 30's and beyond. Generally, older parents have the advantage of really having their lives together and being comfortable financially.

I hope that if you suffer from recurring miscarriages or unexplained fetal loss, you get some testing done, perhaps see a reproductive endocrinologist or a fertility specialist. The good news is you are able to get pregnant, many women aren't. I don't know how many children you plan to have but you still have a reasonable period of time by anyone's standards.

If you are worried about disabled children, you can get an amniocentesis and LII ultrasound which will pinpoint many problems. Even if you don't plan to terminate a pregnancy, it's good to know these things ahead of time so you can learn about whatever it is, research and prepare. However, odds are your child will be healthy.

Answer 2

You're not too old!

I know many, many women who had their first children in their late, late 30s or early 40s, with no problems. Heck, a woman who was almost 60 bore a child a few years ago!

Talk to your OB/GYN about your concerns.

If it's Downs Syndrome that you're fussing about, remember that your risk doesn't go up overnight when you turn 35, or 40, or whatever. It's a spectrum, with slightly increasing risk the older you get.

I'm sure your doctor will send you to a genetic counselor if you ask, especially if you worry that your previous loss was something that could recur. And I'm sure that he/she will offer you the full battery of screening tests (if you want them) to set your mind at ease.

Have fun trying, and here's hoping you get a happy, healthy baby.

Answer 3

Not at all. You will be 54 when your child is 20. Im 57 and I could handle a 20 yr old, no problem.

After 45 you would want to get some testing done before pregnancy, but women 60 have given birth to perfectly healthy babies.

Testing is key.

Answer 4

wow i turned 39 in july and I just had a baby boy this past january. You are only as old as you feel. 34 is still young. Get pregnant enjoy and dont worry. I had no problems at all with my pregnancy. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

I just had my first baby at 31! 34 1/2 isn't too old to have a baby. My mom was 36 when she had me & that was 32 years ago!

Answer 6

You are totally not too old. I had one child at 28, lost 5 pregnancies and just had our second child at 39. She is beautiful and healthy and such a miracle. You have so many years left to have children, don't give up so young. Good luck and my thoughts and prayers are with you!

Answer 7

34 1/2 is not too old to be a mother. Talk this over with your OBGYN or Practitioner as well as your husband. Best of luck!

Answer 8

I'm thirty five and me and my wife just had a baby a year ago and she is 34 now and was 33 years old when she had it. So no I think anytime before forty is alright

Answer 9

i know someone who lost 4 babies and was 33 when she decided to try one more time now she has a beautiful little girl...if you dont think you could deal with losing another baby theres always adopting or seragite(?spelling) mother where the child would still biologically be you and your husbands

Answer 10

No sweetie! 34 is not old! I have freinds that are 34 and older who gave birth to healthy babies! Please have a baby if that's what you and your hubby wants! Here are some sites that you can try if you want a boost tryingtoconceive.com, fertilaid.com, www.ovulex.com and fertilityblend.com I am sending good luck and looooooooooooooots of baby dust to you guys!((( HUGGGGS))) God bless!