Is it unrealistic to expect to have a baby at 38?

Question

I'm 38 years old. I've just gotten married and hoping to have a baby. Is it unrealistic to expect to get pregnant at my age? I don't know alot about fertility.

Answer 1

I am 38 as well and am trying to get pregnant. There are some biological issues with trying to get pregnant over 35, that's just reality. While lots of women do get pregnant after 35, it's not as easy as you think. I would go to your doctor and have the quality of your eggs checked out first. Please read this article taken from this webisite:

http://health.ivillage.com/infertility/gynofertmed/0,,4m0n,00.html

As a woman ages, her fertility decreases. This decrease occurs slowly up until about 35 years of age, when fertility falls even faster. This drop in fertility is seen even in women who have perfectly normal, regular menstrual cycles. In fact for some women, fertility may no longer be possible five to 10 years before menopause. Diminished fertility, also called diminished ovarian reserve, is thought to reflect both a decreased number of eggs and a decrease in egg quality.
To test for diminished ovarian reserve, doctors use the clomiphene challenge test and day 3 FSH testing. This involves measuring your levels of the hormones FSH and estradiol on the third day of your cycle. Then, from day 5 through day 9, you take 100mg clomiphene (two tablets) each day. A day or two later, FSH level is measured again. If the FSH value is high, that indicates your fertility potential is diminished due to age. Values of FSH above 10 indicate that you may have difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy. Values over 14-15 indicate that your chance of success would probably be nil without egg donation and in vitro fertilization (IVF).


See if your doctor can perform that clomephine challenge test. That will determine if you are truly fertile or not. Just because you get a period every month doesnt' necessarily mean you are fertile. I had the same test performed and thankfully my eggs are quite good. So, I am trying to get pregnant. So far, nothing but I am hopeful.

If you truly want to know if it is possible, get that test done. Then you will be able to make an informed decision about how to get pregnant.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Sure, there are risks, you and your husband should get a full checkup - by specialists. Higher risk of Down's Syndrome at your age, so really think through what you would do if the fetus is diagnosed DS - you don't want to have that discussion for the first time when you're already pregnant.

If sperm counts are good and you're ovulating regularly, just relax and enjoy it, and it may or may not happen right away. The more nervous you get, the less likely you are to get pregnant.

Good luck,

Answer 3

It's not unheard of, by a long shot. My mother-in-law had a baby at age 50. The risks do go up , but not too dramatic until after 40

Answer 4

It is not unrealistic. I think it's amazing, and I pat you on the back. This world needs more mothers like you. You are not at the age where your body will fight the pregnancy. If anything is needed, it will only be a pill. It just boosts your number of eggs...good luck...

Answer 5

Def. not. my husbands mom had him when she was 40. More and more people are waiting until their late 30's and 40's these days. Lol even though I am 21 and 8mo. pregnant, it is diff. for everyone. Who know's maybe having a baby at this age will help keep you young feeling. Thats what my mother in law tells me. Have fun trying ;)

Answer 6

my sister did.. just make sure you really are ready finanacially and time wise.. its best if one of you can stay home with the kid because day care really messes up kids bad..
you risk some health problems to the baby because your eggs are older so get check up for sure...

if you have a baby - get your tubes tied as soon after as you can, because over 40 is really risky for you and a baby plus you wont have the energy..

dont have kids unless you own your own home or are close to that stage and are willing to make ALOT of sacrifices..

Answer 7

I'm in the same boat as you ... went to the dr yesterday and the nurse said many women are having babies well into their 40's but make sure you take your pre-natal vitamins!! Good Luck!!

Answer 8

It is not unexpected. I heard of a mother who was 58 who had twins (even though she endangered the life of her and her babies). I would reccommend talking to a gyno/Obgyn about this. If that fails you could consider surrogate mothers or adoption.

Answer 9

I went to the 1st one and alter into bored the completed way with the aid of, so i did not subject with anymore. and that i controlled to offer beginning to a healthy lady descendant. when I even have yet another little one, I won't subject with them lower back.

Answer 10

I had my last one at 39. There is a possibility that you can still have a child. I would go to a ob/gyn and get a thorough exam and go from there.