I had my 1st child at 35, my 2nd son at 41 both with no problems getting pregnant. Can I have another at 46?

Question

Both children were born healthy and I am healthy as well. Both pregnancies were achieved quickly and naturally without IVF etc. What are the chances of my becoming pregnant again at 46 without (or with if necessary IVF)? Has anyone out there had a baby at my age? Thanks.

Answer 1

If you want a child with Down's Syndrome or any other birth defect go for it. Just keep in mind that your 50's is when people start getting debilitating health problems that make it hard to care for young children.

Answer 2

My cousin had her first and only at 45 years old, they are fine.

One of my dearest friends, has down syndrome and many health problems....I have been called and told she was dying like a billion times......Her mom was only 33 when she was born. (and my friend who was going to not live through the night at birth, then die by 2, then 5, then 12, then no older than 20 is now 31)

One friend of our family had a downs syndrome baby at 42...so WHO KNOWS.

The chances of a problem are greater with your age....you have two healthy children, but only you, your husband and your doctor can make this decision.

One more thing, you are 46, if you have a child, who has disablities, life long disabilities, you may be imposing this on your children to care for them if they live into adulthood....

I don't mean to be unkind, but think about all the factors.

You'll be 60 when he enters high school, 64 graduates from high school....my parents were older (though 10 years younger than you, but at the time that was old) I lived in fear that my parents would die and I'd be the only kid at high school grad with no parents.....

Of course it didn't happen and I had three friends with younger fathers who did die.....

So who knows????? Only you, your husband and your doctor can make this call.

Answer 3

That's awesome that you had no problems getting pregnant. Your fertility rate does go down the older you get, but if you didn't have any problems previously, I'd say go for it. The worst that could happen is you don't get pregnant as quickly as before. If that's the case, talk to your OB about it. I've heard of tests that can find out how many eggs you have left. Good luck!

Answer 4

If you feel you can manage it and are fit and healthy then go for it, check with the doctor but as long as you're able to carry ok and there wernt any problems before you sound like you're perfectly fine to be getting pregnant :)

Answer 5

it will be harder to become pregnant at 46, at least it seems to be for many women trying later in life, but if you are healthy and your doctor gives you the go ahead then best of luck.

Answer 6

At 46 u must be in or at worst approaching menopause. Give it a try u may be an exception.

Answer 7

I would think as long as you still have a period you are still able to have a baby. I would think about long term care also though. If you were to have a baby now, you would be 64 by the time your child is 18. Good luck

Answer 8

getting pregnant is not the problem at that age, it's the higher risk for birth defects. if you really want another child go for it. i personally wouldn't want to be putting another child through college when i supposed to be celebrating my golden years.

Answer 9

I do think it is a bit selfish think about the child whats going to happen when you have to come in for parents evening or graduation you will be well into your 60,s by then.

Answer 10

If that is a risk you are willing to take, than go for it.