Is having a baby at age 39 a bad idea?

Answer 1

I had my first child at 35, second at 36, third at 37. My mother had her 4th at 42. My friend is 42 and trying to have another baby with her new husband. There are risks to a first pregnancy after the age of 35. You should discuss this with your doctor and become informed and if you still want to have that baby, then it is your choice (as it should be) and you should have that baby. Good luck.

Answer 2

I don't know who makes the rules about the appropriate ages for conception of a child, but here is something to think about:

Once upon a time, not too long ago, people were living to the ripe old age of about 50, on the average. Furthering medicine throughout the years has extended the human lifespan to an average of about 75. Given this information, and the fact that medicine has made some incredible jumps in technology, I would conclude that having a baby at 39 is not a "bad" thing. Your body still has the ability to conceive (in most cases) until you have finished with menopause. Now, if you are planning to get pregnant at 39, be ready for your body to feel drained a bit more than you would have at a younger age. There are some things that doctors will tell you to be apprehensive about, but as your body ages, that's normal. Give it a shot, I'd say. Let God be the one to figure out whether or not you should have a baby at 39. I had a friend who had one at 36, so it's not that extreme.

Answer 3

Not at all. If you're healthy, have good prenatal care and take care of yourself, there is absolutely no reason why you can't have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Yes, there is an increased risk of complications after a certain age (35 is the general consensus, but that varies from woman to woman), but there are so many tests down now that can give you a good indication of how things are going. If you've got the energy to handle raising a child at a slightly older age, then go for it. Older moms also bring the benefit of more life experience and a mellower attitude. Good luck!

Answer 4

Absolutely not! If you want a baby, you should go through whatever steps you have to, to have one. Many, many women have children in their late thirties and early forties. There's no reason you shouldn't try! :)

There is a *slightly* higher chance of giving birth to a child with Down's Syndrome after age forty. But then, any woman, no matter the age, has a chance of having a child with Down's Syndrome.

Answer 5

A lot of research shows that at this age, the chances of the child having Down Syndrome is higher. Well, the age is actually 40 and up. But then there are cases in which the mother was over 40 and the child was actually healthy. Talk to you Ob-Gyn.

Answer 6

No, it's an ideal age, as far as I'm concerned, and young today. My mother was 3 months short of 39 when I was born, but 40's today is becoming more commonplace.

Answer 7

there are a lot more risks but if you have a good doctor who will monitor you well and correctly all should be well. Consult a doctor for the long list of risks and ask them what you can do to make the risks less likely to occur. It also depends on family history... I know I wont have a baby over 35 because we have downsyndrome in our family and it highly increases the risk for that and other disablilities

Answer 8

Don`t believe all the crap that has been written. Bringing life into the world is always a good idea. Risks? There are always risks at any age...and risks for what?...disabilities...my 7th child has down`s syndrome and is a sweetheart, and we have had 3 after her with no disabilities...so let go and love whomever you give life to.

Answer 9

My husband was 40 when I married him (I was 24). He was 41 and 43 when our daughters were born. It worked fine...and with good medical care, it should work fine for you too. I don't think it makes any difference whether it's the husband or wife who's older. If you think you can, go for it. Hopefully you have a hands on partner who will help you with the child care, as you may tire a little more quickly than you would have when you were 25.
Good luck!

Answer 10

i don't think...my daddy is 53 and he has a 12 year old daughter,,my younger sister, and she turned out great. And not that money is everything but he is able to provide her/my wants and needs and we are very happy children. Plus we got the wisdom he gained throughout life...i think there is nothing wrong with having a baby at that age, and that is a 17 years old point of view. And you know your do's and don't's by now...