I'm 43 and getting married for the second time - I have a 14 year old and my husband to be, has no kids and wants a child. Although I'm very healthy, don't look my age-- I'm scared to death because I keep hearing stories about how you run the risk of having a child with down-syndrome - and others say at 43 I should be ok, its 45 and older that you really have to worry - - Anyone have any experience or know of anyone who's had children in their 40's?
2006-11-09 05:27:17 · 8 answers · asked by Cris 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Down syndrome can occur in the pregnancies of women of any age. It is random. Although the risk does seem to increase with advanced maternal age, there is one school of thought that believes this is more to do with the fact than an older mother is less likely to terminate a pregnancy with a pre-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome, thus raising the percentage of live births.
My son has Down syndrome and I had him at age 38, but most of the moms I know with children who have Down syndrome are younger than me.
I can tell you that the greatest joy in my life is my son. Children with Down syndrome have so much potential and the resources available to them today is so much better. My son is bright, funny and talented. Yes, he has developmental delays, but I wouldn't trade him for the world.
2006-11-09 11:12:29 · answer #1 · answered by Smom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did it have a baby boy that is a year old... I am 40. The risks are really high. BUT if you have lived healthy ... your chances are probably good .. But I also had acupuncture for three years prior . and I swear that was the key... Because this made my periods regular... and you have to count 14 days to get pregnant. But I came in genetically as a 18 year old... But I would start getting acupuncture .. and eat good because the key is getting pregnate in the first place. I would do it . I did and I have a 12 and 9 year old. Its so easy ... this time around... your more mature.. more more patient.. you have more money... there are a hundred reasons. Plus it gives you a bit of that kid love. yeah I will be the lady that my kids tell my son .. hey your grammy is here to get you.. and he'll say Nope that is my mommie. DO IT .. I am happy. Talk to your obgyn... he can advise you on the risks and stuff. I m so happy I did it .. I had to beg borrow and steal to get my husband to finally help me out.. but he did and I was pregante on valentines day 2004 14 days after the period... hey valentines day is coming up .. this gives you enough time to plan and a reason. ( LOL ) I am glad I did it.
oh yeah... the energy level .. ah you have less energy.. start exercising now.. good luck
2006-11-09 05:40:21 · answer #2 · answered by zachs mom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
over age 35 is considered high risk but that doesn't mean that you are destined to have a baby with problems.
Best thing to do is talk about this with your gynocologist, she knows your medical history and would be the one that could tell you about your own personal risk factors (if there are any).
There are several women over the age of 40 at my church that had babies recently and none of them have Down's or other serious mental or physical problems.
I think the biggest issue with having a baby at the age of 40 or older would be your energy level. When the baby is a teenager, you will be a senior citizen. Your fourteen year old will be off having a family of his own, you'll be grandma and mom at the same time.
2006-11-09 05:33:02 · answer #3 · answered by neona807 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a son when I was 40.
I was also very concerned about the same things you are, but if I did not have this boy who is now 15, my life would not have been fulfilled.
Had the amniosentices to test for downs syndrome.
gave birth to a healthy 9 poiund boy.
It just takes more out of you when your older.
It took a little longer to feel the zip I had before the pregnancy.
The very best to you and yours.
But now, I am back to my normal life, and still walk 3 miles a day.
2006-11-09 05:37:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
true...1 in 100 women at the age of 40+ have a down syndrome child..but that only means you have a good chance for a healthy child not a mentally ill one. She other things that can affect you when it comes to having a child this age is is u were on the birth control pill for the past 5 years..it can cause breat cancer in older women.
2006-11-09 05:30:30 · answer #5 · answered by blk_tn_mild 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
First, congrats on your upcoming marriage!
Now, as I'm sure you know, when a young girl first begins to menstruate, her eggs are the most viable -- the best come first. As we age, our eggs are older and now far less viable. So having children in our 40s may result in more genetic problems than in our 20s.
You can certainly still have children in your 40s. But you will need more OBGYN care and genetic testing on the fetus, should you get pregnant. Keep in mind that it may also be more difficult for you to conceive as women in their 40s are frequently peri-menopausal and our periods (and ovulation) are no longer as regular.
2006-11-09 05:31:09 · answer #6 · answered by kja63 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Whether society thinks it is okay or not it is a proven medical fact that women 35 and older carry many more risks than younger women who become pregnant. It doesn't matter what anyone's opinion is, it is a proven fact. Eggs age right along with your body.
You just need to decide whether or not it is worth the risk to your baby and yourself.
2006-11-09 05:30:05 · answer #7 · answered by Cassandra K 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The chances of complications are increased, but most of the time the pregnancy will result in a healthy baby.
2006-11-09 05:29:39 · answer #8 · answered by Melissa 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋