Does age matter?

Question

I am 26 years old and the father of my baby is 38. He has no children , what is the chance of us having a normal healthy child ? He doesn't drink or smoke and he takes very good care of himself. Should everything be ok with our child ?

Answer 1

You should be fine. Follow up with your prenatal care and take your vitamins; avoid caffeine and alcohol. Follow your doctor's advice and keep your appointments. The mother's age has a larger impact than the father's, and you're in the prime of your baby-making years.

It's also common to be anxious about being pregnant. Everything should be cool; get some Baby Beethoven and stick the headphones on your tummy and do a relaxing activity for yourself, too. :)

Answer 2

It used to be believed that the age of the mother, and her eggs, were the only factor in fetal genetic defects. Now, scientists know this is not true. For instance, a man's risk of fathering a baby with schizophrenia or autism goes up dramatically after he reaches age 40. There is also a higher risk of miscarriage during a pregnancy fathered by a man older than 40.

But since your man is only 38, and since most of an unborn baby's genetic abnormalities happen due to the maternal (Mother's) age at delivery -- not the father's -- and you are only 26, then I wouldn't worry much. Chances are your baby is just fine, especially since the father is so healthy, (and assuming that neither of you smokes, drinks, or does drugs or takes medications).

Besides, since you are already carrying the baby its a little late to worry about it, right? Plus, there are no prenatal tests to screen for autism or mental illness, anyway....

Take your prenatal vitamins and live as healthy as possible!

Answer 3

With regard to age and pregnancy the womans age is a much greater factor than the man's. This is due in large part to the fact that a woman is born with all of the eggs that she will have whereas a man continually produces new sperm. The theory behind older women is very similar to the survival of the fittest theory, the healthiest eggs are used first. Because a man creates new sperm this is not the case. A mans age may or may not effect the quality of sperm, that remains to be proven.
In closing, it don't think that it will have any effect on your child.

Answer 4

The only time age matters is when the mother is over 35. Then there's an increased risk of Downs Syndrome, and they monitor you pretty carefully. I'd say if you're both healthy and you eat as healthily as you can during your pregnancy, your chances of having a healthy baby are pretty good.

However in anyone no matter what the age, there is always a slight possibility of birth defects, or genetic disorders.

Answer 5

I think the chances are excellent that you will have a normal healthy child. Although research shows that men over 40 are more likely to have autistic children. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Over thirty!?! The age for women is 35, and its not that you necessarily need to be more careful, its they suggest testing for abnormalities. Which this day in age should be changed to 40.
But to answer your question, every thing should be fine. People put too much emphasis on age. Just be sure to eat right exercise and take your prenatals and got to all your dr. appt. So long as you do that then everything else is out of your hands.

Answer 7

yes everything should be fine with your child. the father of the baby can usually be any age and the baby will be fine it's the women who have children after 30 they just need to be careful.

Answer 8

Like they say age is nothing but a number as long as he healthy and his little soldiers are functional. You guys should have no problem reproducing. my husbands cousins father was 65 when he had his last child and the child was very healthy.

Answer 9

Don't be scare you both will have a very healthy baby in a future.

Good Luck to you and ur new born.

Answer 10

If you dont smoke or drink and take care of yourself you will have a cute baby and i am guessing it will be a boy