what age is "too old" to become pregnant?

Question

I am 31 but want to wait another 5 years to have my first baby. How much of a risk is that? and what are the possibilities of complications?

Answer 1

I had my son at 37 years old, and I got extra ultrasounds and other tests because past 35, you're in the "advanced maternal age" category, meaning you & baby are more susceptible to problems. There's a higher risk of birth defects, down's syndrome, etc. for the baby, and a higher risk for pregnancy complication, including gestational diabetes, weight gain, carpal-tunnel, and delivery problems.

As an "Older Mom", I can tell you that I have more patience, but much less energy than younger Moms who have children my son's age (3.5). In addition, since his birth, we've Never used birth control, and I've not gotten pregnant in nearly 4 years, the last year with significant infertility treatments. I think I waited too long to start!! Now, at 41, I'm trying to imagine carrying a baby for 9 months, then the incredible drain of the sleepless nights, then having energy to play with, feed, change, and chase after another little one --it's pretty daunting. You just don't have the energy in your 40's that you do in your 30's.

So, all these folks who tell you that you can do this well into your 40's (or 50's or more??!!) have obviously either never been pregnant or haven't been an older parent. It's exhausting, thrilling, expensive, rewarding, precious, frustrating, awesome.............and nothing anybody can say can prepare you for it!

Answer 2

Yes. There are risks. Your prime childbearing years are in your twenties. Your fertility has already started to decline and will do so at an even faster rate after the age of 35. You might certainly get pregnant with no problem, but then there is an increased risk for abnormalities and miscarriages. You have to weigh the pro's and con's. You stand a chance of not being able to have kids if you wait too long.

I recently saw an interview with Julia Roberts talking about how she had to undergo IVF treatments in order to get pregnant with her twins when she was 37. And it failed numerous times. At $15,000 a pop... that's a steep price to pay. Not everyone has that kind of money.

Answer 3

I am 33 and on baby number 2. I think waiting 5 years is fine. You will have more time, finances and patience. Having a baby before 40 might be prove to involve less developmental risks to the unborn child but there are plenty of women that are having healthy babies in their 40's.

Answer 4

As you age the chance of successful conception goes down and the risk of certain defects (such as Downs Syndrome) goes up. 36 is not too old if you're otherwise healthy, but fertility tends to start declining in the mid-30's. At 40 you're pushing your luck, but the world record for mothers is 69 and increasing numbers of women are having babies in their early 40s (some with and some without help) so it's not impossible. Generally you're only 'too old' after menopause which occurs around 50 for most women.

Answer 5

You can wait another five years, but after 35 they will want you to do a lot more tests and things due to your age. Personally I am 28 and want to have one more kid, but I want to get it over with no later than 32. It was hard enough being pregnant with my son at this age - gaining weight, retaining water, worrying about the tests, getting in and out of the car, etc. I say the sooner the better (just my opinion), but you need to do what feels right to you. I just want to get it done while I know I can :)

Answer 6

That is cutting it a little close. Risks to you and your baby increase the older you are. Such things as Down Syndrome and other birth defects can happen more frequently in older women who wait longer to have babies. I do know of women who have had babies in their 40s though. This is just my opinion and what I have been told by my doctor. However, it is the womans choice I guess.

Answer 7

The older you get the more risk there is but now there is allot of first time moms that are in there early forties

Years ago women where still having babies in their fifties but they had allot of kids

The ones I know of one had her seventh child at 55

another had her 19th yes that is 19 and she was 62 when she gave birth and my Grate grand mother was 59 when she had her17th child No birth control back then

The longer you wait the more problems you can run into

After years of taking birth control pills it may take longer to conceive and if you are taking depo it may take years it did for my friend so the year before you want children you may want to switch to condoms and then when you know it is the right time for a family you can

Answer 8

risks start climbing at 35 and to 40 and increase from there. 44 is about the top age anyone should get pregnant though many get pregnant at an older age!

The largest issue after 35 is that type I diabetes occurs more often the older you get!

Answer 9

Sure, people are waiting longer to have babies. Altho, keep in mind that your own health plays a significant factor in ensuring a healthy pregnancy, and especially at a later stage in life. Eating right and exercise are so important, at any age, really.

Answer 10

at the age of 35 the change of birth defects, neural tube defects, downs syndrome etc increase greatly. however this doesnt mean that it is guaranteed to have a defect. it is however more likely. if you want to have babies, just take care of yourself, get a lot of folic acid and vitamins around the time youre trying to conceive, and make sure that your blood sugars, etc are regulated to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Good luck.