Is mid thirties too late to have a child? I feel a close friend might have waited too late? Any advice..?

Answer 1

No, unless your friend is going through menopause. I had my first child at age 34 and my second ( and last) child at age 37. I'm 40 now.

Answer 2

The mid 30's is when the rates for things such as downs syndrome and other disorders begin to increase. Wikipedia states: "At maternal age 20 to 24, the risk is 1/1490; at age 40 the risk is 1/60, and at age 49 the risk is 1/11. Although the risk increases with maternal age, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under the age of 35, reflecting the overall fertility of that age group. Other than maternal age, no other risk factors are known. There does not appear to be a paternal age effect."

So there are people in their early 40's who have birthed perfectly healthy children and others in their teens and 20's who have had problems.

My advice would be to have your friend contact their doctor and talk over the most common risks for their age, lifestyle etc.. If your friend can handle the odds and they are prepared to care and love for whatever comes if it, then they should go for it.

Answer 3

My mom had my sister at age 34, me at 36. That was back in the 70's. My parents really wanted us when they had us, and they were mature enough to handle it.
My friends to this day tell me how awesome my parents are and how they wish they grew up with parents like that.

I am now 34, and maybe I'll be having a child in my late 30s too - I think I'd be a better parent than I would have been in my 20's.

Answer 4

No its not too late! I think maybe by 40 you're pushing it but the thirties are an ideal time to have kids, you're mature and completely ready for it. Much better than having kids at 18-20 and regretting that you never had a chance to grow up or enjoy yourself first.

Answer 5

Heck no! I got pregnant for the first time when I was 36 and I delivered a healthy baby. My ob once told me that half her practice was comprised of women over 40 having babies. It may be more difficult for some women to conceive after 35, meaning that it may take longer and they may need some fertility help like Clomid, but it's absolutely not impossible.

Answer 6

Of course its not.

Why would you have the idea that mid 30s is too late?

In this day and age late 40s isnt really too late.

Answer 7

No, the later the better I say. You have much more life experience and are much more likely to be secure financially. I'm 20 and some of my friends have kids, and it is wayyyyy too young.

Answer 8

My wife was 37 when she gave birth to our last child.

If she is in good health and both are ready for the challenge, go for it.

Answer 9

My first grandson was born to my 34 year old daughter in December. They both did great.

Answer 10

my wife and i were both in our 30's when she got pregnant. our daughter is now 21 and is a fine example of the human race.