How old is too old to try and have your 1st. child?

Question

Well, I'm 42 yrs. old and have never had a baby.

My periods have always been irregular and extremely light. About 2 days.

I've been trying to find out, how risky would it be for me to have my first baby.

Would it be just risky for me or the baby or both?

What can happen?

Answer 1

There are risks on both sides but many women have babies in their forties. Consult with your doctor and get your fertility assessed. If you are serious about having a baby I would recommend that you eat healthily and take 400ug folic acid every day and 400 iu Vitamin E. These will boost your fertility and portect the baby against some defects. But it is worth getting an assessment from your doctor to determine your state of health as well as fertility. Some herbs that may help: agnus castus - this is a hormone regulator so can help if cycles are irregular and ovulation is sparse. Red clover is another one that may help.

Answer 2

My gyno told me that it's best to try having the first baby by the age of 35. Having said that, it's still possible for you to have the baby, but you have to consider few things. First of all, you may have a hard time getting pregnant and you may need assistance from the doctors. Second of all, the baby's chance having a birth defect such as Down Syndrome is much greater. 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. But these days you can get tested while you're pregnant to see if the baby is healthy and if it is not, you may decide to either abort it or keep it. At any rate, I don't see why should you be missing out on this great joy, many celebrities have children now in late thirties and early forties and they seem to be doing just fine. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

That's quite an age. Thuogh u can still have a baby since u stikl menstruate, it may be a bit difficult for you especially during labour. Besides its better one has children b4 clocking the age35 as this is when a woman is most fertile and more importantly, healthy to carry a child This is when u'll be able to supply ur baby all the necessary nutrients it needs from u in the womb. If u eventually get pregnant, pls stay close to ur doctor and follow all instructions to the letter. u'll need a lot of supplements to help u and the baby have a safe and hitch-free delivery. People give birth even at 50 and the babies turn out healthy so I wish U best of luck.

Answer 4

A woman should have try to have children when they are young and in good health. The chances of having birth complications affecting the child increases as the woman approaches 35-40.

Answer 5

you are at an age where the possibility of misscarriages are higher and the possibility of downs syndrome and other birth defects become a greater risk. talk to your doc, and if seems out of the question for you to have one remember that there are lots of kids that need adoption. Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 6

If that is the desire of your heart to have a baby then do so, God will take care of the rest. I know many women in their 40's who have had babies and mom and baby have done very well. They will just watch you more closly but other then that, go for it. Good luck and God bless you

Answer 7

Well, my grandmother had my uncle at age 50 after having 14 previous children. They all turned out fine. Talk to your doctor and good luck!

Answer 8

There are a number of complications that may arise in childbirth especially in mature women, but you're not really THAT old, i suggest you go talk to a doctor about it, as they will have more information. and be better prepared to answer the question

Answer 9

Many women have babies in their 40's nowadays but once you pass the big 40 the sooner the better.

Answer 10

You should discuss the risks with your doctor. If you are in good health then it would probably be ok, but only a doctor can really tell you. You might try webmd. They have a really good website.