How old is too old for children?

Question

My husband is a lot older than me however we feel that we want to have a child together. He is 46 - do you think this is too old?
Also what do you think is the right age to have children and how old is too old?

Answer 1

There isn't a right or wrong age to have children. The right age for you is what works best FOR YOU. If your husband would like to have a child, then by all means get busy! I wish you the best of luck. I truly believe that children help keep us young.

Answer 2

The chance of downs syndrome doubles when a women is 35. Even then it's still unlikely. Every year the chance increases. It won't become a problem or even likely until your 40 or maybe 45. Men can have children at nearly any age. It's nearly because of the physical part. As far as keeping up with your child as long as you are healthy and have a good chance at living another 25 years.

My grandma was 41 when she had my mom. Grandpa was 49. She turned out good so I think you will be fine.

Good luck
Beth

Answer 3

My brother started his 2nd family and had his 3rd child at 46 his wife only 26. Both of my parents were 42 when they had me. The youngest of 5 kids. What a surprise I was. I was 28 and 34 when i had my kids.
You can have children at any age. Just remember the risk increase with each year past 35 for the female. Your docotr will probably monitor you more closely.

Answer 4

Some of the answers in here are funny. People should consult a doctor B4 they guess at medical reasons for not haveing a baby at an older age. While the risk of Downs does double after age 40, it goes from .01% to .02%, hardly a reason to not have a baby. As for men, there is no risk at all to the baby at any age, but at sometime, dont you want to be free of kids. 65yrs old when the child graduates highschool may be a bit of a daunting task for him, so he better be sure.. YOU CANT PUT THEM BACK!!!

Answer 5

This is such a personal thing. I know some people who should never have children, irrelevant of how old they are. My friend, 30 has a 2 year old with her 56yr old man, they're great together but do get raised eyebrows. As long as you raise the child with love, care and attention age doesn't matter too much.

Answer 6

How old are you? Does he realize he'll be 65 when the child is graduating from high school? Is he going to be able to participate in an active lifestyle as the child grows?
I think women should not have kids after 33 and men should not have them later than 35.

Answer 7

I think it just depends on your health and what you want and are up for. My mother was 45 when she had me. Make sure that someone would be willing to raise the baby if something happened to you. Get it in writing while your pregnant. You get a copy and they do and your attorney. I think that is fine to have kids at that age. If you are truly looking to have a baby I would go to a doctor before trying to conceive to see what health risks are likely with you. You are the one that has to be able to carry. Do have the baby because you say that's what you want. So set that appointment and get going. Good luck.

Answer 8

Men can have children way into their retirement years, look at Kenny Rogers.

Women can safely have children through their late 30's early 40's with minimul risk. I wouldn't suggest it if you are in bad health. The older the mom, the bigger the challenges, from birth defects, to full term delivery, to labor, but with the right doctor and taking precautions, it can be safe.

Good Luck.

Answer 9

I have heard that being over 35-40 highly increases the risk the baby will have a mental or physical problem, like Down's Syndrome. Plus, you won't be able to be as active. I have a friend whose mom was 50 when she had her and she (the daughter) feels like she missed out.

Answer 10

I have a brother who is 67 and is quite a bit older than his wife. They have a pre-school aged son.

Translation: there is no right or wrong age to have children -- unless you are a child yourself!