Is my baby at greater risk for birth defects?

Question

Some people are telling me that my baby is at a greater risk for a birth defect or disorder because the father is 25 yrs older than me, is this true? Please answer the question I dont care about your opion about the age differance im just worried about my child. Thank You.........

i am 12 weeks pregnant already had a ultrasound and the baby is growing at the rate it sould be and heart rate is where it should be (160) the doctor said everything looks great

hes is 44 and i am 19

Answer 1

It's not the age difference but there are SOME new studies that show advanced PATERNAL age can have an effect on pregnancy. I think that effect is more than likely negligible however.
For those with nasty opinions on your husband being that much older, just ignore them. You find love where you find it.

"CONCLUSIONS: Infants born to older fathers have a slightly increased risk of birth defects. Young paternal age is also associated with slightly increased risk of several selected birth defects in their offspring. However, given the weak association, paternal age appears to play a small role in the aetiology of birth defects."
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/3/696

"As men get older, their sperm deteriorates, a new study has found, and it is likely that the damaged sperm of older men is a significant factor in certain specific birth defects and in increasing the risk of abnormal pregnancies. "
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/06/health/06sper.html?ex=1307246400&en=7c44e8a2543ce01f&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss


**EDIT** 44 is not old to be havign children! Not at all. My husband is 40 and together we have a 19 month old and 19 day old. We are thinkign abotu one more but it will be a few years.

Answer 2

It's not the age difference per say, but that he is so old. If you are of child bearing age, and he is twenty five years older than you, then he is at an age where his sperm could be compromised. Most likely, it won't be and everything is fine. Worrying only makes things worse, and isn't good for you or the baby, so try not to think about it until you find out, chances are, your baby will be perfect.

Answer 3

Yes it is true based on cellular biology. As you age the ability of the myosin filaments that attach to both sides of your chromosomes to pull them into the daughter cell of your sex cells lose a little bit of their functionality which causes the number of defects in you eggs or sperm to increase because your chromosomes may not separate properly causing there to be an extra set of chromosomes. This extra chromosome becomes very problematic by either producing to many proteins in your child's body to inhibiting the cells from making enough according on the defect which can have serious effects such as sterility or mental and or physical retardation.

Answer 4

No one should be worried about the age difference between the two of you. I do know that the risk are with the mother not the father. If you were or are 35 or older then you might want to ask your doctor for an amnio, but if not I say don't worry about it. You don't want to be stressing yourself.

Answer 5

A father's age can have an effect... but older men help conceive children all of the time. There isn't really any way to know whether or not it will... he could be checked just to make sure. Just consult with your doctor and they can tell you better than anyone on the internet could.

Answer 6

Bless you! I don't think birth defects are a problem, but schizophrenia, and bi-polar disorder seem to be SLIGHTLY more common in children with older fathers. *Please note 'SLIGHTLY'*

My husband is 22 years older than me (he is nearly 50) we have 3 very healthy children so far and intend to have a few more yet.

Of course, the mental health problems will not show up until they are older, but there are worse afflictions to have.

I wish you all the best, you will be fine!

Answer 7

I think that is ridiculous. Birth defect issues increase with mother's age. I have never heard of father's age increasing the risk.

Answer 8

Why are people telling you such nonsense! No your child is not at greater risk of birth defects so relax. I am shaking my head that people are saying these things to you.

Answer 9

Yes it is true - but try not to worry yourself about it - you have a little miracle growing inside you - you have been blessed.

Answer 10

i have never herd of the father being to old you are the one carrying the baby thats why its your age that they take into account ,good luck