Advanced age and pregnancy

It's never too late to start your family!

Becoming pregnant after the age of 35 puts women into a category that is a growing trend. The pregnancy rate for mothers over 35 is significantly rising. For some reason, researchers and medical professionals have chosen 35 to be the magical age for classifying a woman as "advanced maternal age".

Risks

Pregnancy at any age does not come risk free. After the age of 35, there are additional concerns that need to be kept in mind during pregnancy. Most mothers feel that the risks associated with becoming pregnant after age 35 are secondary to the benefits of starting a family of their own.

As a woman's age increases, her chances of conceiving decrease. However, once a woman has become pregnant, the risks of carrying a child with a birth defect are higher. For instance, the odds of having a child with Down Syndrome at age 20 is 1 in 10,000, about 1 in 1,000 for the 35-year old mother and approximately 1 in 100 for 40-year old mothers. Every woman is born with a certain number of eggs and as the woman gets older, so do her eggs. The mother's eggs have been exposed to more x-rays, illnesses, drugs, etc throughout the years. However, both the woman's eggs and the father's sperm can be responsible for any birth defects that the child is born with.

Down Syndrome and other birth defects can be diagnosed during pregnancy through prenatal testing. Diagnostic testing is routine in mothers over the age of 35 and should an abnormality be discovered, the parents must decide whether to proceed with the pregnancy. Doctors, genetic counselors, pediatricians, maternal-fetal specialists and other medical professionals are available to help with this tough, life-changing decision.

Older mothers also have a higher chance of developing pregnancy-related complications. Women that are 35 and over are more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The chances of suffering a miscarriage, preterm labor or postpartum hemorrhage increase as age increases as well. Although nothing can be ruled out for anyone, regardless of age, women that are in overall good health and receive regular prenatal care are less likely to experience these conditions.

Benefits

Although there are risks associated with becoming pregnant after the age of 35, there are also benefits. Medical science has come along way and the risks associated with advanced maternal age are lower and less complicated than they once were. Technology allows for easier testing and earlier diagnosis of potential birth defects.

Older mothers have improved the odds for themselves when it comes to lowering these risks. Because of the increased risks of complications, mothers of advanced age are usually more likely to eat healthy, exercise throughout pregnancy and receive early, quality prenatal care. When a pregnant mother makes an effort to minimize or eliminate the odds of conceiving a child with birth defects, she can take years off of her pregnancy profile. Due to this, an older woman can have just as good of a chance of delivering a healthy baby as a younger mother.

More than half of older mothers have college degrees and are career-oriented. Generally, women of advanced maternal age have met their educational and career goals, making them financially secure. Older mothers have usually been settled in their lives, relationship and have a certain stability that younger mothers may not have had the chance to accomplish. It has been theorized that the mothers of advanced age make great parents because of their stability and maturity. Because older mothers have had time to themselves, they are less likely to feel bogged down with the daily demands of raising a child. Studies have shown that mothers with advanced age were more likely to demonstrate patience and other qualities that were beneficial to the development of a young child.

Complications and Concerns

There are risks and concerns associated with advanced maternal age. Of course, not all expectant women will experience complications during their pregnancy. Prenatal tests and screenings can diagnose complications early so that you and your caregiver can make informed choices early in the pregnancy. Although all pregnant women are capable of developing complications during pregnancy, the following list shows the possible complications that mothers over the age of 35 are more likely to face.

Down Syndrome
Decreased fetility
Twins or multiples
High blood pressure
Gestational diabetes
Arthritis
Preterm labor
Miscarriage
Placental abruption
Placenta previa
Low-birthweight baby
Higher caesarean rate
Higher chance of maternal death
Stillbirth
Ectopic pregnancy
Birth defects

Advanced Paternal Age

Alongside with advanced maternal age, there are slight risks associated when the father of the conceived child is older. In the past, it was believed that the father of a baby was limited to fertilization. However, recent studies have shown that father's of advanced age are more likely to have abnormalities in their sperm that produce a child with birth defects, like Down Syndrome. Once a man is of advanced age, his sperm have had greater exposure to environmental hazards and may contain altered or damaged genes. Men also work in occupations that expose them to higher environmental hazards and stress levels. In recent studies, 25% of Down syndrome cases can be traced to the father.

Women who are over the age of 35 are considered to be of advanced maternal age. However, it seems that men are labeled advanced paternal age when they reach 40. At this time there is no universally accepted age to determine advanced paternal age, but 40 is the age that genetic counselors base their information on. Because older men are generally married to older women, it is often hard to determine which parent is responsible for contributing an altered gene or chromosome. A woman that conceives a child with a man of advanced age, has a slightly higher chance of experiencing a miscarriage.

The question of whether or not birth defects can be linked to advanced paternal age remains mainly unanswered. Researchers do think there is a connection, but the connection is slight. Genetic counselors and obstetricans can offer advice and further testing if there is any concern regarding complications due to advanced paternal age.

Comments: Advanced age and pregnancy

Comments 176 to 199 of about 287.
Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next

myshell - 218 days ago.
Yeah I know, but unfortunately my insurance forbids any fertility treatments including Dr. visits and meds! I was thinking about trying Fertileaid. I guess its worth a try...I'm willing to try anything!!! It's so frustrating when we want to conceive so badly!!! :-(

myshell - 219 days ago.
Hello! I'm new to this site and would love some suggestions!!! I am 41 and have two boys from a previous marriage. My hubby has 3 and we desperately want to have one of our own. We have been trying for 7 mos with no luck! Looking forward to hearing from anyone. :-) thanks

mamagarces - 227 days ago.
we wish you all the best of luck! :-)

kathy24 - 228 days ago.
Thank you ladies for your replies! I have already decided that we are going to try. I would love for a girl, but children are so much joy no matter what the gender is! Thanks and I hope I will be on here alot in the next couple of months!!!!

mamagarces - 228 days ago.
I agree with luu and granolamommie, if it is something you and your husband want to do, do it. don't even take into consideration what others will say. .... some people will say something negative wether you are 24 or 44, wether it's your first or 5th.... i know this as i am 40, and pregnant with my 5th....:-) my first two are from a previous marriage, girl - 20, boy - 17. my husband and i have two baby girls together 3 and 1. my in-laws want us to have a boy, to the point of it being obsessive, but my husband and i could care less what gender this one is, as long as it is healthy. :-) wishing you the best in whatever you decide to do.

luu - 228 days ago.
I also have boys, 16, 10 and 2 am now expecting identical twins which we think are also boys! I will be 44 when they are delivered. There is never an ideal time to decide whether or not to have any more children and they are all a blessing. It would be nice for your 8 month old to have a younger sibling and whilst you are doing all the baby things you may as well do it for two. I am more than happy to just have boys, hope you and your husband make a happy choice for another one together!

kathy24 - 228 days ago.
Hi ladies, I have a problem and I was wondering what you think. I'm 39 years old and my husband will be 41 in Aug. I have a 17 year old from a previous marriage, my first husband died from a brain tumor I was 26 and my son was 4. It took me awhile to get over it and I finally remarried 3 years ago, my new husband had no children so we had a baby together, another boy for me. I want a daughter so bad since I have 2 boys, my husband is fine with the 2 boys. At our age I'm scared plus I have lupus. Our son is 8 months old now but if we are going to try we need to soon, my husband is afraid if we did get pregnant it would be another boy but I think its a chance we should take. I'm also afraid of what will be said because of our ages and having a 17 year old already. What do you think??

kaybee - 230 days ago.
Hi bellas mum. My family are thrilled for me as I've been broody for so so long ! Ten years more or less... and I've watched all my friends become mothers in that time! Some have several children ! I'm so happy. I see the Dr. tomorrow .

mamagarces - 232 days ago.
thank you granolamommie. and congratulations aeg. :)

aeg - 232 days ago.
I am glad to have found this group. I am still in shock--found out pg and due Nov. 1 with #3. I am 39. Have a 5 and 7 boys. Glad to see other AMA

Dotty - 233 days ago.
Hi am 39, hubby 35 , 4 M/Cs and a fibroid sugery in 2006 , Doc put me on 2 yrs waiting , we just started trying, expecting mps on 6th april but got a red spot this afternoon and nothing more. am desperate to have a baby now.

mamagarces - 233 days ago.
I am 40 yrs old, my husband and i found out we are pregnant over the weekend. we are thrilled to be adding another baby to our family. we have two beautiful daughters, one is 3, the other is 13 months. (i also have two older children from a previous marriage, boy -17, and girl -20, who is married with a 2yr old daughter of her own.) wishing you all a healthy, happy pregnancy and baby! :)

mjb - 234 days ago.
congrats Kaybee!

lourds - 235 days ago.
Tess42 and bellas_mum: thank you so much for sharing. The reason why I asked is because i'll be 38 this year and just gave birth and breastfeeding and would like to have a second baby after a year (lol), God willing...

bellas-mum - 235 days ago.
Kaybee,congrats how exciting.how did your family react?

kristy2 - 236 days ago.
can any one tell me how long after birth ur period goes back to normal i have my period any were from 31-32 cycle an this month iv been on a 36 day cycle wich isnt right i got 2 +opk one + 8 days ago and now im 3 days late but still getting neg hpt iv had the slight period cramping and sore boobs and stuff like to show af is on her way then nothing not even spotting

kaybee - 236 days ago.
Hello ! I'm new here , today ! I'm 40 , 41 mid June and have just got my BFP ! This is my 1st and right now I'm still in shock. I should be due 8th December ...I did the test about 12 hours ago - I hope to be posting more here as the weeks go by, Good luck everyone x

bellas-mum - 237 days ago.
lourds -my 2nd bub was conceived while i was breast feeding,my 2 eldest are 17mths apart,it was a good age for me as I only had one in nappies lol, we have been told 2 different sexes while at the NT she kept asking if we want to see the little ones pecker(so we assumed a boy)but last scan they guy told us a girl,so i dont know what im having

imdondee - 237 days ago.
I realize one thing about being advanced age and pregnant. I am able to admit when I need help. I have been going through a depression up and down for a few months now. I know a lot of it has to do with the baby father and not wanting to be a father again at 42, but instead just wanting to be a grandfather and enjoy sending home. I have backed away and left him alone since finding out I was pregnant and he voicing his opinion of taking care of the issue via termination. From the advice of a friend I sent him the pix of the ultrasounds taken and wrote a letter advising him of what I have been going through. As of yet no response. But to take a step further I decide to go to counseling and tackle my issues related to this matter. The weight on me has been over bearing and I know not good for baby. I so pray I find answers in this choice and the counselor I have chosen is a christian place which I know is the way to go. Keep me in prayer.

horseygal - 238 days ago.
Hi ladies-Just found this forum. I'm 36 and due to have my first baby on monday! We waited to find out sex, but i am so anxious to see that s/he is healthy and okay. We declined anmio and testing, I did due the basic blood tests but thats all. I can't imagine what I would have been like as a mother in grad school in my twenties. Our first pregnancy ended in miscarriage and it took a year to get pg, but here we are, almost there:) The pregnancy weeks are much more active than this forum and there are a bunch of older moms on there too.

18yrslater - 239 days ago.
I was also told no more babies since I was 29 (i am 36 ) and never used birth control after my cone biopsy at 29. My OB said well with enough exposure you can come down with anything so here I am, mom to an 18 year old son and a 16 week fetus-another boy! Very excited about it though, I always wanted more, just thought it wasn't in the cards.

Tess42 - 240 days ago.
Lourds: My mother was told she couldn't get pregnant while nursing. HA! My brother was born May 1964, I was born April 1965 and my other brother was born May 1966. She started nursing all of us, but her milk 'turned' when she became pregnant.

lourds - 240 days ago.
hi, was there any of the pregnant moms here got pregnant while breastfeeding? How long after giving birth?.. thanks!

indigocream - 240 days ago.
hello ladies, My name is Tavius and I am 39 I will be 40 in may and my baby girl is due july 4 by c-section.. I have a 21, 19, 16, 6, 5.... I have a left ovary and a right tube.... So what am I doing here... My doctor told me I could not get pregnant. So after 5 years of unprotected sex and 1 husband 3 boyfriends.... I met and married my best friend. I was pregnant within 45 days..... So now I am trying to figure out all the new stuff i.e. bottles milk etc But Glad to find this site

imdondee - 240 days ago.
Well I went to dr today and finally found out I am having another boy. I immediately thought of the tv show I watched growing up 'My three sons'. I was happy to know what I am having but at same time it adds to my insecurities. As I sat through the hour long u/s watching all the pix my mind told me ok its for real for real now. No long a it but a he, son, future male. I then thought of all the obstacles I went through with my older two sons during childhood, the fights, and fights, and fights. The peer pressure in school to not be a chump, faggot, or whatever the lastest degrading name was. Am I really up to this again. These feelings have a lot to do with the father of the baby who although we have spoken has not inquired about the baby. I just became depressed in wondering is this baby's brothers going to have to play daddy or is the father gonna step up to the plate. It depresses me knowing he has two sons who he is a great role model to and a new grandson he cherishes, yet he is willing to turn his back on this child his own off spring. Everyone tells me to forget about him and concentrate on keeping myself healthy and the baby. However that is easy to say than do. At 45 going on 46 I never thought I would have another child as a single parent nor that I would have to play mommy and daddy again. So there are my fears................. sad but true.