Is age 40 too risky for a pregnancy?

1. 74

   brakel2posted 12 years ago

   Is age 40 too risky for a pregnancy?
   
   My daughter Is to marry for first time.

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2. 70

   drdspervezposted 12 years ago

   Conceiving at the age of 40 is risky because the quality of ovum decreases after the age of 35 and there are chances of an abnormality to develop in the foetus.If she is planning to have a baby then she must consult a Doctor and monitor her pregnancy according to her instructions because this pregnancy would be her precious pregnancy and the baby will be delivered by Ceasearian Section.
   
   
            DR.DURRESHAHWAR PERVEZ 
   
                                                      DR.DURRESHAHWAR PERVEZ

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3. 57

   Mabluposted 12 years ago

   No, not at all. As long as keeping good habits, good eating habits, as well as good heath. Otherwise it may risky. Recently you may heard about the women who gave birth to her third baby at the age of 59!.
   
   Good luck

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4. 84

   ii3rittlesposted 12 years ago

   NOPE! As long as she's healthy and happy their will be no problems at all. Their have been women in their 50's who gave birth to healthy babies. If God wants her to have a child she will.

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5. 61

   freecampingaussieposted 12 years ago

   I had my children when younger, now married for a 2nd time as much as I would have loved a baby with him we decided not to take the risk of a baby with problems as we are traveling .
   I would reccommend talking to the doctor as some have a healthy baby & others have a child that will never be able to leave home so it depends on their circumstances.

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6. 87

   ThePracticalMommyposted 12 years ago

   I agree with drdspervez. The quality of the reproductive cells of a woman decrease after age 35. It would probably be recommended that the mother receive extra testing (blood tests, ultrasounds) to monitor the pregnancy.
   
   As everyone else has said, however, there have been many women 40 or older who have had healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. In fact, my mom had my youngest brother at 40 and all went well.
   
   I would tell your daughter to consult her ob/gyn to get the best advice.

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7. 70

   akanga1posted 12 years ago

   It is all relative: At 40 she may find it difficult to conceive or keep the pregnancy (higher risk of miscarriage). There is increased risk of pregnancy complications including pre-eclampsia etc. The main concern, however, is the higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities for the offspring especially Down's syndrome. At 40, the risk is around 1 in 100 (compared to 1 in 900 at 30). The answer given here that she will have to have a caesarean delivery is misleading. Only obstetric conditions at the time (and her wishes) determine mode of delivery. As I said, it is all relative.

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8. 78

   K. Burns Darlingposted 12 years ago

   As has already been stated, there are risks to having children after 35. It is also sometimes harder to become pregnant after age forty.  So, I am not going to get into that, but I had my first child at 26, my second at 27, and my third child three days short of a month after my 40th birthday. All three of my pregnancies were relatively easy, all three of my deliveries were natural, and all three of my children were born healthy, smart, and with no chromosomal  abnormalities. 
   That said however, there are some differences, both good and bad, about parenting after age forty that no one is talking about.
   Parenting a new child when I was in my late twenties and early thirties (or in my case, two new children), I had a more abundant supply of energy, and was able to run around with them more when they were toddlers, but I was also, as a new mother, more uptight about little things that I now know to be silly or unimportant.  In my twenties, my husband and I were newlyweds, and struggling to make our place in the world, in our forties, we are more relaxed, and financially stable, so it is easier to provide for our youngest, than it was for our two older children.  I find that I have much more patience with our youngest than I had when our two older children were small. 
   Whatever age you are, I think that all babies, no matter how they arrive are a blessing.  We had tried to have a third child before I turned 35, and it just never happened so we didn't plan our last child, she was a surprise gift that we weren't really expecting, but I wouldn't trade her for anything, she has brought unimaginable joy, (and a few challenges) to our lives.
   My younger sister, also didn't marry until late, didn't get pregnant until she was forty, and had a perfectly healthy beautiful boy last July, she had just turned forty-one.  I would tell your daughter to consult her physician, have all the tests, and if the doctor says she is healthy, and she and her husband want to have a child, they should absolutely go for it!

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9. 60

   lovelife08posted 12 years ago

   It is definitely risky yes, since women over 35 are more likely to have babies with Down Syndrome than women under 35.  But women over 40 have been known to have perfectly healthy babies too, so really, it just depends on your daughter's health, and how well she monitors her pregnancy, and how good her OB is, etc.

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10. 86

    stricktlydatingposted 12 years ago

    No, 40 isn't too risky for a pregnancy.  But if she waits a few years from now to fall pregnant she'll fall into a high risk category.

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11. 87

    randomcreativeposted 12 years ago

    Risky, yes.  Too risky?  It depends on a lot of factors.  In general, no, but it's best to consult with a doctor at that age.  I hope that all goes well with her wedding!

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12. 39

    Miss Paulaposted 12 years ago

    I would have to say if she is healthy,I don't see her having any problems, but I would follow my doctor's orders.

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13. 83

    Deborah-Dianeposted 12 years ago

    One of our daughters had a healthy baby boy at age 41, after years of trying.  Yes, there were plenty of complications that made the whole process of getting pregnant much harder at her age.  And, no, I would not blithely recommend it for everyone.
    
    However, I do believe that it is possible to have a healthy child after age 40, if you take all the proper precautions, see a doctor BEFORE you conceive, and you are scrupulous about following medical advice.

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14. 81

    Wesman Todd Shawposted 12 years ago

    Lucky her, but the current outlook I'll get my first smile at 50.  Maybe by the time I'm 65 I'll be able to borrow Dad's car and take someone out to. . . .the gas station, or something.
    
    In all seriousness, a girl that grew up across the street from me had a child post 40.  I can't help but imagine that each individual faces individual choices, and that what works for one once might not work for another.  Surely a doctor would be the best source of guidance for such queries?  He'd surely at least prescribe some good old "redi wood" for the prospective father. . . .assuming, of course, that the traditional methods are still legal in your neighbourhood.  One never knows.

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15. 61

    KrT08posted 12 years ago

    There's a few answers to your question. If your daughter has no other children, then it could be a risk for her and the baby. The rate of miscarriage and birth defects is higher after 40 years of age.
    At the same time though, her health and how well she takes care of herself becomes a factor. In any first pregnancy it is important to maintain proper pre-natal care. In persons over 40 even more so.
    Some people never have any issues, even if they have children later in life. Some do. The best thing I could suggest is that she ask a physician if she is healthy enough, what the risks are to her and the baby, and what the possible birth defects would be. If she can live with these if they do happen is something she has to honestly ask herself.
    Whether or not the child has health problems, as long as they are loved and cared for properly and her health is good enough, I'd say go for it. Just take the informed, responsible approach.

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16. 60

    leeturnerposted 12 years ago

    It can be, but its more common today that women are having children after 40. It all depends on the individual and how healthy they are, but overall it is riskier than if she was in her 30's.

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17. 59

    Workathomecoachposted 12 years ago

    Your daughter must be followed by her doctor and get an informed medical opinion just for her and her situation.  In general, there are higher risks, but many woman 40 and over have healthy first babies.  Things have really changed the last 25 years or so, much for the better.

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18. 48

    Bee Eriksonposted 12 years ago

    DEFINITELY NOT!!
    I had my son at 40 and I have many friends who have had babies well into their 40's.
    I have written a Hub on my story and a book on fertility, and it is unbelievable how many women in their 40's are contacting me with the same question. There are supplements she can take and acupuncture also helps to enhance her chances of falling pregnant. The sooner she is pregnant, the better though, as the truth is that it is more difficult for women over 35 to fall pregnant than younger women.

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19. 48

    Bee Eriksonposted 12 years ago

    Advanced maternal age and pregnancy is becoming a more controversial topic by the day, as older women constantly defy medical predictions and manage to conceive and give birth to healthy babies.            The common belief is that fertility drops... read more

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20. 61

    ibitpoyamposted 12 years ago

    Each pregnancy regardless of the age of the mother is a risk.  I have 5 children.  My first four were concieved with ease.  And each pregnancy had it's normal to fair share of scary problems.  None of which were related to the previous pregnancy.  My last child was concieved natrually after 3 years of "trying" (trying includes fertility treatments).  I was thrilled to be pregnant ! But I was 38.  It was the most horrid pregnancy EVER ( My twins pregnancy wwas easier but I was twenty at the time).  I was high risk because of my age and prior c-sections.  I had blood sugar problems and preterm labor. I was bed ridden for 6 weeks and gave birth over a month early.  Now here is the real answer to your question.  WAS it worth the risk.  Yes !! YES !! YES !!!!  And that is the same thing I would tell your daughter.  Statistically it's risker to walk outside in a lightening storm but with far less rewards.  I would say go for it !!

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21. 61

    PiaCposted 12 years ago

    My friend just had a lovely, healthy son at the age of 42. So I think it depends on the person. If that's what your daughter wants, I think that she should certainly give it a shot. But perhaps it would not be a good idea to suggest it to her. At 40, the risks certainly exist, I think.

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22. 60

    arcade247posted 12 years ago

    Take your time,  Ask your doctor and follow all the advice they give you.  Every person is different,  40 years... allot can happen.  Get tested before conceiving,  and pay for the extra scans ( sure it costs more,  but for both yours and the "future" baby health its worth every penny ! )
    
    GL

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23. 61

    tessa1hopeposted 12 years ago

    If you are healthy enough to go through it, you will be fine

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24. 52

    onyekaozuruposted 12 years ago

    no it is not risky at all only if God has not say that you will give birth even if in 23 years if God did not say that you will give birth than you can not as God give child to 23 or any younger age so he will give child even 40

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25. 58

    KyleBearposted 12 years ago

    I'd suggest get a doctor to assess your current health condition and then ask him for professional advice.

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26. 0

    Helpful Hannaposted 12 years ago

    This is a tough one because anything can happen during pregnancy at any age.  I believe having a baby after 40 can be safe, healthy, etc.  Best of luck

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27. 0

    Marie-AnneLeClercposted 12 years ago

    Providing you have passed your medical tests for pregnancy & are in good health there is no reason why not.  My sister has three healthy children & had her first at 41 yrs of age.

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28. 51

    JohnSmith(real)posted 12 years ago

    I believe, it is possible. Despite the odds.
    
    My mom could not conceive for 16 years since marriage. Luckily she did conceive when she was 39. And gave birth to me. It was a natural birth! and NO surgery  (Cesarean) took place.
    
    Ergo,My advice is have faith, and think positive.

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29. 63

    KateWestposted 12 years ago

    It's much more difficult, that's for sure. As for risk, that is something only a doctor can answer.

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30. 70

    Reprieve26posted 12 years ago

    I think that there are too many variables for a simple "yes" or "no" answer to this question. A lot depends on the health, medical background, and family history of the woman in question. I would recommend having your daughter discuss the issue with her doctor. Besides, even if she can't have children naturally, there are other options for becoming a mother (ie: adoption).
    
    Best wishes for your daughter's uncoming marriage!

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31. 51

    kelvinmills9946posted 12 years ago

    no.is not risk.because i know couple who are pregnant at age 45.

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32. 61

    CostumeProposted 12 years ago

    Absolutely not as long as she gets a physical now and works with her doctor to ensure she's as healthy as can be before conceiving. I got married 7 months ago at 41 and we hope to start trying this winter coming.

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33. 0

    ExoticHippieQueenposted 12 years ago

    I've heard and known of a number of women having their first babies at 40. More important than anything else is the health of the prospective mother.  If she is in good health, and she understands the risks involved in conceiving at this age, then she can visit a high risk ob-gyn who can follow her and ensure a healthy labor and delivery. She might want to have a test to determine if she has a Down Syndrome baby, as there is a higher risk for older mothers, and the risk increases with each year of age.  As a personal aside, Down Syndrome babies are receiving intervention therapies at such a young age now, that as they grow, they usually are much more cognitively enabled than once was thought possible. I know and love a Down Syndrome man, Robert, who is a friend of mine.  He brings his own joy to those around him, is helpful, and makes us all laugh with his humorous remarks and ways.

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34. 0

    Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years ago

    That depends on the woman.  If you are healthy enough to have a child, that doesn't guarantee you'll be healthy 10 or 15 years from now.  Will you have the energy?  When you think about it, you'll be retirement age by the time the child is 15, and there's a good possibility you'll be slowing down.  But if you have a spouse, partner, children or other family members willing to help out--more power to you.  At age 43, my mother had my youngest brother.  She didn't regret the pregnancy.  As a third-time mother, she said he made her feel younger.

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35. 61

    nakhit_xposted 12 years ago

    no you can be 60 and have a healthy baby if you are healthy
    there are several examples of this today

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36. 61

    bjornborgboxersposted 12 years ago

    No. Not too risky. I came out perfectly fine and healthy when my mother was 40

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37. 65

    -Astaroth-posted 12 years ago

    All this depends on the woman herself and her habits during the pregnancy. My mother got pregnant with my youngest sibling at age 40. Though her doctor was worried about possible genetic issues -mongolism and such- she refused doing the amniocentesis her doctor advised insisting that her body was healthy, our family has no history in serious genetic diseases, she ate healthily, exercised regularly and didn't have any bad habits. My brother came out just fine.

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38. 60

    pearpandasposted 12 years ago

    No, absolutely not, women have been giving birth at that age forever!  However, she should be taking care of herself.  Lots of exercise, good food etc.  will help her conceive.

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39. 66

    Kawaljit kaurposted 12 years ago

    The risk is for the child to be born. After 30s, if a lady conceives, the chances of congenital defects in the child may happen and with advancing age, the frequency of its occurrence increases. The child may be born with mental retardation. Better consult a physician. Best of luck for your daughter.

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40. 75

    Donna Huebschposted 12 years ago

    I will just throw in my 2 cents worth...I had my first child at age 40.  It was a high risk pregnancy due to some autoimmune problems, but my daughter was fine.  I do seem to remember my doctor telling me that at age 40, there was a 1 in 100 chance of the baby having a problem, and by the time a woman reaches age 49, it goes to 1 in 10.  We had a good experience, and I've met lots of women who've had babies in their forties.

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41. 92

    Rachelle Williamsposted 12 years ago

    I don't know if it is "too" risky...but I do know that all of the evidence seems to point to a consensus that it is not a good idea.

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42. 56

    borowestposted 12 years ago

    At 40 wouldn't be risky giving birth but the main issue here is, the female ovaries at 40 are of poor quality.

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43. 57

    vsathish29posted 12 years ago

    Every one cannot say no. It is depend to person to person.
    based on there health condition only we can take the risk factor.
    it is not option of public.
    

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44. 60

    KristiFposted 12 years ago

    i don't think so/... but im not a DR.. i plan to start late! i'm 26 now, i dont want kids for another 10 years

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45. 59

    larry71posted 12 years ago

    If she is physically healthy she should be fine.  My Grandmother had her 6th child at age 40.  She is still alive and going well today over 40 years after the fact.
    
    There are always chances for complications at any age.  If she's  able to be physically active and has a good ob./gyn. does prenatal and post natal care she'll do fine. 
    One thing all potential mothers should consider though is getting use to having a new born full time.  It can be emotionally and mentally draining.
    
    If any potential new mother is able she should volunteer to do sitting for other newborns and even nursery care at church or a daycare.  If she finds it difficult to  take care of someone elses child for the course of a few hours chances are they aren't ready to be a mother themselves.

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46. 57

    SpaceAgeposted 12 years ago

    obviously not, since God gave a son 2 Sarah & Abraham in their golden yrs. Isaac was healthy.

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47. 61

    arpita nathposted 12 years ago

    Perhaps you've put off pregnancy to concentrate on your career, or because it’s taken you a while to find the right partner (Bewley et al 2009, Utting and Bewley 2011). Or perhaps you've been trying for a baby for a while, and your 40th has come and gone. The burning question for you now is, "Have I left it too late?"
    
    The answer is "no"! Many 40-plus women do conceive, although there's no denying that your odds of getting pregnant are a lot lower than just a few years ago.

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48. 49

    I. N. Sarmaposted 12 years ago

    no. as long as the mother is healthy there is no problem

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49. 70

    JLBenderposted 12 years ago

    I believe the general medical consensus is that anyone over the age of 35 is considered "high-risk." With that said, it is definitely possible and a good doctor will monitor your pregnancy closely to ensure there are no problems.

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50. 58

    kat74posted 12 years ago

    I don't think its risky for pregnancy but its only that one might experience more challenges than a younger woman. One must be very careful and take care of themselves if they get pregnant at that age. They may need more clinical monitoring than younger women. I know two women whom one got pregnant at 42 and the others at 45 years. They experienced a few problems here and there but they delivered their kids without a problem.

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