Pregnancy over 40, is it ok to have a baby after 40?

1. 63

   AmandaJonposted 10 years ago

   Pregnancy over 40, is it ok to have a baby after 40?

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2. 39

   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   A lot of women are opting to have children later in life. If you are healthy and in good shape, why not? There are certainly some women at 40 who I would question that decision, particularly if they are already having health problems, are very overweight etc simply because it is hard on the body and mind to deal with pregnancy (particularly if any condition puts the pregnancy at high risk) and it's difficult to deal with a new baby too - the sleeplessness etc. 
   
   I was 35 when I had my youngest and it was great, much easier than my first baby at 25. At 35 though i was healthy and in good shape, took great care of myself and was more emotionally/mentally suited to the job.  I am almost 40 now and I don't think I personally would want another child because I am looking forward to some "me time" before I get old, but if I was inclined to have more children I would certainly do so. 
   
   As with any time in life, it depends on one's level of health and preparedness.

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      AmandaJonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      So true ChristinS, I'm happy for you that you already have 2 kids, thanks for insightful comment.

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   sukhneetposted 10 years ago

   I am 30 years old and a mother of a 3 year old son. I think, I am in quite a good health and may opt for having another baby in the near future. I don't know if I will take the decision in the recent years to come or little later in my life. If it is okay to have a baby after the age of 40, why not? I still hope to have a baby earlier, if I plan.

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      AmandaJonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Sukhneet thanks for your opinion. You still are young and have time to have more babies, I admire  women like you, who opt to have more kids. Good luck!

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   rose-the plannerposted 10 years ago

   Great question!  In today's society people are getting married later in life and therefore are choosing to have children later on as well.  I have seen many marriages where the median age per couple is 33 and in some cases older.  I personally know of women  that have had babies in their forties.  For some it happens naturally but for many it requires the use of fertility drugs and other methods to get pregnant.  Sometimes these methods result in multiple pregnancies and we really don't know what the longterm affects of these drugs are.  Often these methods don't work and become costly which leaves added emotional and financial stress on the couple.  Also, as far as the health risks go, I think that every woman will have to discuss their individual cases with their doctors.  However, it is a known fact that there are risk factors involved for both mother and child in pregnancies beyond the age of forty.  So, I think it is something that needs a great deal of thought before going forward.  At the end of the day there is always adoption.  There are many beautiful children that need a nurturing and loving environment.  -Rose

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      AmandaJonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Rose, yes you are right, it's a deeply personal question whether to have a baby after 40 or not, I can't tell about health issues because I'm not a doctor to discuss such serious things, but I think if everything is good with your health and finan

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   cat on a soapboxposted 10 years ago

   My baby came along naturally and was born just before my 44th birthday. Age is not so much a factor in one's 40s as long as the baby's total well-being is secure. Children, in the best of situations, want to be raised by loving and involved parents. Sometimes life situations make this impossible; however, willfully choosing to have children at an advanced age can be a selfish endeavor since risks of debilitating illness and death increase accordingly.

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      AmandaJonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Cat on a soapbox, thanks for your comment. Of course one should consult a doctor before even think about getting pregnant over 40. Congratulations with your baby.

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