Am I too old to have baby?

1. 60

   Bianuposted 13 years ago

   I am 38 with a 7yr old son and married to the same supportive man. He has always wanted a second baby but I wasn't too sure. I am beginning to feel that time is running out for me. When will I be too old!

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      nell79posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      That all depends on the shape your eggs are in. They do deteriorate as we get older, but at 37 there's still a good chance that your eggs are good, though that will decrease over time.
      
      If your eggs are good and you're still ovulating, banning any other complications, I would say you're fine to have another--if you want to, that is

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      vox vocisposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Go for it now! It is high time for a second child! Good luck to you and your family with this plan. I love babies....so cute :-) My friend had her first daughter when she was 24 and could not concieve until she was 38 (nobody knows why). And, then, another surprise - she had her third daughter at the age of 41 :-) We were all so happy!!!

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      yenajeonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      38 is still super young! There are plenty of women nowadays who don't get married with children until their 40's!

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      Darknlovely3436posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      No you are now, I had my daughter when I was 42, and believe me
      at 42 I think I had more patience, and 38 is not old that young in my eyes
      she is 11 years now, and smart alex

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         Darknlovely3436posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         no you are not, too old..

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      getxposedposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      You can still have a healthy pregnancy at any age, it's already proven.

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      Greek Oneposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      when the eggs run out

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      Druid Dudeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Menopause. Nowadays, that is less and less an issue, too

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         Druid Dudeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I always figured that the desire to have a child should be directly proportional to one's ability to keep up with said child for the next eighteen years, or more depending on the child's ability to leave the nest on schedule. That variable can be a real kick in the pants.

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      Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      My mother was 40 when she had me, and 44 when she had my sister (which was an accident, she thought she was 'safe'!).  I don't think you should worry about "keeping up" with your child for the next eighteen years - you'll be surprised. 
      
      However, not all women stay that fertile after 40.  If you think you'd like another child, start trying now. Now you're 37, it's not a case of deciding you want a baby and - wham! - you're pregnant.  Your eggs aren't in as good shape as they were.
      
      One negative is that you're much more at risk of having a child with a disability than when you were younger.  Doctors will do tests during your pregnancy to find out, so you'll know - but you need to consider what you would do, if that happens.

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         lamurray33posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I second Marisa's reccommnedation to fully consider what you would do/ how would you feel in the possibility of a "worst case" scenerio.  I don't think you should panic about this ahead of time, but discuss with your partner and make sure you are in agreement with the most likely course of action you would take should there be problems.   Blessings and good wishes to your family!

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      CDL Career Coachposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I had my son when I was 35, no age related problems with getting pregnant or birth defects. But it was a lot harder to keep up with him than his older sister!  I think having a supportive husband and an older child who can help out from time to time would make life much easier.  Technically I think 45-50 is when age becomes a big issue, and also menopause woud mark the end of the line for having babies... 50-55 ish.  Seems like that last 5 years or so that your eggs start to have issues, or that you don't ovulate as often making it harder to get pregnant.

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         Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I've been told by a couple of doctors, that it's virtually impossible to get pregnant naturally after the age of 45, regardless of the age of menopause.

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       DIYweddingplannerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I had my youngest son when I was 42 and he was the best thing that ever happened to me! Just make sure you are in the watchful care of a good doctor and you'll be fine!

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       laci24409posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I think child birth is a gift and if you're body is still having periods then way not you are never to old, I'm sure you son would love to help and be apart of being a big brother you are still very young, listen to all these people and we are all saying the same thing you are young and it's very lovely to have a baby and watch you're children grow up, it's you're life and if you want another baby then go for it. good luck in what ever you decide, x x x

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       Mrs. J. B.posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       People are now having babies well into their 60's or 70's these days so you are not too old. However is having another baby what you truly want?

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       webguyonlineposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       i think it's not as long as your reproductive system are still working properly as well as your partner had

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       dutchman1951posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I think you should be more concerned with your overall medical, mental, and financial conditions, The Man and the Womans. and if you can give up the personal me time and still have the energy to raise and support a second child like it should be done at an Older age. Remember,  Jobs, House, Day care, time, money,expense, insurance coverages, personal energy and stamina,  it all is in the mix. 
       
       If you both decide you can deliver, support and raise a healthy, child. and can mentaly support each other, with a second child in the mix, and   your Doctor's agree, then it is between you and your husband to decide the rest. You guys need to answer all that honestly with each other first.

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       Y. Kajitakaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       As long as your body allows you to have one, you're not too old!  I love the experience that comes with having an older mom- she was 36 when she had me.  I grew up with a more adult manner, was taught to have clearer diction (because, eheh, you get older and your hearing goes *poof*), and adults are always in awe of the totally random range of topics I'm familiar with.  When I start singing Bobby Vinton and talking about Beverly Hillbillies or Gilligan's Island, I get some awesome looks.  XD  You're at a mature time in your life- you're settled and take things in stride more- heck, they say the best time of a woman's life is in her thirties.  I say go for it!

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       bornblond8dgposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       My view on this matter is i wouldn't purposely consider having a child as i'm approaching 40 because i just feel life is so short and it would give the child less time with their parents,  we already have such a short time together.

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       Dave Mathewsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       That's kinda hard to say since EVE gave birth the SETH her third son after 100 years.

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2. 61

   hillriderposted 13 years ago

   At 45 now, my wife wants me to consider her having another child, she is 37, so your question intrigued me.
   
   Going to read up on it, the data begins to become confusing to a regular joe like me. I am sure someone more medically trained has a better answer, but I will share what I can.
   
   The "child bearing years" depending on who's study you accept are between the ages of 15-44 or 15 - 49. Women have shown an increase in the trend of postponing pregnancy until their 30's and apparently the risks associated with later pregnancies isn't publicized enough according to one source I read. So if nothing else do what i am going to and read up.
   
   We have a 16 yr old daughter and a 4 yr old son. She wants another baby on top of her career and mothering. I am thinking I will be retired about the same time as graduation so we can combine the open house and retirement party and save a bundle...LOL  Good luck whichever decision you make. Thanks for the incentive, at least now I will make a more informed decision for certain...
   
   here is a good source to begin if you so desire :
   http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db21.htm

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3. 67

   Flightkeeperposted 13 years ago

   I think you should have a baby because both you and your husband want one and can support another child.  Then just make out like bunnies, that's normally the enjoyable part.  And if it happens, it happens.  Just my 2 bits.

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   lrohnerposted 13 years ago

   My mother was 40 when I was born and my father was closer to 50. From a child's perspective, having older parents has both good and bad points.
   
   My parents had already sown their wild oats, so to speak. They weren't dumping us with babysitters and heading out for some fun. They were totally focused on my sister and me. My sister and I did NOT see that as a good thing at the time, however. But my parents were also more financially secure, unlike a lot of younger couples, so that meant that my sis and I were able to do a lot more things and take a lot more pretty cool vacations than some of our friends.
   
   Outside of that, I didn't really notice the difference in my parents' ages until I got married, as my parents were the same age as my husband's grandparents.
   
   Like everyone else has said, if both of you really want another child, go for it! Don't worry about age!

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   Friday Girlposted 13 years ago

   I have four children, the first was born when I was 34 and the last one when I was 43. No problems with any of them and I have absolutely no regrets. Of course with the last one I was a bit worried due to my age but everything was fine.
   Last year my cousin gave birth to her first baby at the age of 47. I know this is unusual, but the baby is fine and a source of immense joy as you can imagine.
   Yes of course the risks increase with maternal age but lots of women have healthy babies in their forties.

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      Bianuposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for that. I am so worried about having a child with birth defects

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         IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         There is a slightly higher risk of having a child with Down's syndrome, but the risk is minimal, honestly. Go ahead
         My granny, my auntie and myself all had babies later in life and all the babies were fine

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6. 74

   barryrutherfordposted 13 years ago

   I think you need to be sure (as well ) that You want a second child.
   
   and are not being coerced into such a big decision.

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   Polly Cposted 13 years ago

   I am 38 next week and have a two, nearly three year old son. I can honestly say I found it easier than my first pregnancy when I was 27.  One of my friends had her third child at 38, with no problems whatsoever. Even my mother-in-law was 38 when she had my hubby, and that was in the early 70s when medical care and technology was nowhere near as good as it is now. I think it's perfectly fine to have another child in your late thirties and even into your forties if circumstances are right. Go for it if that's what you want. My first son was 7 when the second one was born, he was so excited to have a brother and the age gap works out fine.

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   Paul Edmondsonposted 13 years ago

   I do think you reach a point where your time for having kids passes you by.  At 38, you still have time.  Recently, we had dinner with a friend in her mid forties who feels she's too old to have a baby, but really want's to have another baby.  She's exploring other alternatives than delivering herself.  So, at least she still has options.

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   Aficionadaposted 13 years ago

   Labor and delivery are much easier when the mother is older (my doctor told me, when I was surprised that my fourth was so fast!).  I agree with these others - don't hold back if this is what you want too; but do your research so that you can make an informed decision.

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    kmackey32posted 13 years ago

    No, GO FOR IT....

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    Tinskyposted 13 years ago

    I am 40 and have a 3 year old daughter. Aviva was the result of my second attempt at getting pregnant and she is a healthy and intelligent child.  The first pregnancy which I attempted a year before I fell pregnant with her terminated naturally at about 8 weeks.  I was advised by doctors that the failure of the first attempt one was quite normal, that there was a 1 in 3 chance, especially as I had been taking contraception pills since I was 18.  The first pregnancy was actually a surprise.
    
    The second (planned) pregnancy wasn't easy, this may have been because of my age but who knows even if I had been in my twenties I may still have had issues, lots of women do.  I still worked up until 36 weeks even though I had to wear thongs (flip flops) since week 9 as I had a lot of fluid retention and my body swelled and I couldn't wear normal shoes.  I was also diagnosed with pregnancy diabetes.
    
    I also have two twin step sisters that fell pregnant about the same time as me, they are a year older than me and both now have healthy children.
    
    My advice is: if you still want to have another child, go for it.  Your age is fine.  Have regular check ups on your health and the baby's health, eat healthy, take supplements, start taking folic acid now, regularly exercise and get plenty of rest.

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12. 81

    jimmythejockposted 13 years ago

    My wife and I celebrated the birth of our 4th child in July last year we are both in our 40s so i wish you luck and love .....jimmy

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13. 40

    Str8up Hookupsposted 13 years ago

    I wish you luck on your journey.
    
    It really depends if you can conceive and it took me 3 year to conceive. I decided at 29 I wanted a child finally conceived when I stopped worrying about it.

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    melporposted 13 years ago

    Bianu, my wife had her one and only child at 44 years of age. If you are still ovulating you can still become pregnant. Keep trying.

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    hubber-2009posted 13 years ago

    Where there is a will there is a way..
    
    Have Positive thinking and you will get...

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    Home Girlposted 13 years ago

    WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

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    katiem2posted 13 years ago

    If you REALLY want to, no your not to old...

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    Greek Oneposted 13 years ago

    my wife had one at 40.. there is a higher risk in this group as Izzy said.. but then again there is a higher risks at 38 from 35

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       Home Girlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Risk worth taking...

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    Julie2posted 13 years ago

    It really doesn't matter the age, what matters is how your body reacts to being pregnant.
    
    I got married to a man that did not have any children. I always wanted to have one more child. I became pregnant when I was 34. I had a very difficult pregnancy. I found out that after my last pregnancy my uterus turned up 45 degrees. So instead of being horizontal it was vertical. This caused me to have so many complications, it was just a nightmare. I dont want to go into detail about everything I'll just say that it was to the point where the Docs said it was my life or the babies. I am greatful to have been able to have him.
    
    This is what I mean about your body's reaction to pregnancy. Everyone does not react this way, it doesn't matter the age. You can be 50 and have the best pregnancy. I was only 34 and I was a mess.
    
    All you have to do is get tested to make sure that everything is okay. Get your blood work done.
    
    A MUST: please have a sonogram done to check the position of your uterus before hand incase there is something that can be done to correct any issues with surgery. Once you get the green light you start trying to get pregnant.

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    motherbeastlyposted 13 years ago

    I had my first child at 19 and my last at 35.  I had no complications at 35 but I did at 25.   If you want a baby and you're healthy it's worth it.  If you're older (over 35) they'll keep a better eye on your health.  My Gran had her first child at 41 and had 5 children, all fit and healthy and so was she.  So whatever age you are it seems that you can do well.  Just keep an eye on your health, eat well and have all the tests deemed necessary.  Whatever you do, enjoy the end result.

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    Victoria Stephensposted 13 years ago

    Your too old when you've fully passed menopause so if you still can and you want to: then I think go for it before it really is to late and you have regrets.xxx

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    CASE1WORKERposted 13 years ago

    go for it - i was nearly 38 when i had my last one- i was not in the best of health but i got better, and yes it really was worth it

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    Vicki.Pierceposted 13 years ago

    You have to do what you feel is right for you.  Personally I had my three girls 'young'.  I am now 45 with an empty nest and loving being a Grandma!

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    Melissa Pattersonposted 13 years ago

    There may be a few extra precautions or concerns your doctor may monitor you closely for, but there's no reason to wait. Straight-up go for it. Also, with your son being older, you will have a great little pair of extra hands to help you out.

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    Sophia Angeliqueposted 13 years ago

    Depends on your health and your eggs. Nobody really knows. However, statistically, you will have a higher chance of having a Down's syndrome kid, or one that is autistic, or that is schitzophrenic. These conditions increase in the child as the parents get older.
    
    Personally, I wouldn't chance it.
    
    You could be incredibly healthy and have wonderful eggs, and produce a great kid.
    
    My late grandmother gave birth to her 9th kid in 1947. She was 41 years old. That child, my aunt, was healthy in every way and is still alive and very 'young'.

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    AskAshlie3433posted 13 years ago

    You are not to old. Even in your 40's, it is not to late. I urge you to have that baby. If you don't, you will regret it in the future. Plus, making baby's is fun!! Best wishes.

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    Kidgasposted 13 years ago

    No, you are not too old.  You should be aware that the risk of Down's syndrome does increase as women age.
    
    http://www.ds-health.com/risk.htm

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28. 0

    cillamposted 13 years ago

    just go for it, some women bloom more when they have babies later on.

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    Joesy Shmoesyposted 13 years ago

    I love these answers!!  Go for it, 38 is still young.  Good Luck.

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    lovelypaperposted 13 years ago

    That depends on your health, I guess. I had my last one when I was 36. Celebrities have babies in their late thirties and fourties.

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31. 73

    lorlie6posted 13 years ago

    I had my only child-a son-when I was 33.  I was enrolled in a master's program and wanted to finish before I even thought of children.  I felt comfortable in my decision to wait, I was determined to raise my boy with some actual maturity on my part.  But on the other hand, I was still fairly young and energetic, so I was able to keep up with him.
    Today, I'm 54 and would LOVE to have another offspring.  And I'm pretty sure I know why; I babysit my first grandchild daily.  Quinn is 4 months old now and grandma and he are getting to be great pals!
    Strange to be unable to procreate, now it's up to the next generation.
    Looking at Quinn, they're doing a fabulous job!!

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    Avamumposted 13 years ago

    I had my daughter when I was 38, and turned 39 shortly after she was born. My husband is 50, and this is our 6th child (we have a blended family). We were ecstatic when we found out I was expecting, and our little bundle is a joy to our entire family.  As long as you feel well and have good prenatal care, go for it.  In a few years you will no longer have the choice....
    

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       Joesy Shmoesyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Beautiful Picture.

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          Bianuposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          She is lovely

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33. 63

    Neverletitgoposted 13 years ago

    You are not old and you can have one if that is what you need so go a head do it.

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34. 49

    Purple Perlposted 13 years ago

    Go ahead, young lady!

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    Bianuposted 13 years ago

    Funny, Now that  have started trying, found I have fibroids hmm!!! Doctors advise surgery

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       IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       What surgery do they suggest?

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    Internetwriter62posted 13 years ago

    My sister in law told me that is you had children before the age of 35 it is ok to have children after that age. So as long as it's not your first pregnancy it is ok. You already have a child of seven so you should be fine. Your Doctor has the last word so check with him.

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    Gypsy Willowposted 13 years ago

    As the mother of a now adult child that I gave birth to at age 44, the only drawback is you do not have as much energy to deal with a teenager! Both my best friend and I had children at 43. If you truly want one start trying now.

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    Hub Freelancerposted 13 years ago

    I think you also have to think about your lifestyle.  Now that your son is older, you can do things as a family that you won't be able to do once you have a newborn.  It takes a long time after having a baby to get your body back and free time -- especially if you breastfeed. That said, a baby could definitely enrich all of your lives! And your son not likely to be jealous at all since he is much older and can even help out. Best wishes!

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       Bianuposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks. I think about that a lot. a 7 yr old can pretty much take care of himself and it will be different with a baby again. But I will have one.

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    ii3rittlesposted 13 years ago

    If you are healthy and your body is willing,go for it! My aunt had her first child at 38 years old! her second at 39! She is healthier than shes ever been and has some of the healthiest kids I know! Have faith!

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40. 57

    writer83posted 13 years ago

    I don't think your too old, but would recommend a full health check up before making that all important decision.

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    smartlawposted 13 years ago

    I don't think you are too old to have baby at the age of 37, my wife was 36+ when she gave birth to our first child and later on gave birth to my second child and now she is 41 years old with 2 children.
    
    Going for the necessary health care and at the same time try to read my hub on ''THE NATURAL WAY TO GET PREGNANT''.
    
    And thirdly, be prayerful, because my awesome God can do any miracle in your life

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    Onlinemidwifeposted 13 years ago

    Hi Bianu I work in the UK and I see an increase of women past their 40's having their first or subsequent baby so 38 is young in my book. It sounds like you have a very supportive husband too which always helps!

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    itsameanoldsceneposted 13 years ago

    two of my friends who are 40 have just had their first children & they are both in their early 40's, so no I do not think so in this day & age...when will you think you are too old? you will just know!

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    edhanposted 13 years ago

    My mum gave birth to us when she was in the 40 plus. So, I think it shouldn't be of a problem to give birth at your age.

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    theirishobserver.posted 13 years ago

    Have fun trying

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       Bianuposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I am, I am, I am

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       Bianuposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I am, I am, I am

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    gustaw1981posted 13 years ago

    40+ is possible, but you need to ratch out for health.

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    gmwilliamsposted 13 years ago

    Thirty eight years of age is not too old to have a beautiful child.  In fact, thirty eight years of age is YOUNG.  This idea is totally atavistic.   I believe that the mid thirties is the PROPER age to have a child.   You are experienced and educated in addition to having lived.   
    
    In my opinion, any age younger than the mid-thirties is TOO YOUNG to have a child.   You have not lived yet.    However, I believe that a woman in her late forties and early fifties is TOO OLD to have a child.

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    Bianuposted 13 years ago

    Thinking of making 2012, the year of the new one. wish me luck people.

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    Tracy Lynn Conwayposted 13 years ago

    Hi Bianu, I had my fourth child at 38 but making the final decision to have him was a really difficult one. I just published a hub on this topic. 
    
    I believe that each woman has a number that is right for them.  I wish you the best of luck!
    
    Tracy

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       doodleloungeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I am 41 and I have just come back from my 16 week appointment at the midwife. It was wonderful to hear my babies heartbeat. Based on age alone, I had ruled out having another baby, but my (new) husband and I kept coming back to the subject. We are very happy with the 2 (step) children we already have but after a chat with the doctor we decided to try after all. We gave ourselves a time window and figured that if it was to happen then it was meant to be. I fell pregnant immediately. I am not looking back. The boys are so excited and we are over the moon. 
       Kirsten

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