Any over 40 new parents?

[SEC71]

I will be 41 in May and my DH will be 48 in July. We have a wonderful, healthy 4 year old daughter. I am thinking about having another child and know I need to do it soon. I am worried about the risks especially down syndrome, it is my understanding that down syndrome is likely in older mothers. Any one out there have experience with advanced maternal age pregnancies, good and bad?

 

[snappy]

I became pregnant at 41, delivered when I was 42.

My first two pregnancies occurred when I was in my mid 30's.

For all three pregnancies I saw a maternal fetal specialist OB-GYN, which I strongly advise. We were not expecting to get pregnant for #3, so it was a bit of a shock.

The screening work (triple test I think it was called) showed the possibility of an abnormality. My material fetal specialist did an amnio, and all was well.

Our little girl is 16 now, and the joy of our lives. She is a beautiful red haired, blue eyed, creamy skinned sweetie, great disposition.

I was diagnosed with borderline gestational diabetes, but only had to test once a week, kept the weight gan very much in check, and she was fine.

I will say it gets difficult as we advance in age. Both my husband and I have had some health problems, but are doing well all things considered.

We hope to see her graduate from college in 6 years. I feel very blessed.

Good luck with your decision. I think it can be difficult getting pregnant after 40, but many do.

 

[Madzac]

I had my fourth and final baby at 40. I had two miscarraiges prior to getting pregnant with her and it took me a little longer to conceive that with my first three children. Once I was pregnant though, I had a great pregnancy, probably my best one yet and a wonderful delivery. They did offer extra testing and amnio to me due to age, but I did not want the extra stress and worry of it so I only did an US. I am so so so glad we went for it as my daugther is a huge blessing!

I have two friends who have had more than one baby in their 40's. The first had her children at 35, 38 and 40 and is now pregnant again at 44. All kids are healthy. My other friend had her 6th child at 41 and 7th two weeks shy of her 45th birthday. All are healthy too. Both of them had a couple miscarraiges prior to the last baby, which is more common in older women for sure, but both had great pregnancies as well.

I say if you really want to have another go for it! Yes the risks are higher, but the chances of a healthy baby are much higher yet.

 

[hops&dreams]

I was young when I was pregnant (and totally not ready). My cousin, who was in her 40's was pregnany at the same time. We were due 3 weeks apart, and had our kids 2 weeks apart - both preemies.

I was high risk (kidney issues) and she was high risk (age). No matter what your age, there are/can be risks involved. I agree with PP's advice about getting a maternal fetal specialist. Also talk your decision over with your gyn/ob, your regular doctor (general practitioner), and any other specialists you may have. Make sure your body is ready and can handle a pregnancy. Trust me, the NICU is not where you want to spend the first weeks of your baby's life.

Also, did you know that women over 40 have a higher chance of having twins? Food for thought.

Good luck with your decision!