Conceived Naturally at 45

I am 45 years old, I live in Australia. My husband and I have naturally conceived a pregnancy after only 1 cycle of recording temperatures etc. I am currently only 5 weeks pregnant. I have 3 living children aged 25, 22, 13. I also had a baby 18 months ago who was delivered by caesarian section, he lived to the age of 4 months. He had birth defects that were not related to my age. He had Down syndrome which I know can be because of my age. He died due to Pulmonary Hypertension, and respiratory failure.
I have a family history of childbirth in the 40's. My grandmother (maternal) and my maternal cousin both delivered at the age of 43. Of course I was also 43 when my youngest was born. My mother continued to menstruate until she had a hysterectomy at 44, her sister continued to menstruate regularly well into her mid 50's
My question is, how likely is it that I will miscarry? Do the chances become higher of having another baby with Down syndrome higher since I have already had a baby with it. What are the statistics of unassisted conception at my age.

[tina1111]

The published odds of having a child with Down's is 1 in 30 at 45 yrs of age. The odds of miscarraige (miscarriage) are extremely high. Not just at 45, but with every yr over 35, the odds increase. A Nuchal Translucency scan can be performed between 11-14wks. It is a non-invasive procedure which tests for Down's amongst a few other genetic defects. It is not 100% accurate. But, if an amnio is not desired, it is the best way to test. Amnio is far more accurate.

Odds for conceiving over the age of 40 are less than 5% each cycle and decline by each year and each individual's circumstances.  I am praying for a healthy baby and a safe delivery for you! I am 43 now and still praying it will happen for me b4 it's too late.

[LisaRG]

Hello,
Congratulations!
If you go to the 35+ forum on this website you will see there is a 45 year old member who is about 26 weeks.  She concieved naturally and so far she is carrying a healthy baby.  She had a healthy baby naturally at 43 also.
I am 45 and have a healthy 4 year old that was born when I was 41.  I got pregnant this  February naturally, but I miscarried at 9 weeks with a blighted ovum, so you can see it can go eitther way.
I am wishing you the best and please keep us posted!  
I am going to try again, I dont car about the odds:)

[Jules6145]

I started bleeding last night so I think my pregnancy has ended, I am sorry to say.
I am going to the doctor today, I made the appointment to have it confirmed. Now it will be to confirm that there isn't a baby anymore.
I was really hoping that this baby would stay. I had been feeling all week that it wouldn't stay. Like I was about to get my period any minute.
Thanks for the stats and thanks for the congratulations. I am a bit sad. We will try again too. Even though the stats are really bad. I fell pregnant the first month that we used a temperature chart. I have always fallen pregnant extremely easily in the past. It seems that my age is definitely not on my side.
I hope you both concieve (conceive) and carry too.

Thanks for your comments.