Baby at 38 - too old???

[Jujubiyo]

I am 37 yrs old and have two healthy boys age 6 & 4.  I have been wanting to have 1 more baby but hesitated because of financial and obligations concern.  I went to my doctor in July 2010 for the yearly check up and bring up the possibility on trying to become pregnant next year.  Wow....she immediately brought up all the concerns on "OLD AGE" pregnancy - higher risks on down syndrome, miscarriage....etc.  She even said that if in the case that the 3rd baby has some medical issues, that would change the dynamic between me and the boys!!! I was kinda discouraged as I didn't really thought that 38 was that old - well, before I walked in the doc's office anyway.  Has anyone have similar experiences?  How big of a risk really of having baby at this age?  Feel big difference during the pregnancy between a younger and older age?  Any suggestions would help!  Thanks!!

[jmoore100]

I am turning 40 today and am 35 weeks with my second. It has been hard on me physically but I am diabetic. I don't remember having this hard of a time with my daughter 8 years ago but the end result is what we all wish for. I suggest that if you truly want one more, do it now before it gets any harder. I wish I had been with my current husband 5 years ago. Maybe things would be less uncomfortable. I hope that  you make a good decision for you and your family.

[JAB77]

hi renny my name is john ,am just wont know if my girl she can get pregnant cos am so scared cos of not haveing baby cos she is 38 and i 36.all am saying is do u think we can have baby just like athere ppl or there is same thing secrit to have a baby when u r to late

[JC3250]

Hi ladies, you can call me JC. I will be turning 38 come July. I have been thinking of another baby myself. My son just turned 3 today but I am afraid. I have been taking cymbalta and a mood stabilizer for a while now. Is it even a consideration for me to have another child? I was not on any of these drugs when I had my son at 34. Boy, do things change as time goes and we get older. Does anyone have positive feed back for me or realistic feed back, either one will work. I just want to make the right decision for me and my family.

Thank you all!

[marie1234]

I had my fifth baby at 38. I will say that I was high risk, not because of age, but because of high blood pressure. Age itself is not high risk, but age can increase your chances of having a high risk pregnancy. Also, down sydrome does increase with age. But, my baby is perfectly healthy, thank the Lord. Good luck.

[cblashes]

hi there.
i had my FIRST baby at age 38.. i think you should go for it.. if its something that you really want.. why not?
i'm 39 now, and wanting to have a 2nd.. i've had a rough go at it this time (2 losses in 4 months), but i have faith, and i will fight on..
Good Luck! :) please keep me posted! :)

[Alexis2358]

Thank you so much, I did have a great fertility doctor.   You have the right to change to any doctor until you find one that works for you, however they probably will charge it as a visit.