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!!

[karenm3816]

I am 38 and I am 9 weeks and a couple of days got pregnant naturally I also have a 6 year old daughter and a 3 year old daughter that has spina bifida I talked to the genetic lady she said with my age with spina bifida happening again is 4 percent I have no family history of spina bifida not even on my husband side my oldest has grey matter her brain did not delope rite in the womb didn't find out till she was 2 an a half years old threw MRI but she is smart and doing great in school and when I turn 13 weeks I am going to go for genetic testing after my ultrasound and also will be seeing my high risk doctor and my oldest daughter having grey matter they think that is a genetic issue they tested her but her insurance denied it and I understand money situation my husband is worried to but I'm going to work soon go for training at child care and get paid for the 2 week training if I like it I'll get another job closer by I'll work till I'm 8 months or 9 months will see how things go I get ssi and ssd and so does my sec daughter plus we get food stamps and wic

[KeeLolo]

As many Dr try and play the age card I have met may women on this website that Dr consider to be past the maternal age have successful pregnancies and healthy babies. Do not let this factor stop you. I got pregnant for the 1st time at the age of 33 and miscarried at 7wks. Can't say I was too old. I suffered a 2nd trimester miscarriage at  18wks I was 33 and another 2nd trimester loss at 35. Both 2nd trimester loss were come to find out due to incompetent cervix and will be getting cerclage at next pregnancy. Im currently 37 will be 38 in June and Im not giving up on having our beautiful rainbow baby and don't you give up either! Good luck and baby dust

[roxannecarroll2017]

I am 38 and 3 weeks till I meet my son Christian I think some doctors try to scare you because there are risks but at the end of the day its all in GOS hands how things end.

[kytarabelle]

I was told at 36 when i found out I was pregnant that I was considered an "old" pregnant lady that anything after 35 they consider old!!  wow - me I had my first child at 27 second at 32 and the only thing I can say about being pregnant at 35 is that I had TWINS...apparently the older you get your chances double :-).  I had less problems with my pregnancy with the twins at 35 than i did with my daughter at 27.  I think it has a lot to do with your lifestyle at the time you are pregnant for instance at 27 with my daughter i worked a lot of overtime etc and drove 40 mins back and forth to work everyday had High blood pressure starting at 34 weeks and was on bed rest also had pre-eclampsia, with my son at 32 years old worked a bunch rode the bus to and from work every day at 40 min ride each way then walked 1/2 a mile each way morning and evening at 35 weeks High Blood Pressure and pre-eclampsia....delivered my daughter and son at 38 weeks completely healthy.  At age 35 pregnant with twins, did not work got laid off stayed at home the whole pregnancy with my 3 yr old son.  NO health issues besides gestational diabetes which i never had to take insulin for i managed on my own eating really well which is good...had a c-section scheduled at 38 weeks started high blood pressure at 37 weeks delivered TWINS at 37 weeks full term no issues health wise to me or to them they weighed 5pds 1 oz and 6pds 4oz...  i totally believe because i wasnt stressed with work and my lifestyle was different even though i was older my pregnancy was easier and healthier for me and my baby.  I dont think you can judge on age alone... I would go for it if i were you

[Happy30JulyMommy]

I am 38 and pregnant with our first babe. So happy I waited for the right time and right man to have a baby. We got pregnant the first month we ttc. Life is not as predictible as expected for most of the people. Doctors have personal opinions on this issue. There are girls in their 20s with difficult pregnancies. Life!!!

[Labelleamie79]

I love reading this... I am 38 and want to have my first child...finally feel ready but am a little scared to have a child so late in life. I feel like I am 16 most days, I forget that I am nearing 40....I am glad to see some others having babies at the right time and the time being close to my age

[Happy30JulyMommy]

I am 38 and pregnant with our first babe. So happy I waited for the right time and right man to have a baby. We got pregnant the first month we ttc. Life is not as predictible as expected for most of the people. Doctors have personal opinions on this issue. There are girls in their 20s with difficult pregnancies. Life!!!