Aa
Baby at 38 - too old???
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!!
You hit the nail on the head Jujubiyo. Give us the accurate info we need, then allow us to make our own decisions. Treat us like intelligent women.
I can relate to what you've been through with that doctor. I was talking to the physician assistant and she told me all the higher risks on 35+ pregnancy and she basically told me that 3 is not a good number to have!!!??? Instead she kept persuading me that I should get and IUD.
Obviously having how many kids is a very personal decision, I do believe that people should be responsible for the well being of their kids - financially and physically. To response to April162010 concern, I probably should have said we "delayed" instead of "hesitated" on having the 3rd one because we want to give the best possible resources to our kids. Quality vs. quantity, I guess most people have that concern unless they are billionaires. I do think that the medical staff should outline all the possible risks and factors towards pregnancy for older women, or women who already have several kids, however, when they express their own believes in a negative tone, I do not see that as a fair opinion to help me see through the whole picture.
Obviously having how many kids is a very personal decision, I do believe that people should be responsible for the well being of their kids - financially and physically. To response to April162010 concern, I probably should have said we "delayed" instead of "hesitated" on having the 3rd one because we want to give the best possible resources to our kids. Quality vs. quantity, I guess most people have that concern unless they are billionaires. I do think that the medical staff should outline all the possible risks and factors towards pregnancy for older women, or women who already have several kids, however, when they express their own believes in a negative tone, I do not see that as a fair opinion to help me see through the whole picture.
Congrats on your little girl, and shame on that Dr. I am glad you found someone new to work with. So many stories like this come up here, and I am always shocked. My OB has always explained the risk factor, but never as a deterrent, more as an education tool. And also to show me the odds are still very much in my favor. I just don't understand.
I got pregnant at 38 with my 3rd one. I went to see a new doctor and sha said I'm irresponsible and she went on and on and on about unhealthy ubnormal child, me not having regular inurance (public aid card, because my husband lost his job for a while), and how we can have a child if we can't afford it (because we don't have regular health insurance). When I came come I coudn't stop crying...We had 2 healthy kids ages 14 and 9 at the time and waited to have 3rd one because we wanted to get stable financialy...finally decided to go ahead, because time dosn't wait...After a whole year we got pregnant and couldn't be happier...until I went to see that doctor...After few days I decided that I'm not goona to put up with this and found grat obgyn practice where every doctor treated me like a queen and made me and my unborn child feel so important. Now I have healthy beatiful baby daughter, my husband got new job with health insurance, and we're trying for nr 4!!! I just turned 40 and I got GREEN LIGHT from my obgyn! What a wonderful feeling to have the right friendly and caring doctors!!!
Good luck to you and find yourself new doctor
Good luck to you and find yourself new doctor
High risk pregnancy is a term typically used because of a preexisting medical condition, or a history of problems such as early labor in other pregnancies. I am considered high risk because I have had several miscarriage.
There is no doubt we are at a higher risk of genetic issues. But in all honesty, the odds are still very good. The sad thing is most babies with chromosonal abnormalities do miscarry. Or at least a high percentage of them. Typically in first trimester. It is still very uncommon to have a baby born with a chromosonal abnormality. Yes, it happens, but not as often as you might think. I have a close friend here on MH who has a baby born with DS, and she will tell you she won the lottery. Her little girl is absolutely beautiful, and doesn't seem to let much hold her back.
We do have a higher risk of m/c, primarily due to older eggs. But again, countless women have come through this forum over the years who whipped through their pregnancies no problem.
If this is what you want to do, you are not very old...really your not. As I said I will be 42 when this one is born and the only thing I am worried about is making it through first trimester. (because I have a history of several losses). Other then that...no real concerns. Good luck!!!
There is no doubt we are at a higher risk of genetic issues. But in all honesty, the odds are still very good. The sad thing is most babies with chromosonal abnormalities do miscarry. Or at least a high percentage of them. Typically in first trimester. It is still very uncommon to have a baby born with a chromosonal abnormality. Yes, it happens, but not as often as you might think. I have a close friend here on MH who has a baby born with DS, and she will tell you she won the lottery. Her little girl is absolutely beautiful, and doesn't seem to let much hold her back.
We do have a higher risk of m/c, primarily due to older eggs. But again, countless women have come through this forum over the years who whipped through their pregnancies no problem.
If this is what you want to do, you are not very old...really your not. As I said I will be 42 when this one is born and the only thing I am worried about is making it through first trimester. (because I have a history of several losses). Other then that...no real concerns. Good luck!!!
I think it's true even to younger mom that the doctor doesn't like to see it past the due date too much or the baby could get too big or stressful inside. I had my two that came couple days early than due date, which I was surprised on the 1st one as I thought he'd come late, for the 1st time anyway.
How are you feeling lately? Good, tired, full of energy......?
There was this lady at my Latin Jazz class last night, 7 months preg and dancing all her way!
How are you feeling lately? Good, tired, full of energy......?
There was this lady at my Latin Jazz class last night, 7 months preg and dancing all her way!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Pregnancy 35 and Older Community
Get information and tips on how to help you choose the right place to deliver your baby.
Get the facts on how twins and multiples are formed and your chance of carrying more than one baby at a time.
Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcision.
What to expect during the first hours after delivery.
Learn about early screening and test options for your pregnancy.
Learn about testing and treatment for GBS bacterium.
