pregnancy at 45

[juliemum]

I turned 45 last week and would like to try for another baby. I have a 6 yr old and 3 year old that I conceived easily and had no problems during my pregnancies with them. My periods are regular and Im still ovulating. My question is, is it safe to become pregnant at 45? Are there any increased risks for the mother? Are there any other risks to the baby apart from chromosone abnormalities?
Thank you

[saraanon]

I'm 45 and 21+weeks pregnant.  I've had miscarriages before, but no children.  So I think you'd be in a better position than I was.  The risks are there, but not overwhelming.  For instance, based on my age alone, I was given a 1:11 risk of trisomy 13 and 18 and 1:17 for downs.  I had the materniT21 test at 13 weeks and everything came back fine.  My high risk OB did say that women our age have a greater chance of stillbirth the closer we get to term, so he'll see me more often...2 or 3x's a week...I actually looked that up on the internet and the risk is there but it's not a huge one.  He also said there was a risk of fetal growth restriction, but so far my baby is measuring 3 days ahead and weight is a bit ahead as well.  

I think that's all he told me.  I don't think the risks outweigh the blessing, so I'd say go for it.  I wish you all the best luck!!

[Helen72]

The fact that you had 2 kids before without complications is a good sign!  Many ladies here had successful pregnancies after 45 although your ob may monitor you more closely this time around.  For example, my ob would not let a woman after 40 go beynd 40 weeks.  There are graeter risks of placenta failure, etc.  These risks are still small though.
Good luck!