Resolved question:
I turned 41 years old patientold over the summer and am really wanting a third baby. If it worked pretty immediately, I would be just shy of 42 when having the baby. I had a child at 33 (now 7) and one just after turning 36 (now 5). I know I should probably not go down this road given all the risks with birth defects and just being older but I got pregnant very easily the previous times and had normal pregnancies. I did have a blighted ovum at age 38.
In your opinion, is this just too risky in terms of my health and/or baby health? I also don't want to be the oldest mom at school but can't seem to shake this desire to have 1 more child.
Thanks,
Stacy in Texas
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
OBGYN
Hello.
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com
Well, having a baby after 40 is much more risky than having one before it.
You run the whole gamut of risks - birth defects, pregnancy complications , difficult labour etc.
That said, it is a risk, not an absolute possibility.
You have had easy pregnancies earlier, and the trend is more than likely to go on.
You can go ahead with a calculated and understood risk.
You know the probably risks, and if the desire to have a baby overwhelms all else, you can go ahead.
There are many women who DO go on to have successful pregnancies at 41.
I would say it IS a risky undertaking, but the final call rests with the mother.
After all, you do have two children, which is more than most have.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.
Regards.
My only additional follow up question is this:
Given my age and medical history, are the odds more in my favor for a healthy pregnancy/baby or are the odds against me for a healthy pregnancy/baby? I know someone cannot predict the future but based on your education and experience. If I was your patient, would you warn me not to have another pregnancy?
thanks,
stacy
The odds of your having a healthy baby are higher than the odds of your having an abnormal baby or an abnormally risky pregnancy.
However, the odds of your having a problem are much higher than a woman who would be 5 years old patientyounger.
If you were my patient, and you were very keen on having a child, I would support that decision and ask you to go ahead, being extra vigilant and careful in my monitoring of you.
Hope that answers it !
WIsh you luck either ways.