Older Mom

A.
I've read everyone's comments before telling you my own story. Based on my personal experience, I have to admit that there is always a higher risk when getting pregnant after 35 years of age. However, I delivered my first child when I turned 37 and currently pregnant of my second one due on October at my 39 years of age. That is, I am not far from turning 40, after delivering my second son, on February of next year. I knew I wanted a second one and my husband was more into pleasing me than being convinced of having a second child. I knew there was a much higher risk than with my first child and my husband has been very supportive in that aspect. I've never done an amniocentesis test because of the fear of miscarriage. On both of my children, I've done a blood screening. However, with my second child, the test showed a high risk of a genetic abnormality that was discarded at the moment I did the second level ultrasound. I truly believe that if you and your husband are willing to have a second child, you should pursue it. Likewise, if you and your husband are willing to run with the risk that implies your age, go for it. I think that motherhood is the most wonderful experience a woman can experience, and God knows what to send to us. That is, ponder the pros and cons and then decide what you finally want. Good luck in the process and I hope everything goes very well with whatever your decision is.

I say go for it.. If you feel up to it than do it. I am 39 and just had my last baby..

Hi A.,

I got pregnant with my first at 39 and had him right after I turned 40. I had my second when I was almost 42.

I say go for it! They definitely keep you young!

Hi A.!

Go for it!

Two years ago I had my first child (daughter) at age 42. She is adorable and is my little buddy. I am 2 1/2 weeks away from giving birth to my second child (son) and am 44 years young.

I agree with Lori; it is great to be a stay at home mom as working full time plus children as an older mom is a bit of a stretch (at least for me). If you still need to work you'll be able too; just easier if you don't have to.

You may not have the energy of a 20/30 year old; but as an older mom you don't get frustrated as easily nor feel like life is passing you by raising children. My husband and I traveled the world and have enjoyed ourselves. We are ready to give back and enjoy our daughter much more and can't wait for the little guy.

Get a Perinatologist involved and you'll be fine. Keep us posted!

God bless!
M

Hi A.,
I had my daughter when I was 24, she is now almost 18. I had my son when I was 39 from my second marriage, he is now 28 months.

I say go for it! If your health is good, your cycles are still regular and you have a supportive husband, there is nothing stopping you.

I was very lucky to be able to stay home with my second child, I'm not sure I would have been able to do the whole working full time - daycare thing at this age.

I would definitely suggest having genetic testing and an amnio to find out early about any issues the baby could have so there are no surprises.

Good luck!

I had my daugther when I was 38 and am currently pregnant with Baby #2... two weeks from my 40th birthday.

40 is the new 30! (tee hee). But seriously... why not? Contrary to popular belief, nothing horrible happens when you turn 40, if you want another baby go for it. I'd say its more to think about to consider how your family dynamics will change and its more of a challenge being pregnant with a young child then just being pregnant.

Hi,

My name is B. and I became pregnant with twins at age 37 and gave birth at 39. I'm currently 40 with two energetic 15-month olds!

My only advice is to follow your heart. If you have the energy, the means and the desire - why not? There are MANY 39+ women out there having babies.

Be prepared for a few things that you didn't have to deal with during your earlier pregnancy such as:

1) The label: "Advanced Maternal Age" ugh.

2) "Advanced maternal Age" increases the chance of multiples!

3) The deluge of tests. They'll want to test your future neonate for EVERYTHING. By the time you deliver your bundle(s) of joy you will know all there is to know about every possible chromosomal abnormality under the sun.
Follow your heart when it comes to these tests. There is no absolute right or wrong way to proceed. Do what sits well with your soul.

4) Find a medical facility that is well equipped to handle high-risk births. Hopefully, you'll never need to find out how brilliant your specialists are - but - should you need them you'll be eternally grateful that they are there.

5) Listen to your doctors.

6) Be grateful that you're able to be a mom!

A Little About Me:
After five years of marriage my husband and I decided that we should seek medical intervention in order to have the child we wanted. By the time we were finally able to undergo IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) I was 37 - ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE. Having the good fortune to live in south eastern Pennsylvania we opted to go through the University of Pennsylvania hospital - one of the best in the nation for EVERYTHING. They are a level 3 facility (the highest) in terms of being able to appropriately respond to severe pregnancy/childbirth complications. In addition to that, they are associated with the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP) - again, on the best in the nation. Like all parents-to-be you hope for the best but just in case.....

Well as it turned out that during my 32nd week of pregnancy things took a turn for the worse. It looked as if my daughter had stopped growing and my son was diagnosed with two heart abnormalities...

I won't bore/scare you with the details. Suffice it to say that today every one is doing well. Immediately after his birth my son was whisked away to CHOP were his surgery went amazingly well and my daughter is just dainty - and FULL OF ENERGY.

I would have loved for things to have proceeded without the drama, but what in life does????

Wishing you happiness in whatever decision you choose,

B.

Hi A.,
I had my first at almost 38 and my second just after I turned 40. They really do keep you young. ( You don't have a choice!!) The fact that you are in better shape is a plus. Also, your first child is a little older and will be a big help to you. ( Mine was only 2 and help was "Hit or Miss!!) So go for it!!

We adopted our now six year old when I was 35, and then I gave birth to our now 20 month old when I was just five months shy of turning 40.

Although it wasn't how we originally planned it, I don't regret one bit being an "older" mom. My knees ache a bit more getting up and down and the sleep deprivation of having a baby probably hit me a bit harder, but over all its been great.

If getting pregnant wasn't such a costly ordeal for us I'd try for number three, which would make me 42 when I gave birth.