Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I know a lady who is 41 1/2 years old, never had children, but says that she still plans to have children. She plans to get married in a few months and then get pregnant approximately one year later. Without relying on implants, does she have a good chance to get pregnant at almost 43 years old? If yes, does she have a good chance of delivering a healthy baby? Thanks.
It could happen but she has very unrealistic expectations. If she wants a baby they should be trying NOW. By "implants" I assume you mean invitro fertilization?
That is a question best answered by a doctor. Some women, like me, come from families where babies over 40 are common. My maternal grandmother had three children after 40 back in the day. I have a great aunt who had more than one after 40 and a great aunt who had one after menopause. Needless to say, I continued to use BC for a LONG time. It depends. Some women can, some can with help and some can't. She'll know in a few years which she is.
I do, however, agree with the posters recommending she start trying NOW. She doesn't have the luxury of time and there is a high liklihood she'll need IVF and, possibly an egg donor.
She should talk with her ob-gyn and get tested now, this way if she has any issues that can be treated, they'll be treated before she actually tries to get pregnant. And maybe her soon to be husband should be tested too. The more information they have, the less disappointed they'll be if it doesn't work out, and the easier it will be for them to decide what to do (IVF etc).
As for having a healthy baby, yes it's possible, and she will be monitored very closely by her doctor during her pregnancy anyway.
not really. Lot's of women over 30 get pregnant (the OP is talking over 40). Large numbers of disabled... depends on what you mean by disabled. The chances of Downs Syndrome increase dramatically when mom is over 40.
After age 40, it is more difficult to conceive, there is an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome, and there is an increased risk of miscarriage.
Healthy older mothers may do quite well, but age increases the risk of some medical problems including high blood pressure and diabetes.
There are also some risks associated with advanced paternal age.
A consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist would be an excellent idea for this couple.
Spontaneous pregnancy does not occur after true menopause. Women have gotten pregnant well into their fifties, however.
OP, if you're friends with this woman perhaps you could advise her not to wait a year if she plans to do it. If she does get pregnant there is a definitive test called the materniT21 that can be done within the first trimester. It tests fetal DNA left over in the mother's blood from GS I believe. It analyzes the fetal chromosomes for the major trisomies. It's a relatively new test on the market (2011) and quite ground breaking.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
