What do statistics say about having babies

in your 30's? I am 32 newly married and none yet... would 36 years old cutting it close?

Re: What do statistics say about having babies

Re: What do statistics say about having babies

What is the cut off age? I thought it was 36 or 37 but I'm not sure. I guess it depends on your genetic background and if your healthy enough right?

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There is no "cut off age" really.

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There is not cut off age, but the risks increase at 35...

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My friends step mother just had her second.. and she's 46.

Re: What do statistics say about having babies

Re: What do statistics say about having babies

Posted by Splooky

My friends step mother just had her second.. and she's 46.

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I just had my first last week. I got pg at 38 and delivered at 39. There is increased risk but there are so many tests offered now - that you can take or opt not to - to let you know that things are going ok...

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First things first. Do you get your period regularly? Do you ovulate around the same time every month? You have to look at your personal history more than any age bracket. And if you are on the ill I would go off and use another method of BC so you can see what your real cycle is like

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I am in my late 30s and I am sorry but I find it extremely insulting for anyone to imply that I am past a "cutoff age." I am having a baby when DH and I are ready.

Re: What do statistics say about having babies

Re: What do statistics say about having babies

Re: What do statistics say about having babies

Re: What do statistics say about having babies

Pass me the gun when you're finished--I'm 39 and will be 40 when the baby is born!

I do hate the attitudes you hear also. I saw one doctor who wanted to know "why I waited so long" (this when I was about 36, and asked in a scolding tone. I told him I wasn't married, and didn't think I could make it as a single parent. His response was something like, "well, at least you didn't let your career get in the way," and so what if I did? Needless to say, I never saw him again.

Seriously, talk to your doctor. After 35 the risk of birth defects does rise, and it also may be harder to become pregnant. This doesn't mean you shouldn't wait if the timing isn't good right now, just know what your risks are. Your genetic background (and DHs) also play a role.

In my case. my doctor didn't seem too concerned. I was in good shape before getting pregnant and had few health problems. Neither DH or my family seem to have genetic disorders passed along.

Personally, I think it's best to wait until you are truly ready, and don't get so fixated on age. It doesn't sound as if you have to rush now.

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You really have no way of predicting your own cut-off, that's based on menopause and is different for everyone. You're chance for health issues for both mom and baby increase after 35.

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I am 36 and we are almost 21 weeks pg.

My friend out in California is 42 and ppregnant with her 1st! She is 16 weeks and going strong.

They say that they are risk factors for certain problems after 35 yrs old. Also, sometimes ability to get pregnant may be a little tougher ( egg quality etc.)
Nowadays, there are so many people having children later in life then before.

Definitely an individual basis kind of thing

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My cousin had her first at 23. Then her second at 38 and her third at 40. She had a healthy pregnancy and babies with all three and didn't have a hard time getting pregnant either.

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Statistics also show that children born to older parents tend to be "better adjusted" as the parents tend to be able to provide more financially, be in more stable relationships, as well as have a more established sense of where they are in life by the time their children are born......

I'll be 34 when my critter arrives....

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I am 36, DH is 42...we weren't even trying and got pregnant and had a healthy baby with no problems

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Let's clarify something--when the mother is past age 35, she does not automatically have a baby with 3 heads!!! The chance of chromosomal disorders goes up but the chances are still very small. The very same disorders do exist with younger mothers. In fact, there are more downs syndrome babies being born to younger mothers than to mothers over 35 (there are more births, too but this does show that no one is immune from possible birth defects).

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Re: What do statistics say about having babies

I freaked out when I heard something stupid on oprah about having kids before 30 reduces cancer rates. I told my OB that and she laughed - she had her first of three kids at 36 and no problems!

I hate that so much is based on arbitrary numbers - but I think more and more people/doctors are leaving that mentality behind.