Does anyone have experience having a baby at 49?

I had DE IVF - several rounds and had B/G twins at 49. They are now four and half yrs old :))
Despite all the health warnings and at times, too much pessimism from others - I had a really good pregnancy. I had no medical issues at all and my duo were each over 71/2 pounds - delivered at 37weeks.
BTW I was never really into fitness or nutrition ... Too busy working long hours and travelling with my job.
Yes, its been tiring and challenging at times but more wonderful and fulfilling than I could have imagined.

I knew in my heart that this was the right choice for me - the drive was overwhelming. Us older mothers may still be in the minority but we offer something very special to our children and families.

Good luck to you whatever you choose .

I am 49, 3 months from turning 50 and over the weekend took a home pregnancy test and saw a big fat plus sign.....We had our first when I was 43 and she is 6 now....my husband and I are a little shocked that I am pregnant and have not decided if we will proceed with the pregnancy given my age and the chances of difficulties. I am healthy and of average weight and height and while we would like our daughter to have a sibling, we are proceeding cautiously while being thankful that we have been given the opportunity naturally. Good wishes to all of you who want to conceive naturally, it can happen!

Hi,I am nearly 49, still v regular cycle & hoping to get pregnant again naturally in the next year. I have had 3 healthy children all in my 40s(last at 47). I'm a Nurse & used to work with severely sick & disabled children every day. You can be a teen mum to a Downs baby or a healthy child can be injured or sick. You cant worry & not try for a baby whatever age u are, in case theres a problem. Pray all will be well, have fun trying & love your baby with all ylur heart

I have to say, that it is a matter of how we feel about ourselves in this matter. I have just turned 49, I have one daughter 25. I am with a younger man who has no children. We have discussed this option and I am willing to give it one last shot. I think for me, is will I have a shot to try and if I do, where can I go that will give me the best support. With all that is against me in flesh, my spirit is moving me in the direction of trying. I am a praying woman and have much faith in our Creator, so for me, this is an important time. Be not discouraged by the ways of man, for All things are Possible to those whom Believe, and if the child does not come of your loins, then the child will come through another medium. Either way, let not your heart be troubled. I pray for all us older younger women, whose bodies feel, and look and seem as if it is possible. Keep on moving towards that dream...Pray in agreement with each other to have strength to get through the challenges. Be the miracle....Amen

My DH and I have been trying for 9 ys. I delivered our very first at the age of 49. This was not a natural pregnancy but IVF. Got the gamut of stupid comments in addition to very supportive comments. You just have to wade through the stupid comments, let them slide off your back, and do what your body is telling you. Because of my advanced age (crunchy old eggs and sparse) and DH swimmer issues, we had no choice but to go to DE IVF - I don't regret it one bit and although saddened sometimes that he does not look like me, all of the stupid comments and sad feelings disappear when he reaches his little arms for me or hunts me down with his commando crawl with a great big smile on his sweet little face. We are considering doing it again for a sibling for him in fact. Some days I think it is crazy when I have an ache or pain, but other days my DH and I think what the hey?! Let's just go for it. Babies at this age keep us young! :)

I am pretty much is your shoes right now. I am almost 49, I have 5 children, 28, 27, 21, 19, 15. I am now remarried, 6 years, my husband is 36 and has no children of his own. He really wants to a child, I am somewhat apprehensive because of my age, possible complications with pregnancy, and baby. I am about 25 pounds over weight. (currently working on the weight issue). I'm otherwise very healthy.

I really don't know what to do, I know the clock is ticking. I have 11 more years to retire from my job. I've been looking forward to this, and traveling, as well as just having time for myself.

I'd appreciate honest opinions.

JulieKSH,

I have one friend who had her children at 46 and 49, and they are all healthy (as is my friend). While there are definitely concerns with older mothers and their pregnancies, they can be well managed. One of the largest concerns with your age group is actually fertility -- getting pregnant can be a challenge, even with regular periods. Your eggs are older and so even perfectly timed sex may not result in a pregnancy. But in terms of societal norm, you should absolutely feel free to pursue this.

Older mothers are more likely to deliver by Caesarean section, though the statistics are stronger for older mothers giving birth for the first time. A study published in Human Reproduction in 2007 said the following:

"The researchers undertook the study to evaluate the risks of pregnancy complications — including Caesarean delivery — associated with advancing maternal age among women pregnant with a single child.
"Overall, older mothers (over age 35) were more likely than were younger women to experience complications during pregnancy and delivery.
"The study authors found that the risk of delivery complications increased with the mother’s age, as did the risk of premature birth and infant death. Such complications include excessive bleeding during labor, prolonged labor lasting more than 20 hours, and dysfunctional labor that does not advance to the next stage.
"In addition, older pregnant women were more likely to have diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy."

BabyCentre.uk.co does note some wonderful things about being an older mum!

"On the plus side, you may have some physical and psychological benefits over your younger counterparts. Women starting a family in their 30s or 40s might lead a healthier life-style; they are often more highly educated and better off financially. They may understand the needs of their bodies, and look after themselves better in terms of exercise and nutrition.
"Mature women can have more positive perceptions of their bodies, and more readily tolerate the symptoms of pregnancy. At this age too, women often have more autonomy - independence and confidence to know what they want, and enhanced people skills to get it."

Is this the case for you, Julie?

That page also has sections that deal with the affect of your age on the baby, and on the birth:

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/ageandpregnancy/

And here's a website that might be great fun for you to explore. It's all about moms over age 40:

http://www.mothersover40.com/

And not that celebrities should affect anyone else's decision, but there have been quite a few high-profile moms in their 40s over the last few years. Nicole Kidman, Halle Berry, Geena Davis, Courteney Cox, Sharon Stone, Diane Keaton, Joan Lunden, Cheryl Tiegs and Susan Sarandon, to name a handful. The world has gotten quite used to seeing pregnant moms of all ages. If you have the energy to have another baby -- and deal with another round of diapers, bicycles, kindergarten and all the rest of it! -- then talk with your doctor, and go for it!

http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/mar2007/nichd-08.htm