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:
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!
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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
October 23, 2009 - 8:52amThis Comment
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