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how old is too old to have kids?

By October 26, 2010 - 1:01pm
 
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Hi miyama9220,
Thanks for your question and for being a part of the EmpowHER community. Good question. The simple answer is a woman is too old to birth children when she has gone through menopause. I've heard reports on the other hand that men can father children well into their "golden years." I'm not sure I answered your question though. I may need a little more background to provide the answer you're looking for.
For instance, in my own situation: I'm 39 and thinking of having another child. I'm not sure I can because I may not be able to carry a pregnancy based on personal reproductive health, particularly the increased risk of miscarriage. On the other hand, I may consider adoption, or foster-care. So I guess what I'm saying, that at nearly 40, I don't think I'm too old to have kids. I have friends a few years older than me who have birthed children. My own grandmother had my mother at 42. There was a story of a 66yr old woman just this past summer who gave birth to triplets! Yes, she used IVF. My point is, many women would rejoice at being able to get pregnant no matter what their age. They go through every day dreaming of having and raising their own child--is this you? In my own little world, I figure I will never regret trying, I may however regret not trying. It's a personal choice in the end. And making sure you are able to care for the children is the real question in my own opinion, as opposed the the age one. But there is a lot of room for theorizing on the whole thing. I think it comes down to what's right for you and your own family. How's that for an answer? Let's talk about it!
You may be interested in joining one of our groups on parenting or fertility/conceiving:
EmpowHER Groups
Good luck! Thanks again for your question, and let us know how else we can help you.
-Christine

October 26, 2010 - 1:41pm

We have had some lively discussion about this very question, and you can read the original question and ongoing responses: Is 45 too old to have a baby.

Let us know if you have any specific health questions we can help you answer! Are you wanting to know specifically about your age, and having a child?

October 26, 2010 - 1:14pm
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