How old is too old to have a baby

[Nay35]

I am 36 and have been with my boyfriend nearly three years. He is only 29 and not ready for marriage and kids yet but i am worried cos I would like to get married and have another child (I have a son who is 8) and feel my time is running out. I know woman are having babies well into their 40s but I am concerned of the risk of downs syndrome and other birth defects. I am a very petite woman and worried that the risks of this happening is greater for me.

[Sqad]

Indeed the risk of Down's Syndrome baby accelerates between the ages of 35 and 42 years, so get cracking now if you want a child.

[redcrx]

Im not aware of anything suggesting that your size has an influence on Downs Syndrome risks.

the older you are the higher the risk is, and any non invasive tests (nuchal scan and bloods) can only give the risk, not say whether a baby will have Downs or not.

anyway, i think that as long as mum is healthy and can cope with pregnancy then it shouldnt matter what age they if it is possible. If you are concerned about the risks of Downs with your age then perhaps you should consider it now rather than later.

[joko]

although the risks are higher for downs, in terms of 'being too old' ... as long as your body is able to ...

[netibiza]

I also have a younger man, and I fell pregnant at 42, and we are still together with a terror of a daughter!

[Le Chat]

I was 40 when I gave birth to my second son. I had amniocentesis as I wanted to make sure there was no evidence of Downs Syndrome. All was fine and he is now nearly 8. I found it a lot more tiring at 40, than at 31!

[buffymad]

My mam had me at 46 (I was a very big surprise) and nothing wrong with me!! And i didn't find it weird at all growing up with an older mother. Go for it!!

[LoftyLottie]

I was thirty six. The oldest one in our ante natel group was 42 and she went on to have another one at 44, both fit and healthy. There are more risks of downs syndrome and fertility decreases but lots of women have babies when they are older. I think its time to stop when you can't conceive naturally.

I don't think their are greater risks if you are petite. Not that I know of.

But if you feel ready for another child now and it is causing some conflict then it is time that you spoke quite seriously to your boyfriend and put your fears to him.

[chrissa1]

Because of WW11 my Mum didn't have me until she was 36 and then had my younger brother when she was 40.

[LoftyLottie]

And they didn't get all the ante natal care and observations that Mum's do now Chrissa. In fact I certainly didn't only 28 years ago. Not even a scan.
Older Mum's get very good care these days.

[Nay35]

Thanks everyone for your replies. My Bf an I went away a couple of weekends ago and we did discuss it. He did ask me how soon I wanted one. I said no later than 38 (I am 36 now). He didnt say anything to that I think hes taken it onboard. Will have to wait and see!.

[netibiza]

I had scans although couldn't make out anything, not like the ones today. I didn't have an amniocentesis, as the private doctor said my blood results showed no problem and as it would have meant flying to the next island thus increasing the risk of miscarriage, I was very glad, and daughter is fine (but a pain!)

[islasmum]

My mother was 40 when she had me, and gave birth at home with no problems. I was a bit of a surprise - my sisters are 10 and 12 years older than me! but then I did get rather spoilt!