[giridhar123]

I am 42, is it too late to think of having a baby?

[Fr_Chuck]

Are you still ovulating ? It is latter in life and only your doctor can tell you, the specific risks you may have. It is possible, but will have additional issues because of your age

[giridhar123]

Thanks

[Fr_Chuck]

So many issues, how is your heart, are you over weight, high blood pressure, other general health and then lots of female health issues.

Also energy, I was 45 (I am a man of course) when my son was born, I find now at 57, I do not have the energy to play football or basketball as much as the younger dads who are in their early 40's now. That is a consideration, you will be 60 when child is graduating from high school, you will be retiring when they graduate from college

[Wondergirl]

My brother-in-law and his wife adopted a newborn when they were 40, and then another newborn when they were 43. Other kids and their parents initially thought my bil and his wife were the grandparents, not the parents. And no, they couldn't keep up physically and emotionally as the two daughters grew up, especially when they were teens.

My bil and his wife are now beset by health and mobility problems, and the two daughters have their own four children -- grandchildren whose grandparents are too old to enjoy them fully.

[giridhar123]

My partner is 8 years younger than me, I guess more energetic.. :) I am reasonably healthy.

[Wondergirl]

First you have to get pregnant. That might take even as long as a year or two (or more). Pregnancy lasts nearly a year. That makes you 44+ by the time Baby arrives. And I haven't even addressed the emotional and medical issues.

Maybe there's a way to bring children into your life -- a volunteer, as a foster mom, by adopting an older child -- and still enjoy the freedom you have as an older adult.

[J_9]

Are you the woman? Yes, there are some serious health concerns with having a child later in life.

[giridhar123]

Yes I am a women, n its my question, tx.

[J_9]

At your age you would be placed in a high risk category even if your pregnancy were uneventful. However, there are risks associated with pregnancy at your age such as gestational diabetes, pregnancy induced hypertension/preeclampsia. You are also at higher risk for having a child with any one of the trisomy's. That includes Down's Syndrome just to name one.

[Wondergirl]

And labor and delivery at her age?

[J_9]

As long as there are no other health issues, labor and delivery shouldn't cause an issue as there is always a risk for cesarean section no matter the age.

Giridhar123, have you ever been pregnant? Do you have any children? If so, what ages please.

[giridhar123]

I have a son from first marriage who is going to go to college, he is 17 going on 18

[J_9]

Since you have one that is 17, it would be, for obstetrics purposes, like being pregnant for the first time all over again.

Again, your advanced age places you at a very high risk for certain pregnancy induced conditions and could also place the fetus in danger as well.

Our bodies are designed to release the healthy eggs during our child bearing years. The eggs that you have now may not be as healthy and you would increase the risk of physical and mental disabilities in your child. Gestational diabetes is a diabetic condition induced by pregnancy, however, with your advanced age, you run the risk of it continuing past pregnancy and it becoming permanent. Pregnancy induced hypertension would place you at risk for a temporary seizure disorder.

As an obstetric professional, I don't recommend pregnancy at your age.

[giridhar123]

Thanks for the advice, J9

[J_9]

I'm sorry that the advice is not what you wanted to hear. I wish I had better advice for you.

What would be best for you if you are serious about this, would be to make an appointment with an OB/GYN in your area to have a preconception work-up done. They will do a PAP smear and check all hormonal levels, as well as a total and complete history and physical examination.

[giridhar123]

Thanks once again, I will meet with a gynae doc.