Motherhood over 40

[spitItOut39]

Salma Hayek, Elizabeth Edwards, Elizabeth Vargas, Annie Leibowitz, Brooke Shields, Susan Sarandon, Madonna, Halle Berry, Nancy Grace and numerous other women are having babies later in life. We have all heard of common complications facing older mom's, Down's syndrom (Sarah Palin), Miscarriages and lower fertility rates are some risks older women face when deciding to conceive, but what about the positives of being a mom over 40? I had my son when I was 25. I had been married for over 7years when i got pregnant and it was planned, but when he was actually born and the reality of parenthood set in, it was a lot more difficult than I could have ever imagined. I think younger women are not well prepared for children and all that entails. Younger mom's have complications with pregnancies as well, gestational diabetes, lower birth weight babies and miscarriages just as frequently as older mom's. I think the more mature you are and the more prepared for life in general, which only comes from living life, as well as a healthy body and mind, make the best combination for motherhood. Opinions, suggestions, concerns?

[pinky]

Actually, the statistics tell a complicated story about pregnancy and miscarriage....the risk of miscarriage essentially doubles in the 34-and-over age range, the highest rate of (naturally-occuring) twins is at 37 or 38, and it does become harder to conceive as you get older.

I agree that in many cases, younger women (teens to mid-twenties) really don't have the life experience that helps them in raising children. New studies of the brain have shown that the part of the brain that is responsible for ethical decision-making doesn't really mature until about 25, so it might be best to wait until then to have kids. However, the physical demands of childbearing and rearing are pretty severe, and better borne by a younger woman.

I had my kids in my mid-thirties, and I was able to handle the physical stresses pretty well, as I was consistently working out during that time period, despite not being able to do so during my first pregnancy due to a knee injury. I definitely noticed the difference with my second child, as I was able to continue my workouts all the way through. (Childbirth wasn't much different, but my recovery time was MUCH shorter!) I'd like to think I did a good job of raising them, and that seems to be the case, as they are now young adults and thriving.

Having children well into your forties brings a lot of different issues into play, including Down's Syndrome and more difficulties for the mom. I also see a problem down the road for many of these kids. The likelihood of losing one or both parents at a young age is greater, and the financial burden continues until much later in the parents' life, depleting their retirement savings. For the women you mentioned, that's not really an issue. But for the average, everyday woman, it can be very serious.

[spitItOut39]

I definately agree with you on some points you have made, especially the financial part. I never thought I would want to have more children, especially not at 39, but my boyfriend is only 29 and really wants to have a child. As of this time I am undecided, and I realize the complications that could possibly occur. Your chances of conceiving naturally after 40 are only about 5% so maybe I don't have too much to worry about. I know in my 20's and well into my 30's I got pregnant by looking at a penis, so maybe now my super oven has cooled off a bit. I still believe that if a woman is healthy and mature enough to be a wonderful mom, age, within reason, is not going to be the sole determining factor in a healthy pregnancy. Every pregnancy has it's ups and downs, both for young moms and older moms. Working at a place filled with MH MR patients and reading their histories has taught me that many young mom's with alcohol addictions and serious drug addictions have caused problems to their babies. I think where you are mentally and physically in life plays just as big of a part in the child's welfare and well being as much as age. Some young women are totally unhealthy mentally and physically while some older women are much healthier and well equipped for the mental stability motherhood entails. Thanx Pinky.

[Jim Colyer]

I am not sure it is a good idea for a woman to get pregnant over 40. I always think of Julie Newmar.

[spitItOut39]

So when you think of pregnancy over 40 Catwoman comes to mind? INTERESTING....yet confusing??? Please elaborate.

[BrookeS]

It's just too dangerous and not good for both the mommy and the bady.

[spitItOut39]

No it's not. Not if the mother is healthy and capable of caring for the demands of a baby. Younger mom's don't know what they're in for. Sorry, but unless you are seriously unhealthy and a lot older than 39 or early 40's, i think saying it's bad for the mother and baby is ridiculous. Times have changed a lot and people live longer lives. If your body is still naturally ovulating and you have regular cycles, to me that means you are still able to have a healthy happy baby at an older age, otherwise you wouldn't be able to conceive at all.

[BettiePaige]

My mom had her last child at 41. She never had any complications during her pregnancy, but doctors and other mothers were telling her to get an abortion and the child will have downs syndrome..blah, blah, blah..

The only problem she had is her blood pressure was going up when she was having labor pains and the doctor had to break her water..

It was my mom's sixth child the baby will be 5 on the 18 and she's a very healthy, smart, sweet little girl..
It may run in my family, because my grandmother had her last child at 48..

[spitItOut39]

Thanks for that positive note Lola! My grandmother's are both still thriving and also had their children later in life. No complications or problems either. I don't know if it will happen for me, but if it does i will be working toward a very healthy and happy pregnancy. peace

[spitItOut39]

Planned parenthood...a fantastic concept that more people should consider.

[gutterflower]

it definitely depends on each situation... if it's determined healthy and safe by the doctor, then it's all good. If not, then risks must be weighed. But, none of us here, or in the government, have the right to tell anyone what's "right," "wrong," or "okay" when it comes to issues like this.