Pregnant at 44?

bump...I am 38 , also wondering the same thing as I probably won't be having one anytime soon

It's not impossible. Just difficult, and the risk of there being complications with pregnancy rises a lot after the age of 35, apparently.

That being said, a friend of mines mother was 46 when she had her.

Good luck

I am 40, other wise completely healthy. The only thing I think that would be different this time than my 2 others, is being more tired than I was when I was younger.....but heck....that isn't just about pregnancy/babies, that is just life.:) I say if someone has no reason health wise to worry, go for it. Prenatal care has come so far now....Good luck to you if you decide it is right.:)

My aunt had her daughter at 44, now a friend of my Mom is pregnant at 46 and up until now, everything's fine.

It's possible, but of course the risks are higher.

It's not 44, but my mother had my baby sister when she was 38. She had ne and my brother in her early 20s.

It was actually unintended, as from family history she was thinking she had early menopause symptoms. Her placenta separated during the pregnancy, due to uterus aging, but she managed to get the pregnancy to the 8 month without the heavy medication the doctor recommended. My sister was born 8 months into the pregnancy and she is a healthy child. She gave birth in the natural way with no problems. My mom in the other hand has severe back problems during the last months of pregnancy.

But her best friend that wanted children at 40 years had many miscarriages, and in the end managed to gave birth and the baby does have development problems and a hearing deficiency (born it was born 7 months in the pregnancy).


It really depends on the woman, her health and so on. Agging affects every woman differently and their internal organs differently. But investigations
In the end, even a 25 years woman can smoke the hell out all pregnancy and give birth of a baby with problems. It's not only the age, it's about how much care you give to your body during the period you are trying to conceive and during the pregnancy. It's getting harder with the age, but not impossible.

Even though you're past your optimal fertility age, it certainly is possible to conceive at 44. However, please, please realise that your chances of having a baby with Down syndrome and other developmental disorders are very high at your age. Please only try for a baby if you know that you would be well equipped to handle that kind of thing.

My niece is 42 and expecting her first baby in March. You can do this!

My Grandmother had her last child at 50. I didn't start having children until I was 30 and had my third one when I was 40. It's very possible. The older you are the harder it is on your body , just keep active for as long as you can.

I used to work OB/GYN and had a case in which a 54 year old was pregnant with twins. Granted, she achieved pregnancy via IVF but successfully carried them to term and delivered without complications. At age 35, pregnant women are considered to be AMA = advanced maternal age / higher risk....and as someone else mentioned, this involves closer monitoring, more doctors appointments, etc....

Many more women of "AMA" are achieving and sustaining normal uncomplicated pregnancies these days - my recommendation for anyone in this category would be to consider having a pre- pregnancy planning meeting with her OB/GYN and / or genetic counselor / peri-natologist.

great info!!! :happy:

I think it's a mad idea...dangerous for the mother and if you do have a child at this age you will have no retirement to look foward to at all...but then I am selfish and could not bear the thought of having to look after a teenager whilst in my late 50s/early 60s

Speak for yourself.

The risk are high, but sometimes it works out. I'm living proof of that. My mother was 43.5 and my dad 4 days shy of his 45th birthday when I was born. It never bothered me one bit that my parents were older and that my friend's parents were the ages of some of my brothers and sisters. I also treasure being from a large, loving family.

I would consult with a geneticist, though. When I was born....almost 49 years ago....1 out of 33 babies born to mothers that were my mother's age had what we now call Downs Syndrome. I know it's not the only genetic defect possible. You should weigh your risks.

My Mum had me, her 8th child, at 45. She is now 89 and doing great. Good luck, be sensible and all should be well.

My maternal grandmother was born when her mother was 45. My paternal grandma had my aunt and uncle at 40 and 42, respectively. Completely by accident, apparently. It happens much more frequently than people realize.

My own mom had me after 35 and I'd say I benefited from having "experienced" parents. They made a lot of mistakes with my brothers since they were very young when they had them. I got the benefit of wisdom that comes with age. And mom claims that I keep her young!

Best of luck to you, either way.