Should I have a baby at 40? Now, there’s a question that certainly deserves some reflection, as well as some medical advice. You know that there are higher risks involved as you age. But what exactly are those risks? Should you abandon the idea? The following information may help you make an informed decision.
An accomplished woman
Having a baby at 40 entails some significant advantages. If this is your first pregnancy, you have most likely had time to complete your studies and reach a few career goals. And you’re probably also more financially stable than you were at 20. Many of your past experiences will serve you well as you raise a child. In short, you are a mature and accomplished woman.
Fertility problems ahead
But there are other challenges to consider when you’re asking yourself “Should I have a baby at 40?” The biggest one is getting pregnant in the first place. Fertility decreases with age; your chances of getting pregnant are around 35 percent at age 40 year and 5 percent after 45. Assisted reproduction may be a solution; however, it is also less effective in older women.
The risks associated with a late pregnancy
The main risk in late pregnancy is miscarriage. After age 40, one out of four pregnancies ends in a miscarriage during the first three months. But once the first trimester is over and if you are in good health, all chances of giving birth to a healthy child are on your side. Nevertheless, the following risks do increase in comparison with a woman in her twenties:
- high blood pressure
- gestational diabetes (in Canada, after the age of 40, this occurs in 1 out of 8 pregnancies)
- placenta previa, wherein the placenta obstructs the cervix (in Canada, this occurs in 1 out of 65 pregnancies for women older than 40, compared to 1 out of 208 for women 20 to 34 years of age)
- cesareans (in Canada, one third of women older than 40 must give birth by cesarean section)
The risks for baby
A late pregnancy also presents risks for baby. There is a higher level of premature births, and the risk of having low birth-weight babies increases. The rate of chromosomal problems is much higher, as well; in Canada, 1 mother out of 127 aged 40 years or older will give birth to a child with chromosomal problems, compared to 1 out of 1,000 for women 20 to 34 years of age.
So, should I have a baby at 40?
Without a doubt, it is an important decision. Do you still have all the patience that’s required? Will you be able to deal with menopause and adolescence at the same time? And what about the generation gap? One thing is for sure; if you do decide to have a baby at 40, rigorous medical follow-up is definitely required. Among other things, your doctor will be able to advise you on the healthy habits you should adopt so that every chance for success is on your side.
