Am I too old to try for number 3?

[zozzle]

Am nearly 39 and am worried about risks of birth defects (esp as we wouldn't contemplate terminating).

Have you noticed more birth defects in women my age? Just wondering as the stats for Downs etc are shocking for 40+.

[Northernlurker]

39 is not too old. Yes there are increased risks but not outrageously so. Go for it.

[notlittlemissperfect]

Make sure you take you pre-natal vitamins, preferably with omegas every day and you should be fine. To be safe you can take a higher dose of Folic acid if you want to be extra safe. I had my first at 39 after trying for 7 years!

[thisisstupid]

Yes the statistics aren't in your favour however statistics mean nothing to the individual there are plenty of mums who have had prefectly healthy babies at the age of 40 (my mum had my brother at 40 and he was fine) and there are a lot of 20 year olds who have babies with problems, i don't think 39 is too old, after all you get the baby you get there's never any guarantees whatever age i say go for it, i would.

[shellmc]

Hello, My mam was 38 when she fell pregnant with my younger brother. 18 years age gap between us.
She was told early on that she was high risk for Down's beacuse of her age, and was offered to have an amnio done where they can draw fluid from baby to be tested but this carries a risk of miscarriage :(.
Thankfully the decision she made was to not have the amnio, and carry on with the pregnancy as whatever would be would be and she was having the baby no matter what.
My little brother was born no complications throughout the pregnancy and couldnt have been more perfect!! I would say go for it. My mam is 46 now, my brother 7 and she wouldnt change anything :) xxx