Getting Pregant After 50 - Kingshill,VI

Even if you still are having a period, you likely do not have any viable eggs left. After 35 years or so of ovulating month after month, the eggs get old and you run out of them. So while you may feel like you are having a normal cycle, you probably are no longer fertile. The majority of the time it takes heroic efforts by doctors and perhaps donors for a woman of 50 to get pregnant. Of course there are exceptions...My mother's last pregnancy was when she was 54. That was a pretty rare occurance.

It's hard to deal with that urge to have a baby. I think most women have that desire to hold their own newborn at times, no matter the age. But...you really need to think about what your life would be like with an infant and toddler in your 50's. Even though you bring maturity, patience, and possibly financial stability to parenting, the physical toll would be tremendous. A few years from now you will be elderly and your child would still need you to take an active role in their life.

You have a lot to think about. Take care and good luck in your new marriage.

I am in no way trying to be mean or judgemental but think of the child. That child will need you and just think when they are 20 and desparately need guidance and support you will be 70. With cancer so high these days and many passing away in their 60's I don't think it is fair to the child. I know you want to have a child with the man you love but think of that child and what they would go through losing a parent at possibly a young age. God bless and good luck with your decision.

This may seem harsh, but having a child when you are 50 is very unfair to the child. Perhaps you could consider adopting a child who needs you very much. I pray you let God lead you in this one.

Hi,
You know, I would really suggest you try adopting. I think the risk for having a downs child is extremely high. My sister in law has a 25 yr old, a 8 yr old, and now a 6 year old that has downs. She was 45 when she had the last child. It is very difficult for her and her husband. I don't think they realized that it would be. Mainly because they are older AND he is one of the slower of the downs children. He will always have to have someone take care of him, either a facility or his brothers once his parents pass. Which hopefully, is another 30 years or so. They are both in their 50s now.

Of course, you could go for it and it may work out just fine. I just think that at this point that you could adopt or even be a foster parent or even a mentor to a foster child out there. These children sure need all the love they can get.

Good luck and best wishes whatever the decisions you decide to do. Children are wonderful and I'm glad you have found your soon to be husband! That is truely a blessing!!!

I have to admit, I agree with Carla, who gave some really good insight. But the answer to your question is to see your OB/GYN for a thorough exam. Then you can sit down with him/her and discuss your concerns and have the answers you need before making an informed decision. Congratulations and Best Wishes on your new marriage. Take time to nuture your married relationship and grow as a couple.

Best of luck,
J.

I would think that this would be a question for your doctor. If you haven't been to see him/her, that would be the place to start. I am 50 and think that this would be hard on my body at this age. Good luck, I hope you get the news you are praying for.

Congratulations on the marriage, but trying to have babies at 50+? My mother had her twins at 43 and I thought that was pushing it. Her girls are now 25 and still need her. My father has passed and she just retired at age 67. She is tired of working and finally decided she can no longer provide for them. As well, my oldest daughter is 26 and moved back home. I know living at home in adulthood is not something that every child or family does, but many do, as they still need help in getting their life going.

I am certain you have given thought to all of this, but I just can't imagine being in a situation to have to still work at 70+ years for the sake of my children, whom I will do anything for.

Are you really thinking of yourself here and everyone involved?

Please don't get me wrong, but our bodies and physical strength just weren't made to last forever, unfortunately. At age 67, my mother has arthritis and just had colin cancer. The doctors spoke to me as if when you get that old you are bound to have something so we are not surprised. They said if she were 40 with cancer, they would really be interested in my getting checked and the family history, but at 67 they were not concerned. She is strong as could be and always has been, but is tired and pretty much decided she doesn't want to go back to work. This means, a limited income and financial assistance from myself and the rest of my siblings.

Even if you don't work, kids just need so much of your patience, time, and devotion. We love our baby girl, but I am constantly getting up and taking her somewhere. The frequent potty breaks can drive you nuts because you can't shop in a store without 10 minutes into it having to go check out the restroom...and I mean check it out because once you are there, they don't have to go anymore. Some shopping days require two trips to the potty. There is not much running in and grabbing something for dinner because she has to stop the cart and ride on the side, the front, or the back. Even a trip to the grocery store can be nerve racking on some days and she is three. I always tell myself there will be no more babies because I don't feel I have the patients for another one. Even though motherhood is probably better at this age then when I had my first daughter, there are still days my patience are shot.

Please give this further thought and consider everyone, from yourself, spouse, current child, and future child.

If you enjoy children, you can always adopt.

Again, please don't be upset at my comments, I feel my mother went through it with her children and I go through it sometimes with mine. I love kids, but any more would be too much to take care of for me.

Best of luck.
C.

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but if you were to get pregnant after 50, the risk of Down Syndrome is EXTREMELY high. I believe 1 in 3 for over 50. I wouldn't take that chance.

I don't want to sound rude or authoritative, but trust me on this. You will have to use an egg donor to get pregnant. You will still be able to carry the baby (if everything else checks out). You basically have zero chance of using your own eggs. Again, you will be able to have a child, just not biologically your own. You should talk to a fertility specialist now. Good luck.

You should consult with a fertility specialist, as they will be able to evaluate both you and your husband to determine what factors, if any, may be contributing to problems getting pregnant. You should be able to get a referral from your regular OB/Gyn for this sort of specialist.

I was lucky enough to get PG at 42 w/ my daughter (she's now almost 5) and I just gave birth to a very healthy boy at 47! It can be done w/o fertility treatments (I'm proof) but it is very difficult. I'm sorry everyone is so negative about trying...you should definitely get tested for everything and have an amnio. just so you know what to expect. My friends who are parents to disabled/Down's children wouldn't trade their kids for anything and I'm sure you would feel the same way. It's like winning the lottery to have kids later in life and I say you have to play to win! so Good Luck and be healthy!

Congratulations on your marriage. Being a mom with "age and experience" has its benefits. Good luck and God Bless!

Go to your OB/GYN and discuss it & have an exam. That is they only way you will know for sure, about any biological or fertility problems.

My friend, was 47 when she had her 2nd child, via IVF. (she and her Hubby are the same age).
It was a normal pregnancy and vaginal birth. She is fine and does not regret having had her 2nd child at this age.
It was a planned pregnancy.

I don't know about having a child over 50.
But each person is different.

How old is your husband? This impacts ability to conceive as well.

How does your Husband feel about you or he having a baby at this age? I'm sure you both talked about it.

Well, it's never a clear cut decision.. but I can certainly understand your feelings.

But the first thing, would be to consult your Ob/GYN and have a complete exam and discuss your wishes to him/her.

All the best,
Susan

Are you kidding me?! You havent started going through menopause yet?! Are your periods as normal as they were growing up and through adulthood?
I am 47 yrs old. I had my baby when I was 43, almost 44, and people were quite amazed. I didnt have to take fertility pills, or see a Dr or anything. She was unexpected. It was very very rare at my age then, to become pregnant.
Your body only has a certain amount of eggs, and when they start dwindling, that's all folks. Your body will stop producing them less and less starting around, generally 35 yrs old.
My baby girl is three now. I also have a 16 yr old. I am a single mom. I am so happy that I had the little one because Drs and nurses tried to say alot of negative things about the dangers of the pregnancy for down syndrome, etc., past something like age 36. I fought so hard for Lillie. My husband of 7 yrs. ended up throwing us(my older daughter and I)out on the street on day in LA and I was five months pregnant. He screamed at me to get an abortion. He did everything in his power to force me into it, and when I didnt he turned his family on me and boy did they go to town. I made it though. And my girls are my whole life. Lillie lit my life up like I cant explain, so if you can I highly recommend it. But take all the tests while pregnant.
I have to say though sweetie, I dont think you can get pregnant anymore. It's unheard of. In vetro? Money money money, on a prayer. It was rare at 43. Good luck.
Go see a Dr and ask to check your hormone levels and that will tell you.

Wendy

Yes, if you see a reproductive endocrinologist (infertility specialist), they can check your hormone levels to see if your eggs are still viable, and if you're ovulating. They can also do an HSG test to see if your tubes are blocked.

But I read an article once where the doctor said that most women over the age of 40 need donor eggs in order to get pregnant.

Good Morning,

If you are still having your period go for it! Take vitamins, do nutrition, get your body healthy, drink water, NAET.com for allergy treatment & book - Say Goodbye to Illness by Dr. Nambudripad, & Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Balch.

If you are no longer having your period, you may want to see what you can do in the realm of cloning. I went online a few years ago and sent questions to cloning companies about what I can do with my situation.

I have two options, I can freeze my eggs or clone. I am 38 so I've created that I will be married before 42, so I should be okay. I wanted to have children earlier but I've been dealing with some things in my life that I didn't create, so it cost me my timeline.

Moving forward, good luck to you.

Be Well.

N.

Hi Alda,

Thought I would share my experience.

I am going to be 52 in a couple of months, and we have a nearly 27-month-old son whom we adopted. We got him when he was 2 months old and I was 49.

I had more or less given up on having children, and then one day it happened (long story, though).

I have to say that I am a very energetic 50ish woman, and often am pegged to be 10 years younger. However, it is definitely tiring to chase after a toddler, and rarely do I have a night when I get to sleep without being woken 1-3 times.

Apart from all of the other advice you've already received about medical issues, etc., I had an idea:

Before pursuing pregnancy, you could see how a newborn schedule would suit you and your husband by setting the alarm to go off at night every 3-4 hours. One of you would get up, go to the kitchen (i.e., actually get out of bed), and then come back after about 15 minutes, re-set the alarm and get back into bed. Do this for a couple of weeks in a row and see how you both feel.

This exercise will at least let you know if you have the energy and/or stamina for a newborn.

The next step would be to offer to babysit someone's toddler for a half-day. Or foster a toddler for a couple of days. And then see how that goes with a toddler.

I am making these recommendations because I think we all tend to look at things we really want through rose-colored glasses, and then get a reality check later on.

Even though I have LOTS of stamina for my age, there are days when I say to my husband, "You have to come and rescue me and play with our son. I cannot go one more minute or I am going to have a breakdown!"

As you know, it's a lot of work to properly care for and raise a young child, and you want to be sure that the strain of it is not going to put a strain on your new marriage. I'm confident you figure it all out!

I wish you the very best with everything!

D.