Fertility at 40

Your Comments

• marilyn carter wrote:

  Oct 13, 2008

  2009-09-22 10:48 AM

  I had 9 children with my last born when I was 46 years old and my first at 19. My youngest is still at home. My Down Syndrome daughter (deceased) was born when I was 32 and the joy of my life. I would tell women to have their babies whenever they decide it is right for them.

• s cerantola wrote:

  Oct 14, 2008

  2009-09-22 10:48 AM

  As a 49 year old mother of two adult children 23 and 20 having my children young was the right decision for me. Now going through menopause and all the wonderful symptoms that come with it (HA HA) tiredness,lack of patience to name a few would not be ideal in raising a toddler. I admire the women who have the determination and drive to do this I wish them only good health for themselves and their babies.One last word of warning these babies and toddlers turn into teenagers and that will test every inch of your being. Its hard enough in your late thirties and forties dealing with teenagers I cannot imagine late fifties or sixities. ESPECIALLY the waiting for them to get home at four in the morning . I am looking forward to the grandmother stage and enjoying life with my husband as a couple once again.

• Paula Thompson wrote:

  Oct 19, 2008

  2009-09-22 10:49 AM

  I gave birth to my son when I had turned 44 when I remarried after a divorce. I had 3 children when I was 19, 21 and 24 years old. I can say that yes you become tired and so on; but, so were other younger mothers. Also, at this age you appreciate things more and support their endeavours. With the 19 year old son in high school sports, I became an avid football and sports fan. As I was always there for practices and games; supported the team; great to have the "strapping" young men call me "Mama T" whether it was at the foortball game or in the mall. And to the mom of 49 who said that having the teens out till early morning would be difficult; well, I haven't had that problem with the 3 earlier ones or the last one. Communication is the key.

• anonymous wrote:

  Jun 18, 2009

  2009-09-22 10:50 AM

  I met my husband in my late 30's. He lived in Vancouver, I in Toronto. On our last evening together, after a lengthy visit in Vancouver, we discussed our relationship and our mutual desire to have children. Being 38, we decided we should start trying and then worry about marriage, lving in the same city, etc. Later that evening, my son was conceived! Yes, I know! We still think it was a divine intervention. Our son was born when I turned 39. We knew the risks involved but the desire to have a child was stronger than the stats we read. We both knew we wanted another child so we decided not to use birth control any more. At that age, we didn't care if we conceived right away or not. After three years, I decided that at 42 I was too old to attempt another pregnancy, however, birth control didn't enter our minds... if after three years we couldn't conceive then maybe window of opportunity had closed. Christmas 2007 we decided to go visit family in Portugal. After a long trip and all the excitment it wasn't until New Year's day that I realized I was 5 days late. My joke to my husband was "It's either menopause or I'm pregnant." We decided to rule out the preganancy and bought a home test. First thing the next morning, scurring through a quiet house like teenagers not wanting to wake the parents we sat in a cold bathroom waiting the required 10 minutes. Wild thought flying threw my mind. "What am I going to do with a baby at my age? 44 was too old to have a child!". Well, as my husband announced "Congratulations Mom!" I was both scared and thrilled. Finally our family would be a foursome. I cannot explain how thankful I am that both our children are healthy and growing like weeds. They are our constant source of laughter and amazment. After reading your article and all the stats to my husband, we both kissed the kids and thanked our angels for blessing us with such good fortune.

• marie wrote:

  Apr 06, 2009

  2009-09-22 10:50 AM

  Thanks. Very interesting article. I got pregnant for the first time at age 42.Wasn't trying, just never thought it would happen, after so many years of marriage, and no birth control.My boy is 3 1/2 now. perfectly healthy; and i had no pregnancy issues. No morning sickness, heartburn, anything. So I've learned.. never say never.

• valarie laforge wrote:

  Oct 07, 2008

  2009-09-22 10:51 AM

  Interesting article, I would only ask that you don't refer to Down Syndrome as a mistake or an abnormality (it's not horrible thing). We had our kids in our 20's I think you need the stamina to play with them and keep up with everything that get up to.

• Julia wrote:

  Apr 06, 2009

  2009-09-22 10:51 AM

  I'm one of the statistics of a woman that waited too long. I wanted a career and to be financially stable before having children. Once I was ready I lost a significant amount of weight and was exercising regularly, figuring I'd be the best I could so that I'd have healthy pregnancies. I NEVER thought I'd have problems but after an ectopic and a year later an early miscarriage, we quickly went to a fertility clinic. At 38 I was too late. Several IUI's followed by IVF and then a frozen embryo transfer and $20k out of pocket I had nothing to show for it. Then I turned 40 and gave up. I waited too long and will never have a baby of my own. I wish I was one of the success stories alas I'm not and it has destroyed my faith in everything good. Yet on the flip side my marriage has never been better. I can't even look at adoption as by the time I've gone through that gruelling process I'll be at least 42 and then who would choose us? So now I am trying very hard to refocus on us and travelling, getting a bigger house so we can have more pets and then early retirement up to the cottage. :)

• Pru Ozcan wrote:

  Apr 06, 2009

  2009-11-18 3:01 PM

  I was a very healthy, fit 42 year old when I had my son. He was my 2nd child his sister was 10 years previous to him. I am now 55 and my son is a teenager and its now that I feel more tired, stressed etc., all the things that go with a teenage boy! I don't regret having a baby over 40 you have more patiience and more time to relax with your child when you are older! Thanks.