queer
October 16, 2012, 9:17pm
21
Re: How old were you when you had 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th…child?
As chips already mentioned, most M.D.'s consider 35 and above women “high risk” when it comes to pregnancies even though there’s nothing special about 35. The reason being because complications during pregnancy, and the risk of certain birth defects are above “normal”. This Mayo Clinic article mentions some of these risk factors…but notice that nothing is guaranteed. Many things “might” happen and risks are increased…but there’s no guarantee that those “bad things” won’t happen if you get pregnant in your early 20’s.
Pregnancy after 35: Healthy moms, healthy babies - MayoClinic.com
My mother gave birth to me when she was in her late 20’s BUT she gave birth to my 2 sisters at at age of 37, and 39. My SIL had her baby at 35 (she and her husband are both M.D.s). I have a very close friend whose wife had a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby at 42 (the wife is a L&D nurse). I know several women who are all doctors and they don’t plan on having their first child before 34/35(again, at the earliest). The list goes on and on for me. Given all the doctors I know who’re very well aware of the “risks” and still choose (and manage to) have healthy babies during their mid to late 30’s…I think that whole “you’re doomed once you’re 35” attitude many people have is overrated.
Personal opinion: If you have a health condition (general or GYN related) that you’re already aware of…and your OB/GYN has already told you that it will effect your ability to get pregnant…then of course that should heavily influence your decision. But for women who’re otherwise completely healthy, and who take care of their health (ie. good diet, regular exercise, 0-little alcohol, not being around smoking etc.)…then this “rule” isn’t something to be too concerned about.
no amount of exercise will prevent dna damage to a woman’s ova. a woman has all the eggs she will ever have when she is born, she does not produce fresh ones. these eggs age, die, degrade. it is their natural life span. the reason for the 35 rule of thumb is the quality of a woman’s eggs go down significantly, leading to a noticable increase in genetic defects in babies. if someone has strong views about abortions after early preg. screening for genetic disorders, they must think long and hard before they go down a late pregnancy.