Yeah I copped it from LSA. Sue me.
http://www.babiesonline.com/articles/pregnancy/pregnancyafter35.asp
http://www.babiesonline.com/articles/pregnancy/pregnancyafter35.asp
Having babies after 35
- Thread starter femmenoire
- Start date
They produce less sperm and less viable sperm, so an old(er) dad has an increased risk of a child with a genetic/birth defect.
I hate when all these articles post these stats. They always forget to say that if you look at the number of Down Syndrome babies, women under 30 have the majority of them. That is because they are having more children in general. So young women should be concerned about this and get their prenatal care too.
Awww congratulations dadriene!
Personally I don't worry about it because I plan on adopting, but if I do have one praying for health always.
Congratulations! I had my first child at age 36 and he is happy, healthy and wonderful. I am now 39 and want another possibly before it's too late, but I'm happy and complete with my one child, even if I never have another.
I look back at my life now that I am approaching 40 and sometimes I admit I do have regrets in a way that I didn't have children younger. I love motherhood so much and I wish I could have had at least three children, but I have to move on and let it go. It is what it is!
I didn't get married until age 31. I enjoyed my twenties--I traveled, got my education, etc., so I don't have any regrets I suppose--I got to enjoy my youth.
It's funny--all of my friends had their kids in their twenties and now their kids are grown or almost grown and all they talk about is partying and hitting the clubs, etc., because they didn't get a chance to do it younger because they were raising babies.
I have to be honest--I'm glad I "kicked it" in my younger years than trying to go clubbing in my 40's. To each his own I suppose.
That's so true. Thanks for dropping some knowledge. I remember when I was worried about being pregnant at 35-36 with the risk of birth defects, my doctor reassured me and explained it to me that same way---that I had a 98-99% chance of having a healthy baby, in which I did.
I feel the same way Lola. Even if I don't have a natural born child I can't say that I did not get great value out of enjoying my twenties and being my sole responsibility. I don't know the kind of parent I would have made at 23 either- hmmm
In any case things have a way of working out and every path (young parent or older parent) isn't for everybody.You'll be fine. Eat well, exercise and do things in moderation...that will keep you healthy! Also, when you have a baby, it helps keep you "younger" because you have to chase them all the time. (trust me, that's my life now with a toddler..lol)
I have to say it's refreshing to hear a man discuss concerns. Most men I know have the attitude they can have kids whenever, so they don't care about a timeline at all.
