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Many women today are waiting later and later to start a family. Women over 40
trying to get pregnant face medical risks with their age. Special precautions,
however, can be taken to increase chances of conception and ensure a healthy pregnancy.
It's more difficult to conceive after 40, and the miscarriage rate increases with both maternal and paternal age, says Michelle Collins, a certified nurse midwife and an assistant professor of nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville.
It's more difficult to conceive after 40, and the miscarriage rate increases. |
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"My first and only child was conceived after only one month at age 39," says Sue Patton of Basking Ridge, N.J. "Now I'm 43, and I'm having problems conceiving. I've had three miscarriages in the last year, which I'm told is typical at this age."
The miscarriage rate is about 12 percent in women less than 20 years old, and increases to 26 percent in women older than 40, who are at "an advanced maternal age," Collins says. "For women over 35, there is a higher incidence of chromosomal abnormalities; the body's ability to recognize these in an embryo results in the higher miscarriage rate."
I just wanted to say that those of us over 40 who are TTC did not necessarily CHOOSE to "wait" until we were 40 to have kids. I have been married since I was 31, had ONE pregancy at age 37 and am still trying for #2. I didn't "wait" to start a family...it just happened to me this way because I have stage IV endometriosis...
I will e 42 in August and I just found out I am pregnant for the 14th time! Should everything go well this will be baby #8. Our last baby turned 4 in May. I am really nervous this time. This may sound crazy but anyone have any advice?
I gave birth to our daughter 9 days before my 41st birthday, we have a happy, healthy 2 and a half year old. I just found out that I am pregnant again and realize that if all goes well I will be 44 when this baby is born, needless to say, I am a little scared.
Content provided on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be construed to be medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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