Possibility of abnormality for a baby born after 40
omnihere posted on Fri, 07/10/2009 - 16:11
I am going to be 40 soon and I have a 2 yrs old son. I and my hubby do plan to have one more kid.
But I have read that babies born after 40 have lot of chances to have physical or mental abnormality. If this is true what are the chances that I might deliver a normal baby even after the age of 40.
hi omnihere,
i came across your question while searching on the net. i have same query.
let's discuss more to learn pros and cons.
Thanking you,
genie.
I have read that a woman’s risk of having a baby with certain birth defects involving chromosomes increases with age. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal birth defect and the possibility of having a baby with this defect at age 40 is 1 in 100.
Thank you Shweta for the info. Can you please elaborate, as I fail to understand what are "chromosomal birth defect" and what does it have to do with age.
Hi genie,
Chromosomes are structures in cells that contain genes. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that includes a combination of birth defects. Affected individuals have varying degrees of mental retardation, characteristic facial features, heart defects and other health problems. I am not sure if it is done in India, but abroad, blood test to detect a woman’s risk for having a baby with certain birth defects, is quite common. And as I said earlier the risks of having a baby with chromosomal birth defect increases with age. But that does not mean you shouldn't try to conceive.
thank you Shweta for your comments.