Is it prudent for a woman over 40 to become pregnant?

Question

Does the probability of Down Syndrome increase?

Answer 1

is it for anyone other than the people concerned to judge? im 37 and my downs risk is less than half what it is supposed to be at my age. It is a common misconception that downs only occurs in older women when in fact the majority of downs kids have young parents

am i getting thumbs down becsue i am low risk when you seem to think i shouldnt be or because i educated myself on the subject by working with downs? hmmm i wonder??

Answer 2

the probability increase a lot i think its nearly doulble to some one in there 20's

Answer 3

Not as far as I'm aware. My mom had my little sister when she was 43. My sister is 4 now and it's scary sometimes how smart she is and how much she remembers. And no, I'm not just being a proud older sister, other people notice it too.  

Answer 4

Statistics show that the odds increase for having a baby with Downs after age 36.  There are even higher after 40.  Talk to your OB/Gyn if you decide to get pregnant.  They will give you the numbers and let you know when testing can be done once you are pregnant.  This should not keep you from having a baby.  If we all went to the land of "what if" we would never go on with life. Good luck.

Answer 5

The risk is greatly increased, however....my mum had me at 42, and they said i would most definately have it...but i havent!