Is 39 too old to have a baby?

After age 35, there's a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications that might lead to a C-section delivery. The risk of chromosomal conditions is higher. Babies born to older mothers have a higher risk of certain chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome. The risk of pregnancy loss is higher.

Understand the risks

The biological clock is a fact of life. But there's nothing magical about age 35. It's simply an age at which risks become more discussion worthy. For example:

It might take longer to get pregnant. You're born with a limited number of eggs. As you reach your mid- to late 30s, the eggs decrease in quantity and quality. Also, as you get older, your eggs aren't fertilized as easily as they were when you were younger.

If you're older than 35 and haven't been able to conceive for six months, consider asking your health care provider for advice.

A multiple pregnancy is more common. The chance of having twins increases with age. This is because hormonal changes could cause the release of more than one egg at the same time. Also, assisted reproductive technologies — such as in vitro fertilization — can play a role.

The risk of gestational diabetes increases. This type of diabetes occurs only during pregnancy. It's more common in older age.

People with gestational diabetes must maintain tight control of blood sugar through diet and physical activity. Sometimes medication is needed too. Left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause a baby to grow larger than average. Having a larger baby increases the risk of injuries during delivery.

Gestational diabetes also can increase the risk of premature birth, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and complications to your infant after delivery.

The risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy is higher. Research suggests high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy is more common in older age. Your health care provider will carefully monitor your blood pressure, along with your baby's growth and development.

If you develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, you'll need to see your health care provider more often. Also, you may need to deliver your baby before your due date to avoid complications.

There's a greater risk of premature birth and having a baby with a low birth weight. Premature babies often have complicated medical problems.

The chance of having a C-section goes up. After age 35, there's a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications that might lead to a C-section delivery.

The risk of chromosomal conditions is higher. Babies born to older mothers have a higher risk of certain chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome.

The risk of pregnancy loss is higher. The risk of miscarriage and stillbirth increases with age. This may be because of preexisting medical conditions or because of chromosomal conditions in the baby.