How risky is having babies over 40?

[SixtiesChild]

Is there anyone out there who's had more than one baby past the age of forty?
I've recently turned 40 and am expecting my second child. The pregnancy has turned into a high risk one due to central placenta previa and I'm booked in for a c-section in three weeks.
However, I can't help but wondering if that means I can't have any more babies due to the risk associated with advanced maternal age. How risky is it really, having babies over the age of forty?

[Goosie22]

All the risk factors statistics that I know of are for women having thier first baby over 40. And its not just age is other health considerations also so don't let anyone worry you.

I have a friends who have had babies over 40 no worries, there is a higher risk of downs but that kicks in at 35 anyway. Just relax if you feel like you can handle having more kids and your health isn't letting you down go for it. Enjoy your new baby.

[my babyemmy]

the lady across the road from me has had 4 kids since she turned 40, she has had all normal kids (& she tells me she will probably stop at 50!:)
Have as many kids till whatever age you feel you can as your life is up to you!:)

[gracebellasmum]

I've had 2 children since turning 42. No I didn't wait it just happened that way. I have had problems with BP and ended up with Pre-eclampsia for #1. Nothing with #2 (I was 45 when she was born).. The odds are against older mums but with care all should be fine. These things all happen to younger mums too. I am sure they all have nights like me. 4am and I can't sleep. DD2 will wake soon for her next feed better go she will wake DH.

[ButterflyKisses]

I had my one and only child when I was 41 via IVF. I had no problems at all BP was great all the way through my pregnancy, no diabetes etc. I worked fulltime right up until I was 8 months pregnant, had boundless energy throughout (more than what I do now as DS now 2yrs old.

I had all the usual tests for women over 35. Due to my age the risk of downes syndrome was a 1:50 chance when they did the test it came back as 1:62 chance.

I don't drink/smoke so didn't have any problems there. DH doesn't smoke either. I gave up all caffeine, ate much more healthier, lots of freshly made fruit/vegie juices at home, walked more etc. and we were blessed with a healthy 9lb 8oz DS.

would love #2 but as I'm 44 & DH 48 he thinks we were lucky once with a healthy DS he's terrified that we may not be so lucky next time. Secretly I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we may fall naturally as DH doesn't want to go down the IVF road again.

[Miaow]

I had EJ at 40 - I do smoke (didnt manage to give up unfortuantely) and my BP did go up a little during the pregnancy I was already on betablockers for slight tachycardia so they just increased the dose slightly which controlled it.

My tests i had for downs etc was 1:425 so i didnt require any futher testing and the pregnancy was pretty good apart from hip pain - no morning sickness etc They did think I had part of the placenta low but U/S's at 30 and 34 weeks showed all was ok

Had a pretty fast labour and natural delivery with no problems - EJ was 7lb 1