Is It Safe To Conceive At The Age Of 50?

Posted on Wed, 15 Jul 2015

Question: Sir, I am concerned about my wife's health. We were just married last March and I work for the Federal Government. She is not a U.S. Citizen and must really currently in the medical care of the country of the Philippines (which worries me). Last week she was complaining of being tired and becoming dizzy in the afternoons. She has gained a little weight less than 8lbs over the last few months so I suggested she take an early pregnancy test. She took the test and it showed what appears to be a positive result. I am 57 and she is 50. I have always heard there is great risk to the mother and child at this age. Can you advise me what some of the risk are and would you trust the medical facilities of a third word country to be carefull enough to hand any special care she may need?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
She needs a regular check up every 2 weeks.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
A transvaginal scan can reveal a pregnancy of 5 weeks. Maybe she conceived after the scan was done. At the age of 50, there are chances of having a chromosomally abnormal baby. pregnancy induced hypertension or diabetes, low birth weight or a growth retarded baby. She needs a special and thorough care which I fear may not be available at Phillipines. If she is staying here in US with you, then it is best to consult a gynecologist here in US for proper investigations and regular antenatal checkups so that any abnormality or growth discrepancy can be detected earlier.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar