Pregnancy After 36: Risks, Considerations & Planning

Question
I just turned 36 years old, have never been married and have no children. I've been dating a man for over a year now and we want to marry and have children. He has one child from a previous marriage and is 46. Now I find myself in this incredible rush - I never had the time to think about having children before, but now I want at least one.

I did smoke for 15 years, but quit a few years back except for the occasional social smoke. I eat healthy and work out 4-6 times a week - 2 hours of weights and cardio.

How much time do you think I have biologically before I enter the danger zone. Is having a child at 38 unheard of and not recommended? Both of my sisters had healthy children when they were 36.

Do I still have time?

w.

Answer
You are not too old to conceive or carry a pregnancy. I have many patients in their 40s who are having their first child. My oldest patient was 53 years old having her 23 child. You are considered young and can easily become pregnant and carry a pregnancy to term. As long as you have regular periods (at any age),you can conceive. Good Luck.