70 years old mom. Is it unhealthy selfishness or senile?

70 years is an age when women cook homemade cakes and coddle grandchildren. Unfortunately some people do not attain the age of 70 due to a various diseases and complications of chronic ailments. But there are women who reach 70 and not only feel great but even bear children! It sounds absurd and grotesque but such case really exists. One couple, woman and man at the age of 70 and 76 years old visited BioTexCom clinic. They said they wanted to carry a child and use donor eggs. Medical staff was extremely shocked and surprised. It’s breath-taking, how can such a mature age woman shoot Niagara and be on the edge of incredible risk for both mother and child!? What is the guarantee that parents will come to child’s age of consent. And how child will feel seeing difference between parents of his equals in age and his ones. Doctors and psychologist of our clinic had a talk with this amazing couple:  

Psychologist of the BioTexCom: Do you have own children?

Our marriage is the second one for each of us. I have a daughter, and my husband has two sons from previous marriages. We have married seven years ago. We have union of hearts and want to have child in common.

Psychologist: Do you realize that 70 years, to say the least, is not the age for pregnancy and childbirth?

The age limit to give birth is constantly shifting and if in the 18th century 24 years old girl was considered too old for childbirth, then with the development of medicine there was a significant shift in the age of future mother. Assisted reproductive technologies allow women easily get pregnant at any age. Besides, my husband and I feel great, we lead a healthy life and have a good medical parameter. We do not live by a patterns and act as we want and feel.

Psychologist: Sorry for such question, but are you afraid of death during childbirth?

We think happy thoughts. My husband and I feel confident and know that everything will be ok. Our family is comfortably situated and our child will have happy future. Baby, born in love, is happiness that inspires and gives strength to live on for our child. So, no, we are not afraid and 100% ready for such a step.

Client’s wish is our command. Doctors chose egg donor and conducted 70 - years old woman the IVF program. The implementation went off without a hitch and woman got pregnant! Now mother-grandmother is in seventh heaven and confident that everything will be good.

There is a medical fact that late pregnancy carries a lot of negative consequences. With aging people have many chronic illnesses. During pregnancy they often aggravated. Women after 35 (late pregnancy) can face with number of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. These are miscarriages and premature births, placenta previa, abruption, hydramnion, prolonged pregnancy, gestoses, fetal hypoxia, etc. Pregnant women of any age can face such problems. Let alone that future mother is 70 years old! Nevertheless elderly couple ran the venture without any hesitation. 

Surrogacy - it has been and will stay.

Diagnosis of infertility, inability to conceive a child, has been surviving for a long time. Such notion as "surrogate motherhood", which today is condemned and criticized by some society representatives, originated long before our civilization, according to historical chronicles. In the 21st century religious representatives is first to speak against surrogacy.

But delving deeper into the history, we see that the Old Testament describes one of the surrogacy stories. Thus wife of Abraham Sarah was infertile. That’s why she invited her maid and allowed her to conceive and give birth to their child. In Biblical times it was believed that if a woman cannot have a baby she could pass maid this mission. Serving woman conceived a baby with husband of infertile woman and after baby’s birth gave him back. In this case wife took the child as her own putting him on knees after birth and considering him as genetically relative. History has many cases when in different countries slaves or concubines played the role of a surrogate mother. In those times people, of course, used only "traditional surrogacy", i.e. genetic parents were father and surrogate mother as fertilization took place in a natural way.

Surrogacy was also described in the Sumerian Mesopotamia, XVIII century BC. Childbearing by another woman was even enshrined in the law code of Hammurabi King.

In ancient Egypt, pharaohs often hade recourse to slaves who became surrogates and gave birth to pharaohs children. It was not isolated case – surrogacy was widely practiced by rich and aristocratic families.

As one can see, surrogacy has deep roots and a long history. With the course of time and medicine development it has become possible to conduct surrogacy programs using biological material of infertile couple.

Center for human reproduction BioTexCom offers programs of surrogacy and egg donation upon the favorable terms. Programs “all inclusive”, fixed sum for the chosen program, part-payment, legal documents and it is not a complete list of benefits that our patients can duly appreciate.

Are Unmarried Frenchwomen doomed to childlessness...?

If you are a French woman and not yet married or you just have not met those only one man with whom you want to have a good innings - you has as little chance of seeing own child as of seeing your own ears. One will be surprised and ask: "And what about the so popular IVF and egg donation procedures, with the help of which person can have children without marriage?» France strongly denies use of assisted methods of reproductive medicine by single women. Accordingly, infertile Frenchwomen who have not legalized their relations can only dream of infertile problem solving with the help of modern medicine. In addition to human rights violation such French legislation pushes women to create bogus marriage. In order to have so long-awaited child woman stands ready for anything in particular bogus marriage. But what does it give rise to? Unhappy family, frequent quarrels and recriminations caused by an innocent child. Brave and desperate women go abroad and visit clinics situated in countries where such procedures are allowed by national law. Thus, in Italy single women are offered programs conducted with frozen biological material. BioTexCom Clinic is always one step ahead. Doctors here conduct programs using assisted methods of reproductive medicine only with fresh material! Such practice multiplies chances of success pregnancy.  In addition you have not got married without love only because it’s needed. BioTexCom Clinic! We care about the welfare of our patients!

Letter written by man who was involved during childbirth

We went upstairs on the 5th floor of the maternity clinic, holy of holies where no man has gone before. We were allotted a separate room. From next doors it was heard how birthing mothers whimpered, cried and I realized where I am and what was coming … Love for my wife won the the battle of my mind and fear. My wife had weak labor so doctors decided to start “needle”. I even can’t describe and retell the whole process of labor… The only thing I can say is that it was so hard for me and I have never in my life went through such feelings. Sick nurse put my wife on a drip but after a while something went wrong. I went out into the hallway and cried: “Sick nurse!!!!!Come here!!!” Due to my loud cry at first some birthing mothers went quiet and then rapid labor started. After childbirth they even expressed me thanks. From 5 am. to 1 pm. I was together with my wife. I couldn’t have a smoke break or to go to the WC. My wife said doctors that she must quickly give birth because at 6 p.m. workers must bring us a refrigerator from shop))) By 1 p.m. I was so much exhausted as after ton of dirty diapers unloading. When we left the ward and went to the delivery table I wished to disappear, curl up and die, go off into a faint. But my awareness didn’t want to throw over me. Expulsive pains!!! Oh my God, can it possibly be true??? I fell to pieces together with my wife. My eyes and face arteries were red. I felt that a little more and I will give a birth together with my woman. Crazy cry of the last expulsive pains… then silence… (for some moments it was a complete silence but it seemed to me that hours passed). I felt hairs on the back of my neck bristle and turn gray. And at last our little miracle gave notice with the most excellent and clear voice for the whole humanity that she was born!!! She is ready and wants to live and let things rip! I was announced that my wife gave birth to a girl. I stood and tears came to my eyes when I realized that I became a happy father. All who were in the maternity barn at that moment looked at me with a great respect and congratulated me. Dear women!!! Thank you so much!!!!      

Medical Tourism. Patients Without Borders

People who visit foreign country in order to use assisted methods of reproductive medicine have a great opportunity to combine medical program and interesting acquaintance with a new country. Ukraine and Kiev in particular is worth seeing. Kiev is one of the oldest cities in the world. It originated in the era of the Slavic nation formation. In a few centuries, city became a political center of the powerful state of medieval Europe - Ancient Russia. Kiev is the capital of Ukraine and one of the oldest and the most beautiful cities in the world. It has a rich history of more than 2500 years. Mixture of architectural styles and historical monuments, modern buildings and contemporary architectural figures- all these form appearance of modern capital. One can see Ukrainian Baroque, constructivism and classics working down Kiev streets and squares. New buildings and monuments appeared during the last decade in Kiev. It can be seen high-rise buildings according to the latest designs. In 2012 Ukraine held matches of the European football championship and proved foreign tourists that it is developed, beautiful and welcoming country which is opened to the world in a positive way.

Managers of our clinic can always recommend you sightseeing attractions that are worth seeing and offer you a convenient route. Flight, visit to the doctor, acquaintance with medical program, medical tests, etc. All these can adversely affect patient's emotional condition. That’s why walk round a new city will have a good relaxing affect and make you happy. As psychological calm and positive thinking always help to pass all the procedures easier and achieve needed positive result. Visiting our clinic you can receive fairy priced qualitative treatment which is much less than in European centers of reproductive medicine and without huge queues to a specialist.

BioTexCom welcomes foreign clients!

Today, Ukraine is at a critical time in its history – revolution that took place in the downtown (Maidan), declassification of political activities conducted by country’s president and his deputies, signing of the political part of the Association Agreement with the EU, early elections and as a result power shift in Ukraine. Unfortunately, not all mass media cover the news concerning events in Ukraine and its capital truthfully and impartially. Due to such misinformation a lot of foreigners are falling under a false impression that situation in Ukrainian cities is rather terrible and dangerous. We hasten to dispel all doubts of patients who want to visit our clinic but are afraid of coming to Ukraine because of frightening news from local media. We will not keep the truth away from you that today tumultuous times can be seen in some cities of our country. In general, mostly it concerns south- east part of Ukraine. BioTexCom clinic is located in the capital of Ukraine, Kiev. Here the situation is calm on the streets, there are no military or revolutionary actions, Maidan (downtown where revolution took place) is reconstructed and tidied up, public transport as well as airports and train stations operate smoothly. Our drivers always meet patients in the airport (they wait for clients holding a tablet with the name and surname of the client they meet). Drivers help clients to bring bags and take them from the airport to the clinic or home where they will live. At homes housekeeper welcomes clients, make a meal and help if it needed in any case (call a taxi, help to cope with newborns, contact the clinic manager, buy things or urgently needed medicines, etc.). Our clients, at loose hours have a walk around the city, go shopping, visit cafes and restaurants. We always take care about our guests, so their safety and peace of mind are our priorities. Managers who lead couples always got online and client can contact his manager at any time of day or night, if it will be necessary. BioTexCom is the only clinic which offers its patients the "all inclusive" package. It means that from the moment you step on the Ukrainian land and to day you go home you are in good hands of our center workers. And if safety stay of foreign citizens in Kiev is in ambiguo you will know about it first! As of today you can safely buy tickets to Kiev and visit our clinic without the slightest fear.  

How to Prepare for Pregnancy After 40

Many women decide to have children later in life, but pregnancy after 40 can pose additional risks and complications to the mother and baby. Although a healthy pregnancy after 40 is very likely, preparing yourself before you become pregnant can help you get your body in optimum condition for a successful pregnancy. Women who want to conceive after 40 also need to prepare for a higher risk of complications during the birth, difficulty conceiving, and the greater likelihood that their babies may experience Down syndrome or other chromosomal birth defects.

·        Schedule a physical or pre-conception consultation with your primary caregiver or gynecologist. 

As people age, the likelihood of suffering from common health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes increases, and older women may also be more likely to have conditions that impair fertility such as polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis. A doctor can help you identify health problems.

·         Make sure you tell your doctor you want to conceive. Ask for a realistic time frame in which you can resolve or manage any existing health issues before trying to conceive.

·         Discuss whether you will be able to continue using any medications you are currently taking while you try to conceive and while pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor about alternate therapies or medications safe during pregnancy, and be realistic about whether you can manage your health problems without medication if that is the only option for a safe pregnancy.

·         Evaluate with your doctor which health problems are most important for you to address before pregnancy. Because fertility begins to decline after 35 years in most women, many women preparing for pregnancy after 40 are balancing the need to manage health problems with a rapidly diminishing fertile period.

·         Get any immunizations your doctor recommends. Your doctor may perform blood work to check for immunity to diseases such as rubella and chickenpox--wait 1 month to try conceiving after you get a vaccine.

·        Manage any existing health problems before conceiving. 

Health issues that have a mild effect on your everyday life currently may become major complications once you are pregnant. For example, unmanaged diabetes can greatly increase your risk for miscarriage and moderate high blood pressure can quickly worsen.

·         Get treatment for sexually transmitted infections and diseases immediately as these can lead to infertility.

·         Work on getting to a healthy weight. Overweight and underweight can both cause significant problems while pregnant or trying to conceive. For example, women with unhealthily low weights can have anovulatory cycles making it impossible for them to conceive.

·        Improve your nutrition. 

Good nutrition is especially important during the preconception period as healthy levels of folic acid and other vitamins can help prevent certain birth defects.

·         Although vitamin supplements are available, try to increase your intake of foods naturally containing folate including citrus fruit, legumes, and dark leafy greens. Folate can help prevent anemia and birth defects.

·         Eat whole grain, complex carbohydrates and cut down on the amount of refined carbohydrates you consume.

·         Get protein from lean meats and fatty fish rich in omega-3 such as salmon, eggs, and low-fat dairy.

·        Reduce the amount of sugar you eat.

Begin exercising or increase your activity level. 

Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and may allow you to have a more comfortable pregnancy and labor.

·         Include both aerobic and resistance training in your exercise program.

·        Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. 

Smoking can lower fertility, even leading to early menopause, and causes a number of complications during pregnancy such as low birth weight and increased rates of respiratory distress in infants.

·         Talk to your partner about quitting-secondhand smoke is also harmful, and men who smoke have lower fertility than their non-smoking counterparts.

·        Consider the risk of chromosomal birth defects. 

Although many older women have healthy pregnancies, the reality is that the rate of chromosomal birth defects is much higher in infants born to women over 40. One out of 100 women who are 40 years old will have a baby with Down syndrome, and the risk increases with age, rising to 1 in 30 women at age 45.

·         Discuss the possibility of birth defects with your partner and/or family. Decide whether you want to take the risk, and plan out how you would cope with a diagnosis.

·         Research the additional diagnostic tests available during pregnancy. You may be interested in amniocentesis or chronic villus sampling (CVS), but both tests do carry a slight risk for miscarriage.

·        Take into account the higher rate of pregnancy loss. 

The estimated miscarriage rate for women between 40 and 45 is 35 percent and this rises to over 50 percent for women over 45. Older women also experience a rate of stillbirth 2 to 3 times higher than that for women in their 20s. Stillbirth is death of the fetus after 20 weeks. Evaluate whether you feel emotionally prepared to experience pregnancy loss, possibly multiple times, while trying to have a baby.

·        Make an appointment with a genetic counselor. 

If you are especially concerned with the risk for birth defects or other health problems for the infant, a genetic counselor can help you assess the likelihood of problems.

·         Gather together information on maternal and paternal family members including any illnesses, health conditions or reproductive issues. The counselor will review your family history as part of the assessment.

·        Follow up with your doctor while trying to conceive. 

Since the probability of fertility problems is so much higher for women over 40, you should consult a doctor if you do not conceive within 6 months of trying to conceive. Waiting longer may diminish your chances of conceiving, as your fertility may be declining and alternate treatments also become less successful as you age.