Michelle Duggar and her husband Jim are hoping to have child number 20 to add to their flock of 19, aged from four to 26.
It was reported in the media that the couple recently visited OB-GYN Paul Wendel, a doctor who specializes in high-risk pregnancies, to explore the option of having another baby.
The Today Show featured a clip of Michelle talking about her wish to have more children: “We would love more children if God saw fit to give us more. I just want to make sure that I am ready to catch a baby if that would happen,” she said.
Back in 2011, Michelle Duggar did become pregnant but sadly miscarried at 19 weeks. The doctor informed the Duggars that having a baby at the age of 47 was “very unusual.”
That didn’t seem to deter the eager parents as Michelle Duggar said on the show, “If I am in that season of life where we’re not able to have any more, then I’m fine, I’m happy with that. But if there are things physically I need to know, that I need to do, health wise just to be ready to catch a baby if God saw fit to give us one.”
She revealed to Today that even though her miscarriage in 2011 was “devastating,” she was still open to more children wanting to leave that option “up to God.”
Dr. Wendel’s advice is clear that another baby at Michelle Duggar’s age is not a good idea. “We do see occasionally pregnancies in women who are 47, 48, 49, even 50 but they are very unusual,” he said.
And let’s not forget that the Duggar’s youngest child, Josie, was born three and a half months premature after Michelle Duggar has a life-threatening bout of preeclampsia.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether or not the Duggars will manage a 21st pregnancy , but is it a good idea? Taking into account the complications associated with childbirth in older woman, as pointed out by Dr. Wendel, should they be trying for another child?
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