Can I still have a baby at 50?

I recently remarried after four years as a widow. Even though I have four adult children with the youngest, 12 years old, I am considering having a child with my new husband. I still see my menses and I am very healthy. Kindly advise me.

Salamatu (by SMS)

With advancement in technology, increasing number of women over the age of 50 years are now having babies. While it is a little easier for those who are still menstruating like you, a donor egg will be necessary for those who are already menopausal. Although there is no medical reason against having babies late in life, the prevalence of complications such as Hypertension, Diabetes and the high rate of Caesarean Sections call for a very close monitoring of elderly pregnant women. Therefore, your decision to have a baby at 50 has to be considered against the background of the need for medical attention during and immediately after delivery.