I am 39 and 5.5 mth preg. my baby has no fibula and i am considering termination. worried i won't get pregnant again. no pblms before but given i turn 40 this summer i am scared. fertility advice?

Tough situation: You are definitely right that your fertility chances decrease as you age. However, having been pregnant recently lends a better prognosis. I assume your decision to terminate is not affected by your chances of future conception. If you find yourself facing that dilemma in the future, there are always assisted reproductive technologies and even adoption. Having an open mind will help you cope.

Why?: You are describing fibular hemimelia or congenitally absent fibulae. This is not a life threatening condition, just a limb growth problem. Why would you terminate an otherwise normal child just because he/she won't have normal legs? There have been numerous olympians who have had this condition and competed on the highest level. Child amputees are extremely functional. Life isn't always easy!