Doctors Worried About Travolta Pregnancy Risks

By Rob Shuter Posted May 20th 2010 02:01AM

The news of a pregnancy for John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston is nothing short of amazing and uplifting for a couple who have been through so much bad news of late. And while it's certainly a time for celebration, doctors are telling me that at 47, Preston's pregnancy has a significantly higher risk for Down syndrome and other problems. One doctor speaks out, after the jump!

'Serious Pregnancy Risks' for the Travoltas

PopEater was the first to break the exciting news that John Travolta and his 47-year-old wife, Kelly Preston, are expecting another baby, but Dr. Rashmi Gulati, medical director of Patients Medical, had serous concerns about the pregnancy and warns about the serious risks.

"Women past the age of 35 may have increased risk of Down syndrome. About 1 in 100 for women in their 40s compared to 1 in 1,400 for women in their 20s," Dr. Gulati tells me. "Older moms-to-be may also have increased risk of health problems such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. But the good news is that now, more than ever, we have the scientific technology and research data to be able to support pregnant women of any age. All women should work with their doctor or midwife to ensure they are getting the pre-natal care that supports both mother and fetus at any age."

The Travoltas have seen a lot of tragedy in the past few years. Their 16-year-old son Jett, who was autistic, died of a seizure while the family was vacationing in the Bahamas in 2009, and just last week the couple lost their dogs in a freak accident at an airport in Maine.

"Both John and Kelly are aware of the risk and will do everything in their power to diminish them, however, at the moment all they are focusing on is the wonderful news," a friend of the couple's tell me.

Congratulations to you both! Nothing but the best wishes from PopEater!

Lindsay Doesn't Like Her Mean Judge

Judge Marsha Revel, saying that she will issue a warrant for Lindsay Lohan's arrest if she doesn't show up for her mandatory court hearing this week, isn't sitting well with the actress -- who is partying at the Cannes Film Festival.

"Lindsay thinks that judge is so mean," a fabulous friend of Lindsay tells me. "Lindsay wants a new judge that isn't as bossy and strict. I mean, who the hell does that judge think she is demanding people to show up at 8:30 in the morning? It's not like Lindsay isn't busy. She's an international movie star." (Full Disclosure: I'm officially obsessed with this nutty friend of Li-Lo, who was totally serious when talking with me. With friends like these ... )

Lindsay's lawyer said they are doing everything they can to get Lindsay back to the US after she had her passport stolen in France. Please hurry, Lindsay, because you simply cannot go to jail -- just imagine what your fabulous friends would say if you have to wear orange!

Sing Your Heart Out, Win a Trip to the Tonys

Macy's is giving you a chance to win ticket to the 64th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday, June 13, and all you have to do is sing.

Upload a video of yourself singing your favorite Broadway tunes to their Web site by May 27 at 3 PM, then wait and watch as the public selects the five finalists.

These lucky and talented five will be flown to New York City to participate in a live sing-off in Macy's Herald Square on Friday, June 11 -- where a panel of Broadway stars and experts AND ME (!!!) will choose two finalists who will win the opportunity to walk the red carpet at The Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall and receive a $1,000 gift card from Macy's.

This one is going to be hard to beat, although you know I'm going to try ...

Get Naughty! Follow Me on Twitter!

Tags: John Travolta, lindsay lohan

Comments

(21)

Thursday 20 May

By debbieheinz1986

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hope everything goes well with new child and give a child loving and secure.

By kevin

Where was this doctors concern when a 50 something year old & a 60 something year old women were having babies at thier age. not that thiers anything wrong w/ that. it just seem this guy has something to say when it's a celebrity.don't remeber him saying any of this when those other women were pregant or show concern.

By martha

everyone including doctors other than her own -- should mind their own business

Friday 21 May

By Janeyre

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Thank you Martha... Kelly knows what the deal is... It isn't anybody's business...

By Becky

Congratulations to the Travolta family! I wish them a wonderful pregnancy, safe delivery and healthy baby.

By Diana

Martha,, Your so right. Now for the next 6 months, aol will have a story on here every day, saying what trouble Kelly is in.
People need to have their own lives, and leave others alone.
I wish this couple all the very best in life, they deserve it.

By k jacob

all the best to you and your family kelly and john america supports you in everything you do be happy live life to the fulliest and keep inspiring all of us.

By 4Cats4Me

Who said that Kelly is pregnant herself? Their websites say they are "expecting a new addition to the family" - Maybe they are adopting or going with a surrogate...

By ac144ac

I wonder if it occurred to anyone that the Travoltas aren't particularly concerned if the baby is "perfect" ? They raised and loved their son, who was a special needs child. They have the financial means to see that the child is cared for. Obviously they understand the challenges which may be looming ahead. Perhaps the aspect of having a Down's Syndrome child isn't daunting for them.

Where is it written that only perfect, "Gerber" babies are deserving of life, happiness and a family who loves them?

Newsflash: It's not a Barbie World out there and anyone ... ANYONE ... regardless of age, can have a child who will face health and cognitive issues sometime in the near or far future.

Stop dissecting and discussing this couple's decision to have another baby. The odds are in their FAVOR that the baby (and mother) will be fine, so chill and just wish them well.

Wednesday 26 May

By Christine

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Wonderfully said.

By rob SHUTER

i am so happy for them. sure they are doing everything to be safe.....god bless them

By Debera

Once a liar always a liar she has that reputation for being just that and it isn't going to fly with the judge. I loved her when she was a little girl so filled with promise but as a women she is a skank sorry it is what it is. I can't wait to see this over rated actress in orange and learning a valuable life lesson that just may save her life and maybe even her career.

Her age is working against her. I wish them only the best and will pray that the baby will be a strapping healthy one.

By JVL

The risks are no greater for Kelly Preston than any other 47 year old woman who decides to propagate the species one more time.

The big difference is the amount of money the Travolta couple have to invest in prenatal counseling services and whatever necessary in utero surgery or post-natal baby care may be involved in a "high-risk" pregnancy.

It's their business. Not ours. Taxpayers won't be footing this bill.

You should all really be more concerned about the numbers of drug babies born to welfare mothers. We DO pay for that.

By Courtney

If Kelly wasn't the one pregnant would John have his hnad on her belly like he does in the picture me thinks not that's a sign of love and affection for the mother to be and the baby she's carrying why don't we just wish them good luck

By J

Honestly I know three girls under the age of 25 who have all had downs babies, one girl I know is 22 and had a down's baby. Most of my close friends who are in their late 30's and mid 40's and just now having children, all of them have had perfectly healthy babies. I'm not so sure the whole older mother and down's theory is entirely correct, at least from what I see.

By janice

A child does not have to be perfect to be a blessing. I know I have a special child. Hopefully the press will not dwell on this the entire 6 months. Most likely their child will be healthy and beautiful as most babies are.

Saturday 05 June

By Maria

If the Travoltas choose to try and have another baby, I hope it
is not for all the wrong reasons. Every child deverve to be
wanted, not as a replacement to mend a broken heart. It does
not work. God will guide this parents the way he chooses for
them. We do not walk in their shoes. I lost a child who had a
cronic illness and lost her to a road rage accident that was
not her fault. I chose not to have another child to replace her
and that was my choice. No one could replace her.

Thursday 27 May

By Roberta

Sorry for your loss Maria. As for the Travolta's I'm sure they know ,no child could ever replace the son they lost. They have so much love to give, and share, and God has blessed them with this pregnancy.I wish them, and Ella all the HAPPINESS in the world!

Saturday 22 May

By Deann

I am 42 and just had a beautiful amazing little boy. Remember 1 in 100 broken down in percentages means that they have a 99% chance that everything will be fine:-)

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