Pregnant at 45

[MyPeanut]

I've just found out that I'm 6 weeks pregnant. I've got two older girls from a previous marriage. After 3 miscarriages 3-5 years ago, although we weren't taking precautions I just thought it wasn't going to happen because of my age

I now don't know whether to feel excited because the worry of another miscarriage is really strong but also I can't help thinking what everyone's reactions will be. "You're too old". "You'll be retired when baby is 20". "It's not fair in the baby" etc etc etc

Please can I have some words of encouragement from women who've experienced the same thing?

[Grizzer]

Congratulations! I'm 43 & ds is 5 weeks old. After having dd almost 6 years ago I had a pregnancy that ended at 18 weeks & 2 early mcs. It has taken this long to have another successful pregnancy. That's how life is sometimes & no one should make negative comments. No one batted an eyelid at my hospital & I was asked if I planned another!
It is a worrying time as, of course the risks are higher but plenty of women have successful pregnancies in their 40s. Hope it works out for you.

[DickDewy]

Not the same, but my colleague is about your age and pregnant.

It is becoming more and more commonplace.

She has already had to deal with lots of unkind comments about her age, but fuck 'em - she's happy and healthy.

[mrslebon]

I'm 44 and due with DS2 on 1st March. I have to say, this pregnancy has been an absolute walk in the park. It helps that I'm physically fit but really, I can't complain about anything. So really, age is just a number as far as I'm concerned. Congratulations!

[YoureMyWifeNowDave]

Congratulations MyPeanut
I'm 44 and 12+4 with DC2 and so far nobody has batted an eyelid

[slebmum1]

Congratulations! I really can't imagine anyone batting an eyelid. Apart from the medics - I had geriatric mother scrawled across my notes at bloody 36! I hope it all goes well for you.

[Xmasbaby11]

Two of my friends had babies in their mud forties and all enjoyed it.

Dh was 46 and 48 when dds were born. The only downside is he's pretty knackered all the time.

[timelytess]

I haven't... but in 1909 my great-grandma, aged 43, gave birth to her ninth child. The child lived 89 years and was fine. She did have to look after her aged mother for a while, and she was head of their household from 17 when her father died.

You have every chance of success with this. Good luck.

[FlatOnTheHill]

My ExDP (who is my sons father) has just had another child. His partner is 43 and its her first baby. I can honestly say this little girl has bought so much joy to my DS who is 15 and my ex and his partner (we all get along well by the way). I see them quite a bit when collecting and dropping off my son on visits. She is on maternity leave at the mo. I would say embrace it. I can see your concerns but dont worry about what others say. Women are having babies later now days anyway. Good luck and many congratulations

[MyPeanut]

Thank you so much everyone. Your kind words of encouragement have made me cry but also given me so much hope. Thank you

[Usedtobeaslimshady]

Congratulations!!! That's fantastic news. My best friend is 46yrs. She had a first Child at 42yrs and was quite suprised. She thought she was too old! She's been trying ever since for a sibling for her DC. I can only imagine her joy if she were to receive great news like yours. I am 40 and 30 weeks with DC2..no one has raised an eyebrow. I have had encouraging words from midwife about going for No.3 (her assumption..I didn't mention it).
Enjoy your news..it's fantastic. Wishing you all the best.

[notfromstepford]

You're not too old at all. I was 37 with my first and am 41 and currently 32+4 with baby 2. The only comments I've had is am I going to go for a 3rd. Also so far this pregnancy has been much more straightforward than my first. Congratulations and good luck

[queenoftheboys]

Congratulations! I had my first at 37, 4th at 43. Easy pregnancies and labours. I have never had negative comments at any stage (youngest now 10). As others have said, lots of people are having children later and my age was/is nothing out of the ordinary amongst my friends or at the school gate -in fact anyone who had their baby in their 20's would stand out more!

[TriJo]

Congratulations and best wishes for the pregnancy! My MIL was 43 when she had her 6th baby and was perfectly healthy throughout - and that was back in the 80s.

[brookeberry]

Congratulations! As you can see you're in good company and it's just not an unusual thing anymore. I'm 42 and 30 weeks pregnant with DC1 - people are delighted for me and the main comment I've had is whether we'll be getting onto number 2!!

[Maurice169]

Hi , I'm 46 and due in 2 weeks. Good luck!

[malvinandhobbes]

I am 41 and 15 weeks along. Everything is fine so far. I have two older boys and people find it odd that we've having another - but no worries. The NHS won't even categorise me as high risk because 10 years ago I had an safe pregnancy and easy birth! I was kind of hoping to be induced at 40 weeks.