Any older ladies? I'm 46 and really want another baby, too old?

[LavendarLove]

So I thought my childbearing days were over, I'm 46 have 3 children the youngest is 5, recently I have been really yearning for another baby but have to be realistic I'm getting on! Really interested in any success stories, all I read is soon and gloom x

[Wonkydonkey44]

Pretty sure my eggs are gone 😞 periods around every 24-28 days but no contraception for the last 18 months and nothing x

[mookinsx]

I don't think it's too late. I don't want to be a judgemental person. Your life your choice. It's just remembering that when they are 14/15 you will be 60.
What about adopting a child into the family or fostering

[Crunched]

At 46, after 3 DC, I felt the same as you. 5 years later I am pleased that DH was not up for a fourth. Life has become so much more fun and I wouldn’t be able to embrace more grown-up activities with the family if I had a toddler to consider.
I do know some fantastic older Mums though who seem to do it all. Just wasn’t possible for me with no family close by, own business etc.

[Dinosauratemydaffodils]

My great grandmother and a woman in one of ds's activities both had their last at 46 (no assistance) so it's possible, no idea how likely though.

The obstetric consultant I'm currently seeing said she's seeing more and more 43 + mums at the moment.

[LavendarLove]

Yes my periods seem to be very regular but I guess that doesn't mean eggs are good enough, I'm guessing if there weren't any eggs there periods would stop? Oh it's so complicated x

[LavendarLove]

Yes have considered fostering and certainly haven't ruled it out I just think you only get one shot at life and I would like to think I'd be a young 60 year old lol. If so done asked me this question when I was in my 20s and 30s I would think it's too old, it's strange how your thinking changes as you get older x

[gamerchick]

I do admire you, I would rather grate my face off

Good luck though.

[Kintan]

Ask your GP for blood tests - LH, FSH and AMH. That way you’ll at least know if it’s possible - and if you find out your child bearing time has passed, at least you’ll know and not go through all the stress of unsuccessfully trying! Good luck :)

[LavendarLove]

Wow thats encouraging x

[LavendarLove]

Gamerchick lol x

[leghoul]

Not too old at all! so long as you are ovulating and able to conceive (many women having anovulatory cycles before this and average age of complete menopause 51/2) - also with perimenopausal ovulation you can get more double egg releases etc so more natural chance of multiple pregnancy and associated complications

If not able to conceive there is option of donor egg IVF, I know people in their 50s who have done this and all has gone very well

[LavendarLove]

@leghoul thank you. If it wasn't possible then I wouldn't persue it through off at least then I would know my body is passed it and just accept that 😁

[leghoul]

No harm can come from trying except maybe a pulled muscle etc you'd have to try pretty often though, every 1-2 days I reckon, because you might ovulate less predictably or at odd points in cycle

[doubleristretto]

I'm in my early 40s and have a Facebook outbreak of peers announcing pregnancies. I'm at that semi-broody stage where you start noticing babies and pregnant women but my children are older than yours and a newborn would be a massive setback for my family whereas you're much closer with your 5 year old. I'd be frightened to try at our age given the higher risks both for mother and baby but if you're making an informed decision and want to go ahead then who's to judge? I wish you luck and a happy outcome.

[cookiesfortheunicorn]

When I'm 46 I'd rather be approaching the age to be a grandparent lol. If you really want another little one good luck 😊

[DaisyMay25]

@LavendarLove I think I read somewhere that women over 40 are more likely to have multiples! I don't think you're too old, I think you're the only person who can judge that. I second that you should go get tests done to see if it's possible. I wish you all the best in your journey!

[Ninchninch]

Wow!
When I turn 46 my children will all be 18+
Bring on the booze and freedom!

If it's what you really want and you think it will work for your family then I say go for it!
Good luck whatever you do.

[Paintbox]

Only you can make the decision but you did ask for opinions so I’ll give mine. If I had no children and were desperate for one at 46 I would go for it because it would be my only chance to be a mother. I wouldn’t try for a fourth at 46. I have a friend whose mother was mid to late 40s when she had her and sadly her mum wasn’t around for her after her 20th birthday. So for me, it is too old, there’s too much chance of leaving that child when they are still relatively young.

[Ninchninch]

Just worked out that DD1 will be 22
DS1 21 and DD2 19.

So for me it would never enter my mind. I will have my own life back at 46! However you do have young DCs now so it wouldn't be that much of a change in your life. What does your DH think?

[frasier]

My grandmother had two children in her late 40s. Some people have long fertility. If you're up to it and up for it, go for it!

[Peach1886]

DS arrived unexpectedly - after many years of heartache and having more-or-less given up - when I was a couple of years older than you are now. Some days my body reminds me I'm an older mum, but every day our lives are filled with sunshine. If it's meant to be it'll happen

[SeriousSass]

How old are your other kids? A potential 6 year gap between the two youngest is a big gap .

[LavendarLove]

@Ninchninch my OH would love it 😄

[LavendarLove]

@Serioussass my other two are 19 and 21 😄

[LavendarLove]

@peach1886 that's wonderful! Children are a joy at whatever age aren't they? I'm blessed to have had 3 amazing kids but know I could go on to love another ❤