quick poll - what age did you have your first baby?

[Pinkflipflop]

what do you think of 34 for first baby - or is it pushing it a little? Please don't be pc - I need opinions.

Long, long saga - never been a possibility before (never felt remotely interested in babies before, financial situation ALL wrong) and now I reallt feel like I want to be a mummy and I'm so aware that it's not a given.

Looking forward to replies

Pink

[Coca]

20...way too early for me. I feel I would have been a much better mum if I had waited until my 30's. Go for it.

[HooNose]

I was 31. I don't think 34 is at all a late age to be having your first baby, although medically you are classed as an old mum if you over something ridiculous like 26

But socially speaking, I don't think 34 is considered old these days.

[Hulababy]

I was 29y.

Started TTC when I was 26y IIRR. I don't think 34y is too old to have a baby though. I am 37y and haven't ruled out #2 yet if it ever happens.

[pinkbasket]

34 is okay but it more depends on how many babies you would like to try for. DH and I decided on 35 for our last baby.

I was pregnant with our first at 28 and he was born when I was 29.

[Pogleswood]

I was 34 when DD was born,I had my 35th birthday when she was 2 days old.And had DS at 40.
It's been fine (my parents were also about the same age,Mum was 33 for me and 37 for DSis,so it feels normal to me.)

Is there anything particular you are concerned about?

[bargainhuntingbetty]

I was 22 but I dont think that 34 is old for having babies. My cousin is 38 and is TTC no 2 with her other child only being a year . Go for it.

[Pinkflipflop]

If medically, you are classifies as an older mum - what happens? Are there additional risks? Is miscarriage more likely?

[JustDoMyLippyThenWeWillGo]

38 You are mere spring chicken

[CrispyTheCrisp]

33 with first, 35 with second

[woolymindy]

I was 31 with dc1, 33 with dc2, 38 with dc3 and just had dc4 at 40 - may have another...

34 is perfect - enjoy!

[Rocinante]

It's fine - I had my first at 34 (a week before I turned 35) and have just had my second at 37. It's pretty much the same as most of my peer group and a lot of the mothers I've met since having DC are the same sort of age too.

There are pros and cons to having them whatever age you are, and 34 is not too late to start by any means.

[tanmu82]

I was 21 - am having our 3rd now at 28 and I must admit that this pregnancy seems to have been the one that has tired me out the most. However, I wouldn't think 34 was too old! I know risks can increase, but I also know plenty of women who have had/are having babies in their mid to late thirties. I would just try and prepare my body nutritionally and physically as much as possible beforehand. Good Luck!

[peggotty]

29 , but think that 34 is absolutely fine. Most people I know were around that age.

[Butterbur]

37. Go for it.

[pozzled]

I was 30, now 32 and would definitely like at least one more. Doesn't seem too old to me.

[Lulumaam]

I had my first at 24 and my second ( and last !) at 30.

i think 34 is surely around averagish for a first.

go for it , regardless of what others think.

i would say 45 would be pushing it

[PaulineCampbellJones]

I was 36! My best friend had her first at 34, as did my SIL.

[toolly]

I was 34 when I had my first. I was mentally ready, andI did not feel old at all the antenatals. No extra scans needed either. It was only then I had my third at 38 that I was considered more of a risk. Good luck.

[suzikettles]

I was 34 when ds was born. Totally straightforward pregancy & birth. I thought some mention might be made of my age but no-one did.

Having said that, we're struggling to conceive dc2. Age is probably a big factor, but who knows?

[Pinkflipflop]

I am 90% certain that I would LOVE a baby, but only 1 baby - Someone here asked about my concerns, well almost every lady in my family has gone to full term with baby and then things have gone wrong -and no baby.

I really couldn't do that - not strong enough.

All the women in question have gone on to have subsequent babies, but I can't explain my horror and shock and devestation if this were to happen to me - couldn't do it. I know the more you obsess about things the more likely etc - a big worry for me and I guess subconsciously, this had been a worry.

[AbFabT]

35 is when you are classed as 'older' Sod that, I still feel young! I am expecting our first any day now, I am 36. Only met DH when I was 34, so what can you do?

Many of my friends of my age have only started reproducing in the last couple of years.

The risks are slightly increased chances of complications for yourself and slightly increased chances of abnormalities with your baby. And depending on how fit you've kept yourself over the years, you may feel more tired during pregnancy, and more tired with a baby.

Best of luck.

[Blu]

43.

I had set 36 as my upper limit, for some reason, but wasn't in a suitable relationship. Then, once I was, 42 didn't feel at all old, and we took the opportunity and conceived v quickly.

I wouldn't advise anyone to deliberately wait til their 40s, but it's been great for us.

[Schroeder]

I was 26, I don't think 34 is too old, but I wouldn't leave it too much longer.

[TotorosOcarina]

20.

Been in long term relationship for 5 years by then, am still with him.

[ShadeofViolet]

17 when I had my first.

34 is definately not to old, infact I think its a perfect age.