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Pregnancy

37..too old?

40 replies

Neatfreak38 · 03/11/2016 17:42

I had 2 children when I was young..17 & nearly 19. I had no family support and shut my friends out..it was very hard at times.

I have had 2 long term serious relationships since having them, both of them I didn't want children with. I guess I've never thought about it as that was my decision then.

Fast forward to now..I've met someone amazing. He wants children..I've always said I'd never deny someone without a child but early days. I can see him being a great dad..he's great in every way. BUT I am 37..I feel times ticking..I feel I wished I'd met him years ago but obviously that's irrelevant!

So..would you..start again after all this time?!

OP posts:
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thecatsarecrazy · 03/11/2016 17:45

Personally I don't think 37 is to old. I'm 35 and expecting number 3. My other children will be almost 10 and 8 when this one arrives.

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bluecashmere · 03/11/2016 17:46

You are still young!

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ITMama1 · 03/11/2016 17:48

I'm 37 next week and am currently 36+4 with my first. So I'd say no, definitely not too old.

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LucieA79 · 03/11/2016 17:49

37 and expecting.... wasn't planned but have a 14 year old and a 10 year old and we are all mega excited!! I'm 13+1

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Heatherbell1978 · 03/11/2016 17:50

I had DS1 at 37 and will have DD1 next year when I'm 39. Depends how fit and prepared for it you feel to be honest rather than your age? You've had kids before so you should be pretty relaxed with a new baby and if you feel able to cope physically and mentally with it then go for it!

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SharkBastard · 03/11/2016 17:52

15+4 with number 2 and I'm 36.

DD is 8, I was a lone parent from pregnancy till she was 4 then met my husband who said he'd like a child. I took my time deciding, but now we're here!

Go for it

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R0bins · 03/11/2016 17:52

I'm 36 weeks with DC2 and I'm 39. Have a 3yo DD so I'll have had both quite late. This pregnancy has been truly exhausting though, compared to the first - I do really feel my age looking after a toddler and being PG!

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ElspethFlashman · 03/11/2016 17:55

How long you've been with him is far more important than your age.

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divadee · 03/11/2016 18:06

I'm 39 (very nearly 40) and I am currently 27+3. Similar situation to you I have a 19 year old and this is my OH's first child. So no not too old! Although pregnancy for me has been a lot tougher physically to what I remember from 20 years ago.

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raviolidreaming · 03/11/2016 18:10

I'll turn 37 the month after my first is due. I feel too tired, but not too old!

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EreniTheFrog · 03/11/2016 18:11

Well, I am 39 and currently 22+4. Seems OK so far Grin

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PosiePootlePerkins · 03/11/2016 18:14

I was 36 when I had my youngest. Did not cross my mind that I was too old! But we'd had complications so actually I was just delighted to finally be pregnant again!

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BadToTheBone · 03/11/2016 18:33

I was 38 when I had dc2, never a moment of regret or any problems, I've never been mistaken for her grandmother, don't look out of place in school yard with plenty of others the same age, always been active and played with her. She's 11 now and we're happy as Larry together.

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chloechloe · 03/11/2016 18:56

Definitely not too old if you've found the right partner you want to have a child with. I had DD1 a week before my 36th, DD2 is due next month at 37. And we haven't ruled out having a third!

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IslaMann · 03/11/2016 18:58

I was 44 when my DD was born, 19 years after her older brother. Best decision I've ever made.

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Northernlurker · 03/11/2016 19:01

You're not too old. Your circumstances have meant you may have two separate times of raising children and if that feels right, it is right.

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ImSoVeryTired · 03/11/2016 19:18

I had my first baby at 36 (now 37) and hope to have another. I don't feel particularly old. Time will tell if I'm able to or not. I certainly wouldn't have been ready for a child in my 20's.

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SausageSoda · 04/11/2016 09:45

I was pregnant with DD1 when I was 37

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Wombletor · 04/11/2016 15:53

Hi there

Exactly like you I had 2 children in my teens, 17 and 19, and it was very tough. Isolated from friends and family, struggling financially. Fast forward 18 years, and the DH and I decided to start again, and we had another when I was 37! It was the best thing I ever did, experiencing motherhood at the other end of the spectrum, older, wiser and no financial worries. We had several MCs but luckily had another last year when I was 42. No regrets. We feel young and the littlies keep us young. Good luck :-)

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sianihedgehog · 04/11/2016 15:59

I had my first at 37. But, I guess the question is really whether you want to spend the next 20 years raising kids, or whether you want to do something different with your life next. Did you enjoy being a mum last time? Have you got ambitions or plans that another child would prevent you from fulfilling?

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Desmondo2016 · 04/11/2016 17:14

I got married at 18 and had 3 children in quick succession . At 30 my marriage ended. At 33 I met my amazing now DH who had no children and a lifetime of fertility issues. He had made his peace with never having kids and is an amazing step dad. No-one could have been more adamant than me that my baby days were over. Hmmm. We decided to ''let nature decide' and I'm now sat here heavily pregnant at nearly 40. Super excited!

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LightTripper · 04/11/2016 17:17

I had my first at 38 and found it great (now pg again at 41). I didn't have anything else to compare it too, but it is definitely doable so I wouldn't rule anything out if you feel you would like to try!

The only downside is being older when/if you have grandkids: my Mum is now 80 because she also had us quite late. Luckily she is really healthy and fit but obviously it is a matter of luck of the draw at that age! But I guess if you have more kids you might get two bites at the Grandma cherry!

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Womble75 · 04/11/2016 17:18

I had my first at 37 and am now 20 weeks with DC2 at 41. So not too late Grin I didn't meet my DH until I was 35 and he was the first partner I had i actually wanted to have children with.

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MoonHare · 04/11/2016 17:23

Not too old!
Had my first at 35, second at 37 and third at 39.
Totally normal among the mum's at school.

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Nikki2ol6 · 04/11/2016 17:30

Hi, my mum did. But I was not planned. My brother and sister are 17 and 15 years older than me. Then my mum had a coil fitted and had it taken out for a rest for 3 months and she got drunk with my dad one night on a weekend away and didn't use protection. That's when I came along lol. She said it was hard because she had no baby stuff and had to start all over again and when I was born she was tired and the night feeds were a killer for her.
When she started taking me to toddler groups and nursery people thought she was my grandmother and I hated it because everyone else's mum was young. But I love her dearly

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