Unreasonable to want a baby at 43?

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I'm 40 and pregnant with my first (natural) DPs friend is 45 and pregnant with her first (natural) and a with colleagues friend had an IVF baby on her own at 48. Good luck whatever you decide. If you can afford to do it I would advise going for a private fertility check as they do your egg & follicle count rather than just your hormone levels.

Iui would surely be more successful.

I did! I couldn't have children, no periods etc, but randomly fell pregnant at 44 - she's now 18 months and it's all still really surreal!

Had both my children in my forties. Conceived my youngest naturally at 44. It does happen. If it's something you really want then you should try. Good luck

I conceived naturally at 41 with no issues. Used one of those tests that tell you when you are most fertile and was pregnant within 2 months. You probably shouldn't be hanging about too long if you are going to go for it though!

just absolutely go for it!
keep it realistic, you may struggle, it might not ever happen, like proper keep it real, it may be a long long process, always remember there are kids crying out for adoption too if it doesn't go to plan, but then just bloody go for it!!!
do not!! listen to folk on here or anywhere that says no you should be doing it, it's your life, not theirs, your decision, not theirs. they have kids and have done things different, doesn't mean you can't do
it your way at your age!!
best of luck!

Some get pregnant naturally in the 40s. Risk of miscarriage, Down's etc much higher than when younger. You won't get IVF on the NHS. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

I had my DDs at 41 and 44. Both conceived naturally and absolutely perfect. For me, being their mummy is the best thing in the world and I'm pleased we didn't listen to everyone who told us we were too old

Do not pay heed to your mother. It is your life, and you are entitled to take your own decisions. If this is what you want, there is no harm to start trying.

Not for me, but then I became a Grandma at 40…

You don’t need anyone’s permission. Certainly not your mothers. What do you want? It’s not the sort of thing you try for if you aren’t sure it’s something you want I guess.

I'd also say have a look at the statistics for IVF for your age. In order to be prepared mentally. Its a very low chance of success unfortunately. Lots of people seem to think IVF is the answer to everything. But at 43 you're looking at a low chance. Donor eggs/embryos would give you a much higher chance. If you have unlimited money then it might be worth trying with own eggs. But if not I'm not sure it's worth spending 7-12k (depending on where you go) on own egg IVF. If its a one shot go I'd go for donor if you're comfortable with that idea.

Of course you can try if you want to. Friend of mine has a lovely two year old now and she's 46. For another friend it didn't work out. But I don't think she regrets trying.

Absolutely go for it if that’s what you want, however the success rate at your age ( not wanting to be pessimistic) isn’t that great.
However just enjoy the opportunities ( or if you can get IFV just go for it) and hope for the best.
Good luck

If you really want a child, then go for it. What does your partner think?

My mother had me at 42.. nearly half a century later, I think it worked out well!

I just saw an old acquaintance today who is 44 and pregnant through IVF. I wish her all the best and think she'll be a great mum

Not necessarily unreasonable, however if you're 43 now you'd be 45 before baby is born if you haven't even started IVF. You don't say you have a partner and sounds like you have a difficult family. People are very capable of having a baby at 45, but do you want to be 60 when you have a 15 year old? 70 with a 25 year old? Seeing an 18/19yo DC off to uni when you're about to retire?

DC often live at home into their 20s now. They're dependent for a long time. If anything happened to you, and you have no partner and a difficult relationship with family who would this baby have? You could of course live to see 100, but if you have a baby at 45, of course chances are much higher that a child will lost their only parent at a young age.

You don’t mention if you have a partner?

If your partner is male and he’s onboard then there’s no harm in trying. But as others have said be prepared for it not to happen.

If you start trying and realise it’s definitely what you want then ivf is ofc an option. But I don’t think 43 is too old - not that my opinion matters.

You're not unreasonable, though it may be challenging. I turn 43 in the next 2 weeks and would love another DC to add to my two, however having suffered a miscarriage 2 years ago, and not currently having a partner, it's pretty unlikely for me.

If I were you, given you want a child and are in a position to pursue it, I would go for it.

My mum had an accidental pregnancy at 40 when I was a teenager.
There was a thread on here about older mums and pregnancies (some accidental when they thought they could risk no contraception) not too long ago if you can find it. You'll never know if you'll be one of the lucky ones unless you try.

Good luck!

Have you tried to conceive before?

I'd say it's up to you so long as you're prepared to accept it might not work.

Go for it x