To want a 3rd child?

I had my one and only at 41.
He keeps me young, I wouldn't change a thing.
Go for it, you only live once!

I am 40 with 4 kids, 17, 10, 8 and 3 months! I’ve had gaps, close together, babies and teens. There are pros and cons to each way of doing it. But if you want another, and you have been feeling that way for a while I say go for it. I don’t regret a thing and love the variety x

I think maybe this is more your oldest is ready to fly the nest and your starting with the feelings concerned with that. You want to fill that void without realising, let me tell you they still need you when they go. They just need you in a different way. My eldest is 30 now and youngest 17.
Your current little one starts school soon, childcare, nurseries etc costs are spiralling. Would you want all that hassle again now you have hit the school stage. At 39 having a new baby you would be hitting 60 by time they finish education. If they decide on uni etc is yours and your partners health in a place that after 60 plus you could still support a child through uni. The saddest part if they choose to have kids later on in life you may never get to meet your grandchildren. You could be in your 70s when they marry and start life. Surely that's the point where you and your partner should be retiring together holidaying etc. It may only be a 4/5 year gap but those few years make a huge difference.

Another vote to go for it! ❤️

You're not too old. I'm planning on having my 3rd in my mid 40's (previously created IVF embryos).

I had my 2nd at 42yo

Go for it!

Maybe nothing to do with judgement OR religion? It wasn't an option for me, either, when I accidentally fell pregnant with #3 - 9 years after #2, but simply that I thought it might be painful!! Yes I'm a wuss. I had just returned to work "seriously" and was on a rather expensive (work paid) course when I found out - so I hid the pregnancy as best I could for 6 months. Just the way I felt...and DD3 is the best accident I ever had, as it turns out.

What does your partner feel about another child? Have you discussed it with him. Lots to think about so maybe work out all the pros and cons. If you are happy as you are how will the dynamic change, how would your eldest daughter feel. At the moment you say she has a close bond with her young sibling, this may change if there is another much closer in age to your youngest. If you are happy as you are, maybe accept that and enjoy it without the what ifs!

You will already be in your 50s by the time your 2nd kid grows up and you;d be pushing that back almost another 5 years, possible into your 60s before the 3rd one leaves home.

Call time on procreation and think about yourself.

How you feel from 50-55 is nothing like any other age, not even like 45-50. I'm not old or unfit but I know I'm getting older and I wouldn't want to have another 10 years of kids.

I’m a little younger, had my 3rd at 36.

she literally almost killed me 🙈 placenta percreta and all that jazz.

id do it over and over again though, 3 kids is definitely much harder but honestly the best decision we ever made.

Had my 3rd child at just turned 40. Best thing ever, she is loved so much by her older sister and brother. Do it!

I had my first and only pregnancy at 43 - with twins. It was all smooth and I can't imagine life without them. Went back for the remaining frozen embryo two years later but it didn't take - but I would have been over the moon if it had. I really wouldn't worry about your age just on principle.

But if your last pregnancy was tricky then maybe another would be too? Is it worth asking your GP/consultant/midwife? Also bear in mind there are other risks with 'geriatric' pregnancies - how would you feel about a child with a genetic disorder for example? And lastly - will three be enough? Would you then start hankering for a fourth? I'm sure any and all children will be hugely loved - but we all have to stop somewhere.......

I wish you luck with whatever you decide.

I think some are treating it as a trend to be the older mum.
When your having a baby and your knocking on 50 i think its fair to say wtf you doing it for.
I see some in their 20s 30s early 40s with a baby it think oh that so cute so sweet.
I see others and think is that nan.

I had my first child at 37 and my second at 40. I’d love a third but I’m 46 now and just discovered I’ve lived with adhd all my life unknowingly until last year and I’m perimeno now too. Thats an interesting thing, perimenopause with young children.
It was hell on earth but thankfully hrt sorted the rage out.
If you can afford it and your husband is on board then I say go for it!!

Can you afford a third child?

Do it! I had my third at 39, because I knew I wasn’t done. She’s now 5 and an absolute joy. I know I would have always regretted it if I hadn’t had her. And now I know I’m done!

It won’t be same as others talking about having three children. You will be three adults and two small children which is easier. I think it’s nice for the little one to have a sibling closer in age to them. I was 39 when I had my first and 42 with my second. Probably more tiring than being younger but if you want a third one go ahead.

I don't think you're too old - I'm TTC right now and I'll be 39 soon.

And actually, when I went to my doc as I thought it was taking too long, she wasn't worried about my age! Said I was very fit and healthy (and already had a successful pregnancy). Everyone different of course and no guarantee but don't let age put you off.

Good luck, I think you should have another 😂

I’m 38 this year and currently pregnant. This will be my first. We’ve been trying for 2 years now and had 2 losses, so fingers crossed this one sticks. I say go for it, if that’s what you want. You may end up regretting it if you don’t and by then it might be too late.

I had my 3rd at 40 so don’t see that as an issue. Be nice for the 3 year old to have a sibling closer in age

My friend decided to try for number 3 at 38.
She had twins.

38.5 year old new mum here… definitely considering my 2nd. You’re not too old, go for it!

I had my son in my early 40’s - with no problems. I’m active, so looking after a baby and running after a toddler, wasn't a big deal. I see quite a few mums at school around my age, so it doesn’t feel particularly odd and I don’t get mistaken for his gran! If you had older children, you might want to think - starting all over again. Your little one is only 3 though, nice age gap 😃

I had my third at 40 and my fourth at 42. My other two were still small at the time. Honestly, I was absolutely knackered all the time. I had probably underestimated how much extra work it would be, and how much less energy I had to deal with them. We did save money by recycling clothes and other stuff (I certainly had my money's worth out of the pushchair) but life is a lot more expensive with each child. It's not just the early years either. Driving lessons. Clubs. University. Holidays. All that stuff. And the organisation is much more work.

Someone I work with and his wife decided to have a third child - they had triplets! He jokes about sharing his house with 6 women (the triplets are 11 now) but his girls are his pride and joy and he and his wife have no regrets. I had four children aged 11 to 17 when we decided on a fifth and I'm so glad I did (I was 38) though I was shattered all the time. Would you be OK with twins - or more?

We had a third when I was 41. They are lovely and such fun. The only downside I would say is the big age gap between them and the others which I think they regret. That won't be the case with you though. I'd say go for it!