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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

How old is too old to have a baby?

611 replies

Shaz83 · 14/11/2024 11:40

Just wondering how old is too old to have a baby? Fair enough being healthy etc is fine.. but how old is too old?

OP posts:
KimberleyClark · 14/11/2024 11:50

Depends on partner’s age too. Chances of autism/ADHD increase with paternal age.

WinterBones · 14/11/2024 11:49

i had my last at 27. i was DONE. I'm enjoying being in my early 40s with two mostly self sufficient teens. (not including DS being autistic and still needing a higher level of care.. it's still not toddler/under 10)

I have friends stil having babies in their early 40s and as much as i love a cuddle/will baby sit, i'm very glad to give them back.. i couldn't fathom starting at this age!

For me i think 35 so you can roll into your 50s with older teens would be cut off if i hadn't had mine in my 20s

standardduck · 14/11/2024 11:49

I had my DC at 34, I am 36 now and would like one more. Not past 38 ideally.

I wish I had mine earlier tbh.

SprinklesSparkles · 14/11/2024 11:49

my mum had my brother at 45 and i think that’s too old. i would say 40+ is too old imo

ShinyBinLid · 14/11/2024 11:49

Personally I ideally wouldn't have had one after 35, but I think it's different if you don't meet a life partner until then and it's be an older mum or not have kids at all. I had mine in my 20s though which I know is younger than average on here.

Threelittleduck · 14/11/2024 11:49

I had my last baby at 40 but it wasn't planned. I feel exhausted and I think up to 35 is probably better.

DirtyDuchess · 14/11/2024 11:48

I really think mid 30s is the end of the ideal period. I was just discussing this with my daughter who might think about having another child in the next few years but is now mid 30s and considering whether she'll be too old.

Thepurplepig · 14/11/2024 11:47

45/46 but it depends how young you are. Some 25 year olds are more knackered than 40 year olds.

Maray1967 · 14/11/2024 11:47

I suppose it depends on your circumstances. If you had a your first at 27 and your fourth at 40 you’re probably worn out. I had my first at 33 and my second at 40. Friend had hers at 40 and 43. We’re both doing fine!

Gothamcity · 14/11/2024 11:46

I didn't want any past 35, so had mine at 28 and 30. Did have a slight midlife crisis at 36 and thought about having a third, but I'm glad I didn't 😂

Monster6 · 14/11/2024 11:45

I had my last at 33. 35 was my cut off…I feel quite tired dealing with my 11yr old now. Conversely, I’m looking forward to being out of the ‘young child’ years by late 40s.