Just turned 39 and suddenly want a third baby

Age wouldn't be that much of a factor to me, but more if you really do want a third or if it is a hormonal trick!

I'm 39 and feel like I could physically/practically handle another pregnancy and newborn fine. I have plenty of energy, all that stuff, I've had easy pregnancies, got a hands on DH, flexible work, all that stuff.

But even if I'd did want another (I'm happy with our two, our family is definitely complete), I have this thing in my head about being very fortunate to have two healthy children, and that rolling the dice again feels like a big risk for them and for me as a lot of lives would be affected. So that would be a big consideration.

When my kids were 3 and 6, I asked Mumsnet this question (I was 38). Almost everyone said no (back to baby stage/too old/not fair on other kids/overpopulation/climate change etc) and I am so glad that I didn't listen to them. Uneventful pregnancy, baby born when I was 39 and kids were 4 and 7. The baby is a toddler now, and the absolute joy of all of our lives. I almost shudder to imagine not having her. Our other children absolutely adore her and she slotted in like a dream. I would advise anyone who is considering it to go for it. I'm 42 now and don't feel too old to have a toddler at all and would have more if my husband allowed me to!

Sent DH for the snip in our mid 30s when I heard this urge is very common. Logically a third child would not make sense for us, so I didn't want to be ruled by my hormones, it's off the table and that is that!

I'm your age (not long turned 39) and this would honestly be a nightmare for me. My youngest DD starts school next year, and I can't wait to have some time for myself again (I work, but part time). The thought of doing it all again makes me feel sick!

It is your hormones they are utter bastards.

You need to look at this logically.

Do you want 3 teenagers, running around an awful lot most evenings for their activities. They go to bed late, the cost ££££ holidays are so much more expensive. Childcare costs, school costs, driving lessons.

Is it the desire to have a baby and young child again as you say farewell to the baby/pre-school years? I still found that incredibly sad after having 4!!!

What if the youngest has a severe disability that massively impacts on your other DC, you can never work again or even have a life that revolves around them 24/7.

I may or may not be 40 and trying myself...

Oh shush. I had my 3rd child at 40 and don't have a single ounce of regret. Not too old at all.

If you really want to do it and you can afford it and you're sure you're prepared to go through it all again, then I think you should go for it.

Maybe not straight away, though. Perhaps wait a couple of months and see if the feeling fades. If you're still keen after a period of time, then you could start trying for a third.

We only intended to have one as DH has an older daughter. After he was born I already knew I wanted another, and am so glad we did. But I knew when I had my second that I was definitely done. If you both want a third and circumstances are right for it then why not?

Hormones ! What genders have you got already? I have 4 and had last at 41. Its all really lovely but the age gap between eldest and youngest is huge now and we already had a mix. I have friends with 2 girls who had a boy and vice versa and it is tricker. The youngest is a bit left out. Wouldn't be without any of them though it's just logistically a bit more difficult with teenagers and small kids which I hadn't envisaged.

Yup, it’s hormones screaming out Have Another One. I wouldn’t, given the ages of your existing kids, but it’s up to you.

With both children in school and in the easy stage of parenting, do you really want to start over?
Will it benefit your children?

Always wanted to have many children but life circumstances got in the way. I had my youngest at 38, now 46 and pregnant with number 3.

This exact thing happened to me - I now have three ! Wouldn’t change it, my third dd is an absolutely treasure

I say this on all the other threads asking this question, could you cope if number 3 turned out to be number 3 and 4? That's what happened to my friend with her third.

I'm 37 and have two. I am braced for this urge! But the plan is to power through and ignore it. It's not right for us to have more. What is your gut saying?

I had my third at 42, when the others were 5 and nearly 4. I'm so happy with three. Go for it!