It's too late, right?

Says the statistics. There’s been plenty of research on geriatric pregnancy.

Why don’t you just come off your birth control and see what happens. Carpe diem and all that.

People are living longer these days and if they keep healthy nothing to show they wont be there for their children. Also in regards to finances. They sound rather well off.

Op only you can decide if its what you want, but I'd give it 6mths max then go for IVF.

I think what's making you think it's too late is you have been with your DH a long time already. Do you fear judgement from people as to why only thinking of children now? I met my DH in my mid-late 30s, had Dd1 at 38, DS at 40 and DD2 at 42. I was a bit more nervous the third time (had extra testing etc so I'd be prepared if there were any issues) but it didn't occur to me that I'd left it too late to have children... I hadn't had the opportunity before. I think you haven't left it too late... but maybe 3 is a lot to aim for.

If I'm still childless at 40 but in a stable relationship I will definitely try.

So, when your DC is 20 and at uni, you will be 61 and DH 73 - DC may still need emotional & financial support at that age.

says..... YOU??

Do you have any experience of babies and toddlers? The reason I ask is to wonder if you appreciate the enormous life change that comes with having children. Or do you have a fairytale image of how it might be?
Even though nothing can prepare you for the life changing event
Good luck with your decision

What a lovely post

Depends on health. A man in his 70's can have a healthy child. Really it is silly put everyone in the same basket. Also your so strongly opposed that it sounds like you have some personal things to work through. Have you had a baby in your 40's?

Go for it!

I have a good friend in her 30s. Her dad died last week, age 91. She absolutely adored him, he was a wonderful father and her closest confidante despite the 55 year age gap.

52/3 is not too old and if your dh wants kids he may well be a far more hands on father than someone in their 20s/30s who is focused on building a career.

And loads of mums at primary are mid-40s or older. Loads are also younger. Just be aware of the health risks and take whatever precautions you can to improve outcomes

Surely you will get over it once your hormones have settled? "Always regret" seems a bit dramatic.

@CraZypinkpants how old are the kids and husband now?

The statistics aren’t in your favour.

I had my third last year a week before I turned 40 and am now (somewhat unexpectedly!) pregnant with no.4 at 41. Last pregnancy was straightforward and this one is fine so far I’m not tired or anything. My DH is 45 though so a bit younger I’m not sure if at 52 that comes with extra risks in terms of chromosome problems etc? I did have the NIPT test with no3&4 as I was a bit older just for extra peace of mind. I say if DH is on board too then give it a go!! Good luck x

I know a number of woman who have had children in their 40s.
You mentioned your finances and housing, etc but didn't mention your health and your husband's. It is worth considering that aspect so you aren't going to burden a young adult child with caring responsibilities in their years to fly the nest. No one can ever know if this will happen but the risk is greater if you are in poor health, smokers, overweight, etc.
On the whole I would get on with it otherwise it will be too late though. 😉

hahahahaha really? it isn't. Many have healthy children in their 40's. Also I had a child in my early 30's that has a disability. It can happen at any time and has little do with age often.

DH was 53 when Dd arrived and 55 when ds arrived. No issuss . I was mid 30s.

I am much younger but my husband and I had our first baby when he was 50 and 52. We have a 1 year old and 3 year old and he is a fantastic, doting father!

He says being older makes him appreciate it and enjoy it more than he did when he was a very young dad.

Go for it - they always say you never regret the children you have, just the ones you don't!

That’s nonsense, her eggs are exactly the age she is. And sperm quality deteriorates with age too.

I remarried at 41. No children in first marriage. TTC from 40. Had three miscarriages, but had my baby at 45 (nearly 46).

I know plenty of women who had kids in their 40s. Lots of the parents at school are older. I personally wouldn’t do it, but then I had all my kids by the time I was 31 so that’s easy for me to say. I would be more concerned about your husbands age and the fact that he would be 62 with a 10 year old (my mum is 62 now and my dad died at 61).. my boys are 9 and 12 now and benefit so much having a hands on dad who can go for kick abouts and run around / keep up with them. How does he feel about it?

Go for it. 40 isn't too old. Honestly if you are healthy you possibly have the eggs of a person in their 30's