It's too late, right?

Just to add that being an older parent, particularly for your husband is not all bad. My best friend married a man much older than her. He had retired by the time their daughter hit high school. But this meant he was there to do all school runs, holiday care etc and they had a very close bond. So maybe quality over quantity maybe.

Do what feels right for you both.

I had DS aged 37 ( nearly 38). I was in great health. I've since had cancer diagnosis after cancer diagnosis and I don't even know if I will make it until he's 18. I'm 53 now.

If you BOTH want a baby, crack on.
You just don't know what I obstacles you ) or your DH) will face along the way. No one does.

Also factor in peri/ menopause, with a young child.

not true and also incredibly backward in thinking.

No I'm 50 years old lol. But it is the first time I've heard it. No crime there

No not at all lol, I think I am just far too invested in these threads ha!

I had my second baby at 41 (after 3 mc, mind you) but still managed just a 2.5 year age gap between him and our first.
It's not too late, but try in earnest if you are going to.

I cannot imagine my life without my little boy. He's just the whole heart of me. 40 isn't too old.

Maybe some data will help

Yes times have changed. Life expectancy has stalled and is even reducing.

Are you in good shape health wise? I had my 2nd at 40 and it was always me mentioning my age, the medical staff didn't bat an eyelid. They said actually other factors would be far more a risk factor than being 40, obesity for example. They said I was actually a lot lower risk than women much younger than me as I was in good shape health wise. I had a textbook pregnancy same as the first, no morning sickness, no concerns, okish labour which resulted in assisted delivery, straightforward recovery. Perfect little girl and without being too smug I think I'm a great Mummy 😍

In your position I'd probably do 'let nature decide'. I wouldn't do anything to prevent it but wouldn't start tracking ovulation and trying in the full on sense (which can often have the opposite effect as it introduces a lot of stress).

I'd say just go ahead and get pregnant, you haven't got time on your side to be putting it off..Wouldn't it be lovely for you in years to come to have the company and support of your child if anything did happen to your husband

No I'm 50 years old lol. But it is the first time I've heard it. No crime there 😀

I guess you had to be there 😂. Went down a storm.

Maybe they were run over by that bus that keeps knocking over 30 something parents.

My friend had a pensioner dad. Ex paratrooper, saw action in Suez, once nutted an 20 odd year old oik in a pub who was getting lairy. He was in his late 60's. He was a legend.

We really have to admit at this point that if the 2 sides were getting scored the "pro go for it side" would be really struggling for points right now.

Quite.

I'm about to turn 50. Out of my year group of 60 or so in the sixth form, precisely three are no longer with us. That's not "lots".

I can guarantee there'll be quite a few more within 15 or so years though.

Oh I do love these older soldiers what a life story.

well aren't you delightful.lol

Again have you had a baby in your 40's? If not your not qualified to speak on the subject as you sounds so ignorant. Times have changed.

Sounds great - a violent squaddie. Just what every child needs.

There’s lots of 30/40-something parents that die.

"Lots"? Or actually, a very small minority, statistically?

I had mine in my late 30s and had all of this in the same decade.
Admittedly, my peri phase has been monumentally long and I still have occasional periods in my 50s, so still can't declare myself post menopausal. 🤦‍♀️

Is adopting an older child or fostering of any interest to you?

What makes you think this is relevant here? Adoption/fostering aren't an answer to having left it late to procreate biologically. They are totally different concepts - these days most children in the adoption/fostering system have experienced a lot of trauma or neglect and require very committed parents who can understand & be prepared to meet those needs. Adoption typically comes with much higher than average rates of FASD, damage due to antenatal drug exposure, high risk of disabilities & emotional/attachment disorders.

I read very recently "you only regret the children you didn't have". This really struck a chord with me...I don't regret either of my kids but I regret not having a third. Maybe just something to sit with.

I can only assume you're new to parenting forums if you've only heard this spouted out recently!

Your husband will be 70 when your baby is just heading off to uni. Do you really want that?
Be aware that this is your body playing tricks on you. You’ve been happily CF but now your hormones are playing Last Chance Saloon before menopause, which is all well and good but when reality hits and you’re up half the night with a screaming bairn it won’t seem like such a fabulous idea.