To think 42 is too old for a baby?

I’m 42 and am much fitter and healthier now that I was at 32 so wouldn’t see it being an issue physically.

In general, I think 42 year olds are younger these days compared to what 42 would have looked like when I was a child.

Personally, I wouldn’t want a baby now, but that’s not due to age specifically.

I'm 42, nearly 43 and just had my 4th (unplanned) baby. My husband is 53. Tbh it's not as brutal as I thought it would be

You are very much being a cow. Lots of people have babies in their forties. Mind your own business. It's her life, and body. Not yours.

100% agree. But the 'I had 4 babies between 43 and 51, and so did everyone I know, and there were ZERO problems with the pregnancy or child' brigade will be here soon to tell you you're 'wrong.'

None of your business really.

I can’t personally see the appeal of ‘starting again’ at that point, but it’s not a particularly unusual age to have a baby.

As for being selfish… depends what she’s like as a parent, and any of us could get ill at any time.

And complications - well, people can test quite extensively now.

I wouldn't call it selfish, but it would be far too old for me (I'm early 40s).

I struggled enough having a baby in my twenties. I've only got one because it was so challenging. I wouldn't even consider starting that all over again at my age.

I suppose it's up to the individual and how fit and capable they feel, but it sounds dreadful to me!

I had my first (and only) baby at 42. I was very lucky and felt great throughout the pregnancy. The labour was 14 hours + forceps. I had no sleepness nights and DC no serious issues. I love being a mum (DD now 22 and thriving). There are many women like me. Thank goodness we didn't conclude that 42 was too old.

my mum was 43 when she had me and 94 when she died, its fine

I think people are having babies older now in general. I’m 45 and couldn’t hack the sleepless nights either. I do think hormones often have a last hurrah in early 40s and some women become very broody.

Depends on how old her partner is also. Personally I stopped at 2 DC, last at 36, I definitely couldn’t have dealt with going through the sleepless nights again at 42, health wise and age wise, I feel I would have been ok though, I doubt also that I would have had help from my in-laws with childcare, as they would have been mid 70’s.

I think it's too old personally. I have a friend who had started trying for a baby at 40. She has 4 children already, the youngest is 11 and she has a history of pregnancy complications, including 3 full term still births. I disagreed with what she was doing and sadly she went on to miscarry. But it's her life and all I could do was be supportive or at least fake my excitment and be there for her afterwards. I could have advised her not to get pregnant but at the end of the day it's none of my business and if she's really desperate for a baby, then she'll try regardless.

No it's not too old. It's too old for you (and me), but people are different op, and that's fine.

Yes you are the only one who feels this way. And yes you are a judgemental ‘cow’, in your words.

Yes, exactly. Maybe your friend is way tougher than you, OP?

It’s not too old. If a woman can get pregnant & give birth, then it’s fine. Yes, it’s riskier. But there’s always risk, with any pregnancy.

Also, if anyone wants to get help / treatment to have baby, when older, that’s fine too. Families are made in different ways.

Trying to formulate a diplomatic response and not having a huge amount of success. I will just say that women have been having babies and their 40’s since women have been having babies and just because you couldn’t hack the sleepless nights doesn’t mean no one else can.