Is 46 too old for a baby?

I think yes too old

46 is too old.

I had mine at 35 and 37, I'm now 54. If I'd had them 10 years later I think I could have coped ok with the early years in my 40s. However, I'd have massively underestimated the input they have turned out to need in their teens (DD has ASD and mental health problems) and I'm finding that hard enough now, let alone in my 60s.

It might be fine if you're lucky enough to have a completely healthy child, but please do consider the less than optimal possibilities too before you go ahead. As an older parent your child would be more at risk of many health issues, so you need to be sure you could support them.

I don't think there's an easy answer. You'd need to think carefully about your health, whether you're willing to try IVF, how strong your support network is (mainly in case your health declines before they are adults), and how strong your relationship is.

But it's not all negative. If you did manage to have a baby, you're likely to be far more financially comfortable than you were in your 20's, you have life experience behind you, and your child would be loved which is the most important thing.

Do it and be happy.

44 is fine to have a baby, but 57-58 is quite old to be dealing with the hardest part of teenagers, and 61 is old to start on the ferris wheel of late teens. We found Y13 really hectic for DC and for us too. Weekends taken up with long drives to uni visits, work experience, uni applications and extra exams for some subjects alongside A levels, coursework, learner driver practice, picking them up late from the pub, all the stress of transitioning from school to college to uni. When they go to uni, transporting them and visiting can mean a lot of hours driving when you're tired enough from working FT to pay the parental contribution towards their living expenses (£200ish a week some places). This probably sounds daft because an 18 year old is obviously much more independent than a baby, but I didn't see this coming either and we are finding it very tough.

I say go for it. Be prepared for it not being possible and then what your options are. My friend got pregnant at 46 but used donor egg. That could be option for you. Her and DC are absolutely thriving 3 years later

There are so many factors to be take into consideration.
I can bring MY experience of having a child late. I was just a couple of year younger than you are now when he was born. It's been wonderful, and we still enjoy every second of it.
But:

• we are a very stable couple, who have wanted a child for a very long time and battled infertility. We support each other.
• we have good careers and incomes, a big house in a nice area.
• we are fit and well. I exercise four times per week, I am not taking any medication and, now in my early fifties, I genuinely don't feel any less energetic then when I was much younger.
• the early years were difficult, the sleepless nights exhausting, but I genuinely don't believe they would have been easier if I was younger. For context: I went back to work (in a senior position in a corporate role) when DS was 8 months, I breastfed until he was 15 months and we have no family support.
• where I live there are lots (and I mean LOTS) of older parents. in my DS's class at least 10 children have parents our age. only one child has parents who are in their twenties.

It's too old. I'm 45 and have accepted that, sad as it may be, the ship has sailed.

Go for it girl 💕

your only as old as you feel.

Even if you could, it doesn't mean you should x

I genuinely think there’s so much happiness in life to be gained from not having kids as well as having kids. They’re not the be all and end all.. it’s stressful, tiring, expensive and it never ends… Teens and young adults can be a really worrying time…and at that stage you will be in your late sixties/ early seventies.

I have friends who’ve remained childless whose lives are packed with joy and purpose and hobbies!! Don’t feel it’s something you have to do just because you’re in a good relationship.

Hope you find the right decision for you x

One of my friends was 46 when she had her one child - she is a lovely mother. Couple got together young but took a long time to decide they wanted kids - by which time there were infertility issues and it took her 3 rounds of IVF. But it happened and her boy is lovely. If you want children I'd at the minimum give yourself the chance to have them naturally (ie stop contraception) - your likelihood is low at this age of natural conception but not completely impossible - and then if it doesn't happen think about other options e.g. IVF. There are also the choices of adopting, egg donation, etc as well.

If I was in your shoes I would just see what happens. Give it until Christmas, if it happens, fantastic but it is unlikely. I don’t think you’re too old. I’m the same age and could do it again. I don’t feel old.

Yes it is too old IMO for the child's sake.

If you are living together and committed, both in good health with a youthful attitude, why not stop contraception and just let nature take its course. If it happens it happens, accept if it doesn't.

Meanwhile enjoy what you have, a good, loving relationship. That counts for a lot, you can have a good, fulfilled life with or without a child.

Good luck.

I think if you were ten years younger I wouldn't advise you to rush into a baby with a relatively new partner, and I wouldn't change that advice for your age either.

I think it is too old, maybe stop using contraception and see what happens? Be prepared for disappointment. Also if you are really sure about parenthood research fostering/adoption as others have said.

Have no idea why my reply repeated its self so many times

many say too old had kids younger so they can’t imagine Starting again with sleepless nights etx

do uou have friends with young children @Thebirdsang or will baby have cousins

the only bad thing about being older imo is that I may die when she is still young

or I could live till I’m 80/90 so she will be in her 40’s

my dad is 86 and full of life

equally my mum died when I was 40 and she wasn’t older - she got cancer and poorly after that - we don’t know what will happen to health

a big thing to consider - if you and the dad die while they are a child - who will be guardian /take care of them ?

No not too late OP - u know people who’ve conceived naturally up to 52 and it’s all gone smoothly 🙌

I had my youngest at 43 and it’s hard work in your 40s. Plus I’ll be in my 60s by the time she leaves school. I wouldn’t be without her now but having a young child again has certainly resulted in a lot of constraints on my life at a time when I’d otherwise be enjoying a period of decent earnings and relative freedom to please myself.

I'm 48 with a just turned 2 year old. Yes it's too old!

About six years too old in my view if you factor in all the disadvantages and potential pitfalls.

Im 46. Yes I think its to old for a baby. It would be selfish.