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AIBU?

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Original poster

To try and get pregnant at 46

253 replies

Whywoojjh · 26/04/2026 21:50

I’m 46 and would like to try for my first child is this too late? I’m also 47 in July

OP posts:
KindReader · 26/04/2026 22:05

This is ridiculous and selfish.

Youthinkyouareaniconoclast · 26/04/2026 22:05

Have you given thought about the possible child having additional needs?

The reason for saying this is that at 35 I conceived a son who had a condition that was unfortunately not compatible with life.

In retrospect, I was lucky in one way. He was never going to survive and his death was inevitable. It was clear cut. I'm not sure how well I would have coped with a child with additional needs on top of my other children.

Obviously chromosomal differences can present whatever your age, but the risk does increase with age.

Best of luck with your decision.

Claireabella111 · 26/04/2026 22:05

I’m a grandmother at 46 to a 15 month old who I look after 2-3 days a week. And I am exhausted afterwards. And I get to walk away and sleep at night xx

CherryMorello79 · 26/04/2026 22:05

Gosh I’m 47 and went through the menopause 2 years ago.. I can’t even begin to imagine contemplating a baby at this age, but I have three already and the eldest is a fully grown adult. I’m intrigued to know why someone at 46 would suddenly decide now is the time to start trying.

ChickenBananaBanana · 26/04/2026 22:04

Poor baby. It's not fair

Viviennemary · 26/04/2026 22:04

Far far too risky. Absolutely not.

ArghMyEars · 26/04/2026 22:02

I wouldn’t. I’m 40 later this year and debating a sibling for my 2 year old soon but I couldn’t at 46.

CatRestaurant · 26/04/2026 22:02

Yes it’s too late.

PinkFrogss · 26/04/2026 22:00

Your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby are low, as I’m sure you know.

How old is the would be dad?

usernamemustnotcontainspecialcharacters · 26/04/2026 22:00

I had my first at 34 and my second at 41. I thought my first was hard. Pregnancy was so much harder second time round. I’m so tired with the second. You won’t know any different. Go for it but make sure your partner is loving, stable and able to finance the pregnancy and the child.

Nopenousername · 26/04/2026 22:00

High risk high stakes..

IsItSummerSoon · 26/04/2026 22:00

Everyone is different but for me my health has taken a nose dive since I turned 50. The thought of having a baby to look after at this point would genuinely terrify me. It’s overwhelming how quickly you can go from feeling fine to barely clinging on.

Alltheusefulitems · 26/04/2026 22:00

I had my daughter at 46, she is 2. I know there are lots of celebs out there who have babies very late in life but as a regular woman with a very hands on and helpful doting husband, I can't recommend having a baby in your late 40's.

Secretseverywhere · 26/04/2026 21:59

I’m 46 and knackered so am impressed at you wanting to try. Statistically the odds are not in your favour with low chances of conception and relatively high miscarriage rates. If you are determined I’d look at IVF with a donor egg.

Pedallleur · 26/04/2026 21:59

Todaytomorrowforever · 26/04/2026 21:57

I’m 46 and I have a 4 year old. I am so very, very tired.

So you have 5 years on OP. It doesn't get easier, it changes. OP would be 51 with a 4 year old

mrssunshinexxx · 26/04/2026 21:59

You’d be 67 by the time they were 20 IF it happened straight away. I wouldn’t , it’s exhausting

helpmelosemybigbelly · 26/04/2026 21:57

I would try

Todaytomorrowforever · 26/04/2026 21:57

I’m 46 and I have a 4 year old. I am so very, very tired.

HeadDeskHeadDesk · 26/04/2026 21:57

Yes it's too late. You already know this. I don't know what you are expecting people to say.

ridingfreely · 26/04/2026 21:56

If you are happy to be one and done - go for it! Set a limit and try maybe for a year or so. A wanted baby is a happy baby

Pedallleur · 26/04/2026 21:56

Assuming it happens you'll be 65 with a teenager. You are going to need all the energy to work(?) and parent and have someone eg a parent or partner to help. Being a single parent of a 10 year old at 57 is a tough call.

Orangebadger · 26/04/2026 21:56

Very very very small chance of a natural pregnancy tbh. Most women in late 40s who have had a successful pregnancy have used an egg donor if that is something you would consider?

CurtainMode · 26/04/2026 21:55

YABU. It's unfair on the child.

ItsJustMeMyself · 26/04/2026 21:54

What's the doubt? What others might think?

Everlil · 26/04/2026 21:54

Well if it’s what you want, I’d try now. Obviously you know the statistics, but at least you’ll have fun trying!