How old is too old?

Why on earth would I lie? What part is so unbelievable to you?

Is it, eh?

Sure that happened.

43 would be my cut off I think.

I understand your theory but the chances of the child having some kind of disability when the mother is in her 40's is too risky imo. And I say this as my nan had 12 children, the last 4 when she was in her 40's. All 4 of those children had some kind of disability. I had my DS at 36 and he's on the autism pathway. Though women can have children later than mid 30's I think the risks aren't taken into account nearly enough

Point proven op

I haven’t seen anyone comment this so it might be an unpopular opinion but I truly think it is selfish to have children into your 40s. You have elderly parents by the time you are 25-30. I’d like to have as long as possible with my parents and my mum was a grandma at 47. We have lots of fun together as she is still a ‘young mum’ and she is very present/active with my children. I’d love her to see her great grandchildren one day too!

I remember back in primary school a girl with quite old parents (old to us) in their mid 50s (she was about 10) and she was singled out because of it and branded as ‘weird’

The principle is sound that our individual lives and physiology are so unique that we are all different

This type of thread almost always ends in a bu fight between older and younger mums and often not a pleasant read

But thats probably not anything to do with age, most women who give birth naturally with no emergencies would probably describe their first as their worst. Its widely known that second and subsequent births are generally quicker and easier.

49?!?!
52?!?!

holy fuck nuts 🌰

I don’t think anyone can answer that. I had four easy pregnancies and healthy children, getting pregnant pretty immediately aged 30 32 34 and 38. Tried pretty hard for a fifth at 40. Took way way longer to get pregnant and lost all three pregnancies. After three years we stopped trying as it just didn’t happen and I felt (personally) 43 was too old. So my point is that I don’t think it follows that easy healthy pregnancies in your thirties equals the same when you’re older. Of course it might do for you but it didn’t for me.

Had mine naturally at 39 & 45. I had given up hope that I'd ever have a second child but I got lucky and all turned out fine. Fertility is all very personal though, and it's a roll of the dice every time no matter what your age. Good luck OP x

Yes, it is related to this apparently. Ovulation pauses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It's called "oocyte sparing". Women who have never been pregnant are much more likely to have early menopause.

Egg quality continues to deteriorate though whilst paused so this might not make it that much easier to get pregnant later.

I definitely wanted to be done with pregnancy by 35. I have a friend who had her child at 45 but she had to use donor eggs and is shattered and having bonding difficulties. I don't think getting pregnant post-40 is a great idea unfortunately.

My friend had her 6th at 49. Her oldest was 25 at the time.

This is the most done to death subject on here

Whenever is the time for you as a family and a parent. We're all different.

I'm 44 and think this would be the last year I'd consider a child (if circumstances would allow, which they wouldn't)

It's not just energy levels - it's the whole, will I have a disabled child, my older children would suffer etc

My friend had her first at 38, second at 40 and third at 44.

Her first birth was the worst.

All kids very healthy.

My personal cut off was 35. And tbh I am glad I made that decision as I am still struggling to reclaim my health and wellbeing and i’m not even 40 yet.

For me the cut off was 40 because although I could get pregnant by sitting next to a man on the bus, the risks of miscarriage and disability etc were not to be considered.

I know someone who had a baby naturally at 52.......... its very rare but like the body has a last go before menopause! I had my last of three at 33 and remember feeling completely exhausted in comparison to the two in my 20s so can't imagine how tired you must be with a baby in your later 40s/50s😖

I was 38 when I had my last child. This was old enough for me. I want to enjoy some down time in my 50s

My theory is that the more children you have the later your child-bearing years extend. I don’t know why this is the case medically.

I wonder if the more time you spend pregnant, the fewer eggs you use and the longer your reserve lasts? Mind you that could also be true of people who spend many years on hormonal contraception.

I think, in an ideal world, the best you can do, is make sure you are in a happy relationship (one where you share the same values, and make each other happy). Also, that you can afford to bring an extra being into this world, and have space in your living arrangement.

If you are happy, and have the above reasonably sorted, then I would start trying as soon as you feel comfortable.

While many people will tell you, to wait - until all is perfect/career ladder is climbed/etc. But, in all honesty, it is NOT the same for everyone. Have a child while you are healthy.
You arent always aware of what the future holds. I went through early Menopause at 35. Something which was unexpected.