Is 37 too much old to have a third child?

I had my second at 37. I had amniocentesis as I wanted to make sure the baby had 23 pairs of chromosomes. I would have terminated if they didn't. No other issues to do with my age arose or were even discussed.

I'm 42 and currently 18 weeks pregnant ill have a 20 year gap between my eldest and this baby and a 10 year gap between my youngest and this baby and I can hand on heart say that this pregnancy has been a dream so far no issues at all and I feel amazing I get a lot of shocked reactions when people realise that I'm expecting but who cares its my body my life !

I had all my kids in my 30s including one at 39, and I still researched the risks associated with my age before TTC at 38. In the end, I decided the risks were small enough for me to proceed but I still wanted to make an informed decision. I really don't see anything wrong with that. I also spoke to my gynecologist who told me that she didn't consider me to be higher risk because of my age, but she did warn me that my risk of miscarriage was higher.

A normal response.

I deliberately had my first at 37, DH was 41. No issues during pregnancy or birth, neither midwives nor consultants mentioned any need for extra monitoring.
Having said that we are both very healthy and have good habits, which is helpful no matter what age you decide to conceive.
The bigger difficulty was around adjusting to the massive life change - you need to be mentally strong and have good support network. If you are already struggling in that zone that's something to consider regardless of age.

Women have always had children into their 40s, because it's biologically possible and there was no contraception.

Thankfully now we have a choice when we conceive, and for many women later is better because they have more money, experience and agency in their lives.

I had my first at 37, it's a completely normal age to have a child - all my friends were in their mid to late 30s and many are now having second/third children in their 40s.

I can't imagine having a child at 22, that's ridiculously young.

I had my fourth (unplanned) at 41 and felt pretty worried throughout about the risks. The HC professionals I saw all made it abundantly clear that the chance of abnormalities were higher and also the risks to my own health. I had the Harmony test at 10 weeks and tried to take care of myself. I had regular appointments and scans to monitor the baby. It was a hard pregnancy and although DS is perfect in every way I haven't bounced back as easily this time.

I was 36 for 3rd child and tbh I am the same age as most of her friends Mums.

I don’t think it’s insulting at all. I’ve been thinking exactly the same sort of things - I’m 36, have 2 kids (5 and 2.5) and want a third.

But the risk of twins/additional needs is a concern because it would
impact more on my kids’ lives than a single /non-additional needs child. And that is a risk that increases with age.

I’m in London and it would be absolutely normal to have a child at this age in my circles however. Most of my friends have had their first in the last year or so (at 34-36) so will likely have their second at 37+.

omg. Kick your dad out.

Also based on your many other threads, you live with your dad, you want to lick your dad out, you don’t work, you’re very depressed and one month ago said you didn’t want to be a mother anymore….

Those are better reasons not to than being 37 and apparently medically ‘too old’…

Some women spend so many years trying that by the time they manage to conceive they might be in their 40's. Then you wonder why some are offended?

Maybe you should consider, going by your posts, that you really aren't in the best position for another either.

Yes. Like I said in the post you quoted, read the fucking room! If you weren’t being so insensitive perhaps people wouldn’t have a go!

Had my first at 37 - all fine

Sounds like you shouldn't tbh.

Your life and you don't seem in a good place to bring a new life into the world. Your last op speaks volumes.

The irony is you're asking in a way you think 37 is old yet you lack maturity.

Sorry op.

I struggle sometimes at 3 😂😂

First born had a tiny scar due to something when we were in hospital which we used to check who was who until we got better at it. They still respond to each others name and can reach other twin 2s name so they like to make it easy 😂😂 but there's differences in their faces and DEF their personalities

Love this post 😂😂😂

Hi OP. It is scary when you look at the stats, and also to know that over 35 you are classed as a woman of advanced maternal age, so can totally understand why you have concerns.
But the truth is the vast majority of women your age have perfectly healthy pregnancies.
I am 40 and pregnant with my first and have had a lot of anxiety, but all fine so far (touch wood) at 34 weeks.
As lots of people have said (some in not very nice terms) many mums are way older than you when they get pregnant and have no issues.
It totally depends on your individual circumstances.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

Just had my 2nd at 37. Definitely not too old!

@summerfinn I think that's not a bad age I think I would probably have my third then, my mum was 38 when she had me and I turned out okay I think 😜

Dc3 at 37, it never crossed my mind I was taking a huge risk. It certainly never felt that way.

Unfair on her child to have an older mum

How unfair ? You mean as they might die soon

Sadly I belong to way - there are many parents who die young for whatever reason - cancer - heart attack - suicide - car accident etx

You can't live your life thinking what if I die

But

You can make sure that if something happened to mr blondes and I ,that mini blondes will be cared for / we have guardianship in place - life insurance plus wills and in trust if under 21

Being older I was financially secure - own house - no mortgage - career well established - happy to stay in at weekends (I did all the pubs clubs etx in my 20/30's)

Yes I am older then many of the parents in dd6 class. Some are around my age. Some I could be their mum