Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

What’s your gut reaction to a 38 year old being pregnant?

918 replies

Pegfriedrice · 01/03/2023 09:25

Do you consider 38 old to be having a baby? Just interested in how people honestly feel hearing it as obviously most people would be polite in person but I’m not sure if secretly they’d think it was quite old to be having a baby?

probably overthinking but hey…

OP posts:
Diva66 · 01/03/2023 18:50

I’d say “Congratulations”.

Yespresh · 01/03/2023 18:52

My Mum was 37 when I was born. I am now dealing with a 91 year old. She has always been old to me and just gets older. I made sure I had my children younger so they dont have to face this too.

MrsaJ1982 · 01/03/2023 18:52

I had my first and only child at 36 after 8 years ttc and fertility treatment. If I didn’t know them well I might wonder if they’d also had fertility problems but I wouldn’t think they were old.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Families
Mittens1717 · 01/03/2023 18:53

My gut reaction would be congratulations, totally natural, I know loads of women who had babies at 38 and older, your body your business

MrsPetty · 01/03/2023 18:54

I had my first DD at 41 and second at 42. It felt totally normal to me. I didn’t meet their Father until I was 39…

TheLostNights · 01/03/2023 18:54

Nothing?
Standard age round here to be pregnant

notthisagainforest · 01/03/2023 18:54

I would think that would be very tiring but that may be because I've already brought mine up at 38. First time mum may have more energy but I couldn't do it no way

Wykkid · 01/03/2023 18:56

I had my daughter at 38

it definitely isn’t too old

Brenna24 · 01/03/2023 18:57

I very nearly celebrated my 40th birthday in hospital with my newborn. She came early and we escaped just in time after a weeks stay in hospital. She is now a very healthy 5 year old and I am an active mum who does loads of stuff with her. Ignore your sister.

VK456 · 01/03/2023 18:58

Nothing out of the ordinary at all these days.

Kay286 · 01/03/2023 18:59

Nothing at all if you’re happy about it then it’s great ! I’d definitely be glad it wasn’t me though haha - I’m 40 and done with having babies and couldn’t imagine going back to that stage now.

leolo · 01/03/2023 18:59

I’d say congratulations and be very happy for you. I had mine at 43 and 47. Everyone said congratulations or wow, good for you. The only person who was unimpressed was my sister, of all people. She thought I was selfish and reckless. My kids are amazing and I count my blessings every day. X

DrSamuelBeckett · 01/03/2023 18:59

Yespresh · 01/03/2023 18:52

My Mum was 37 when I was born. I am now dealing with a 91 year old. She has always been old to me and just gets older. I made sure I had my children younger so they dont have to face this too.

I'm confused - do you think you would be better facing having a 91 year old mother at 63 instead of 53? Why do you think being 63 would be better than 53?

Rhodesiawassuper1972 · 01/03/2023 18:59

Not a problem... às long as mother to be is healthy and happy to be pregnant, what's it got to do with anyone else?

Errmmmmmmmmmmm · 01/03/2023 18:59

I had my DD when i was 38. i didn't consider myself to be old.

MaeMair · 01/03/2023 19:00

Congratulations?!

MB34 · 01/03/2023 19:01

I had my second at 37 and third at 41. Totally normal these days.
A lot of girls who I went to school with had babies late 30s/early 40s.

moleeye · 01/03/2023 19:01

Not at all, had my first at 34 and my second at 39.

Don't listen to her and do what's right for you

BeeandG · 01/03/2023 19:01

2nd at 39. She's 5 now. Absolutely normal in my mind. Yes I'm an older parent than some of her classmates but I don't feel old and honestly I think they keep you young.

Chrisp63 · 01/03/2023 19:03

Firstly congratulations indeed.

If I'm truthful I think that is a bit older than optimum and I am a great fan of optimum levels on behalf of children. I can say that now as I have had my children and now know what I am talking about. But I wouldn't have said that back in the day. I did maintain that if I didn't have my second by 35 I wouldn't go for it. I had NO intention of changing nappies at 40 +.

But everyone's circumstances as so different . If its right for you, its right for you.
However, life and babies cannot be just booked in, life is just not like that is it? So many other things to consider, I was 33 and 35 when I had my children and tbh, had I known how tired I would feel I would have tried for earlier babies, say 29-32.. but I had a super hyperactive baby who slept for less then 40 mins every 24 hours for the first 5 years of his life! So, my view probably a bit clouded as I was seriously exhausted . WE all survived and both he and his sibling have thrived and are very happy successful individuals. I suffered! I aged as went grey within the first three years metabolism went poooofff but where there is a will there is a way and few children
stay awake for most of their first five years!

SO congratulations, you enjoy every moment.. and despite all, I did and still do! Also, I was old enough not to take any rubbish from anyone and was able to stand up for him when he needed it. He was a handful!

Justkeepsmilingx · 01/03/2023 19:03

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Lornadoo · 01/03/2023 19:04

Had my children at 34, 36 and 38. Completely normal.

Yourcatisnotsorry · 01/03/2023 19:04

Congratulations :-)

it’s pretty normal nowadays, more kids born to over 40s than teens since 20 years ago.

I am considering having a third at 40.

anyone who judges by age can jog on

Justkeepsmilingx · 01/03/2023 19:05

I am so sorry. Posted in wrong place. Reported to remove

sunshinestar1986 · 01/03/2023 19:06

Just had a baby now at 36
Planning on a few more,
very normal