Blimey! Victoria Coren Mitchell has had a second baby at 51

[Sidebeforeself]

Congratulations to her. I caught up with OC last night and thought she looked pregnant but dismissed it when i remembered she’s around my age. Then i saw the announcement today. I’m knackered just thinking about it!

And being a bit more realistic - having a new born when you can afford cleaners, a cook, a day and night nanny if you want them and both parents have jobs that are pretty much part time or can be stopped altogether for a year or so, would make being the parent of a newborn a lot easier in your 50s than being in your 30s.

Congratulations to Victoria and David, best of luck to them ❤️ 💙 💜

I know a few women who had babies later on like this and they were also youthful people in general. So even at 60-70 they would be more like 40-50 in terms of health, energy, even looks. Everyone is different and not everyone ages the same. Although someone mentioned smoking, that and alcohol really age the body.

I saw a consultant recently who said most of his patients were in their 50s. This was for ivf

Congratulations to you - it’s pretty cool isn’t it 😀…. I am a 52 yr old mum of a very energetic 5 year old, she too is very well provided for in life!

My late best friend’s children lost their beautiful mother at the ages of 8 and 11, she was 37. Youth is certainly no guarantee of good health/longevity unfortunately.

No. Eggs don't work like that!

Only on Mumsnet is 50 too old to have a child but 40 is practically a baby and too young to lose a parent.

My youngest uncle was born when his DM was 40 and his dad/my grandad was 60. He lost his mum aged 35 but his dad lived nearly another 10 years.

David and Victoria would have to have extraordinary bad luck to die before their mid or late 80s, given how life expectancy is tied to income.

Oh wow. Love them both and have a massive girl crush on VCM.

Having spent a long time in the donor IVF world, I’d say it’s incredibly likely they’ve used an egg donor.

Not that it’s anyone’s business, but I think (as someone who finally had a child at 40 after lots of failed IVF) that sometimes people look at miracle babies in older celebs and think they have unrealistic chances themselves.

I have friends who had donor babies late (one had twins at 49 and a singleton at 51 thanks to covid delaying treatment) and most people don’t know about their conception, which is their choice but I don’t think especially healthy, secrecy and all.

Regardless, super bloody happy for VCM.

The ONS gives an average life expectancy of 87 for women aged 51.

The only bit I'm envious of is that he absolutely adores her and has written extensively about that. Lucky couple.

Actually there are many studies which demonstrate that wealthy people live on average almost 10 years longer and also that their latter years are generally healthier, which is also an important consideration.

Anyone can die of cancer, heart disease, stroke etc. Being rich isn't some magic shield against nature.

I said richer people statistically live longer &
healthier life expectancy, I’m not sure what’s controversial about that? And no that doesn’t mean I’m saying a rich person will live to 200.

Id assume an 8 year gap between dcs plus not announcing a pregnancy until after a safe delivery would mean they’ve had some heartbreak along the way to completing their family, but equally could be an unplanned one. Particularly given how many woman on here seem to think you can’t get pregnant without medical assistance at 50 - all the 50-somethings who haven’t gone through the menopause, you do still need to use contraceptives if the idea of being pregnant now scares you!

@LimeCheesecake My initial guess was that they’ve undergone fertility treatment, but you’re right, she could be a wonderful surprise!

Why is it a good point? Men's fertility doesn't decline at the same rate as women's, it's no surprise that he's fathered a child at that age.

i though research showed men’s sperm quality declined and older fathers are linked to higher rates of things like autism?

Lovely news but very curious to know if it was a natural conception- i know its none if my business but cant help being nosey!
It is possible to have a baby naturally at 51 but its rare.
Im 52 and just going through menopause and feel ancient! I think id find it tough having a baby now but then i also have 4 teens, mum with dementia, work full time and do all housework, gardening, life admin etc without any paid help.
I suspect Victoria and David will be utilising their financial means to lift the drudgery and dont work 37 hours a week for 48 weeks of the year.
I am a bit jealous of all their energy - they must be feeling a lot younger than i do right now!!
Im sure baby June will be loved and have a great childhood.

In my head she’s about 10 years younger so I thought nothing of this!

I 100% doubt this was a natural conception.

In previous generations it was more common due, obviously, to a lack of contraception. If you are still ovulating and having periods, entirely possible. I think the stays are 1%. We have a few in our ancestors. Several children over several years, up to and including early 50's.

Some women, outliers but nonetheless, naturally have kids into their 50s.

The oldest natural pregnancy and birth is in the 60s, I think.

Since IVF and donor eggs it's on the increase in general.

I had a late surprise. There's 11 years between DS1 and DS2 and they have a great relationship. DS1 loves having a sibling and reminiscing during CBeebies. They do bicker, mostly "he broke my controller/headphones. Hes never allowed to come in my room again." and "he won't let me in his room. He's being really mean. I didn't mean to kick him. He's making me sad. Kill him."😅

But they love eachother and have fun spending some time together.

Congratulations and hats off to VC and her family. I'm a 50 something mother with a young primary school child, it's knackering. I wish them happiness and health.🌻🌻🌻

How so? They were all natural conceptions too.

As people are routinely living to their 90s it's not likely the kid will be left an orphan

@Runnerduck34 I know, I’m nosy as well. I’d like to have some baby cuddles, but I can’t imagine actually having one now (at 49) 😂

The father of 20 is an invalid! How did he support them.all?

Yes, women are advised to use reliable contraception until one year minimum, of consecutive months, of no periods, no matter what their age.

And they won't give x-rays to women up to 55 I think without asking the "could you be pregnant" question and ticking the box.