Surprise pregnancy...16 years after my last!

[Autumnsurprise]

Hi mumsnet

I'm a 43 year old with a 16 and an 18 year old, happily married and very lucky to be settled and secure in work and life.
Also happily entering peri menopause and taking my recommended vitamins to fend off those older woman aches and pains.

When jet lag from a long haul flight delayed my period I didn't think much of it, other than a quick remark to my husband that perhaps my egg releasing days were over, but then a week later I woke up with the sudden hunch that I was pregnant. Sure enough there was the line and I spent the next hour walking about the house laughing out loud. WTF??!!

3 weeks later feels like forever and my whole life plan has tilted. Memories from 2008 are flooding back and weight is piling on. 15 years as a size 10 is gone in a flash and boobs and belly are making themselves known.

Promotion potential in a high stakes career and fear of miscarriage are keeping me tight lipped. Google is my friend but the lack of positive information about older mums - written by older mums - is a bit perplexing.

So I am reaching out. Are there other women out there in a similar situation? Do you know of any groups or Web based communities?

It's nice to share my story. I'd love to hear yours. X

So this isn't my story, but there's this mum who goes to a baby and toddler group that I go to. I assumed her 3 year old DC was her first, but it turns out is her fifth child, but only one still at home as the youngest of the 'oldest' has just left for uni. She said it's a lot harder work this time around, very tiring, and because the 3 year old has no siblings close in age wants constant attention. She loves it though and seems very happy with her decision. The youngest is very loved by the whole family and she said because she realises now how quickly each stage passes she's treasuring it more and also doesn't get so depressed by the sleepless nights etc.

You will cherish the time with your new child.
A gift indeed.

I was 41 and told to get cracking as my fertility days were over. 2 weeks later I was pregnant. Now 51 and have a 10 year old. He’s great fun and hard work but I love him. Keep fit. Keep active, swimming is your friend and your husband.

Congratulations ❤️ You sound shocked but very happy!

When we had our 'surprise'; Bloody great shock! Our next youngest was 16, and the older siblings were 17 and 23.
I was 44 when she was born. It was hard work (still is) but we love her dearly and her siblings adore her. They've all left home and she is welcomed to their homes and loves all the attention and visits. She is nearly 12 now.

Sorry, forgot to say-Congratulations!

Thank you for sharing and support. It really helped me feel less lonely and more confident ❤