If you had your 3rd baby in your 40s

[MerciAToiAussi]

What was it like? Was it an intentional baby or a surprise baby, what was it like TTC/pregnancy/birth/adapting to 3 in your 40s?
I'm not even sure if I'm seriously considering it but I can't get the thought out of my head recently.
To be clear I really don't want this to descend into an "is it too old" thread, I just want to hear from those who have done it or seriously considered it/tried for it, including if it didn't work out or you decided against it.
For the record I was 36 and 39 for my 2DC so in my own case I'm not thinking about massive age gaps. I thought I'd feel done and 40 was my cut off, but here I am wondering 🤷‍♀️

I had dc3 at 42. Planned and conceived naturally and it took a couple of years (with one tfmr along the way, but no miscarriages). Pregnancy was fine, though I had GD with no symptoms, but was fit and active throughout and didn't have any problems looking after dcs. I had the NIPT test at 10 weeks, which was all clear for dc3. I have a big gap between dc1 and dc2, so I'm mostly just juggling 2 dcs. I've always had low sleep needs, so night waking and tiredness hasn't been an issue.
40 was my hypothetical cutoff too but then I just figured, if it happens, it happens, if it doesn't then it's not meant to be. So I wasn't really trying very hard (not paying attention to timing or using tests etc) but also didn't use any protection.

I had first two at 34 and 37, conceived both first month of trying. Wanted a third but expected the same ease so didn’t try til felt ready at 41, nothing happened whatsoever for 3 years and now just turned 44 have given up. Our life was/is ready for an extra person so it took a while to accept it wasn’t going to happen. Plus ttc wasn’t fun. I didn’t know how lucky I was to not know what that was like!

That's lovely, it must have been very difficult for you on the way there. I'm glad it worked out for you in the end.

That must have been/be really hard, I'm sorry you went through that. I know people who have had very similar sounding experiences. On paper I would like to think we'd be super chilled and just see what happens, but I know from previous experience (struggling and MC before DC1) that I'm not good at relaxing when it comes to TTC.

DC3 at 41, after first two at 36 and 38. Conceived first month of trying - not sure how long I would have gone on trying for as it never became an issue. He turned up 7 weeks early but otherwise perfect. We went for NIPT at 10 weeks, but then we did this for all three.

Wow 7 weeks early, I guess that could have happened at any age? I'm already 41 and still breastfeeding DC2 (who was conceived easily when I was 39) so I guess I'm feeling the pressure a bit to decide, to third baby or not to third baby. Thanks for sharing your experience!

DC3 at 41 after 12 months of trying and a miscarriage along the way. Big age gap as my other two were teenagers, juggling teens and a baby was hard work! Its all been good fun though and he's a teen himself now, he's a great lad but i will say its very tiring having a teen in your late 50s.

Yes, DC2 was 5 weeks early so I'd had some practice with preemies. Waters actually broke at 31+5 with DC3 but managed to keep him cooking another fortnight. No idea if age had anything to do with it though.