to think that 40 years old is NOT too old to become a Mother, whether it is tbe first time or not?

[SoleSource]

I am 39 soon and would like to have another baby.

Knock yourself out but it would be my idea of hell.

I don't think it's too old. I am 40 but I honestly feel very little different to how I did 10-15 years ago. I would dearly love another child and being 40 wouldn't put me off in the slightest.

In my case what stops me is that I am on my own, and I don't want to be a LP again (was with DS1 and as good as with DS2, who are now 14 and 11 respectively). If I did ever have a 3rd child, I always said I ONLY wanted to do it if I was settled in a decent relationship. No real prospect of that happening, so I doubt I will have any more.

But personally speaking, it doesn't appeal at all.

I am the eldest and my father was 49 when I was born. A wonderful wonderful father, but diagnosed with dimentia when I was 16. Very very hard. Now passed away, and will never see his grandchildren.

On the other hand, my mother had me at 31. A wonderful mother. She too has passed away, of liver disease due to drinking. And will never see her grandchildren.

So I guess in my case, the age of my parents had very little to do with the horrible outcome.

I don't feel any different to how I felt ten years ago either (according to my 65 year old mother you never do) but if I had a baby at forty I'd have a twelve year old, an eight year old and a newborn. No thanks.

Thanks VerySmallSqueak. It does suck.

I hope it isn't. I'm nearly 36 and just had my 1st. Will be trying for 2nd next year so prob be 37/38 and then we hope to have a 3rd at 39/40.

There are 8 women in my NCT group and 5 are between 35-37 and they have all had 1st babies and are planing more. So they will be close to 40 too.

I have never felt more energetic and my pregnancy was amazing - i can't wait to do it again. (The birth was fucking awful mind you!)

I don't think 40 is too old. I am 34 and cannot imagine the thought of having another baby, but I have about 5 years to change my mind.

I hope not. I am looking forward to a disgraceful mid life crisis when dd goes to university.

am shocked that anyone would think a woman 'too old' in her late thirties and want to have all their kids in their twenties.

chubfuddler that's me almost exactly: 11yd, 8yd and 8 month old twins

I'm fitter at 41 then I have ever been! Go for it.

My Nan was 38 when she had her first child, and 46 with her last. My grandma was 34 with her first.
I think wars and so on got in the way of doing it earlier.
My Nan lived to be 89, and looked after all her grandkids into her late 70's.
She also had a husband who was 11 years younger than her. When he died (10 years before she did) she said that she should have married a younger man!
Possibly she wore him out!

I will be 41 in 2 weeks and I am watching my four month old sleep next to me right now.

I had her in the UK and when I arrived at 36 weeks, I asked if my age was a concern. The MW said "god, no!" so I think it's pretty common!

Can't say I loved having grey hair and being pregnant tho!

My Mum had me at 41, but she was well experienced having had three before me (two of them boys!). She used to say she wished she'd had four more (her own mother had fourteen). Oddly (or perhaps not...) three of us have had no children at all.

I know several women who have had their 3rd at around 38/39.

I do think 40 ish is quite old to have a baby, but not too old.

I have a friend who had her 4th at 42, now he's 10 and in y6, she often mentions how ancient she feels in the playground.

my mum had my DS when she was 43. My DS is now 38 having her first baby
My mum is old, has dementia and can't help DS or be a part of her life. My DS wishes mum had been 10 years younger when she had her. DS now thinks she is a bit old to be having her first DC, as she is repeating what DM did.
My DS children will have no grandparents.very sad.

I'm 38 and trying. Had my first at 37. YANBU. Good luck and enjoy.

My DF had me when he was 43. I think there are some advantages to being older when you have dc but now I am 31 and he is elderly. Certainly couldn't look after my DD alone. It used to really worry me that he wouldn't even see a grandchild. Now I worry that he won't see her grow up. Sorry if that's a morbid thought but it does play on my mind quite a lot.

I think it can just be luck Dawn. My DF died at 59, which was way too young.

I had no grandparents, but I only thought about that very occasionally.

My one and only ds was born when I was 39.
I did have a misspent youth, drugs sex and rocknroll, it wasn't till I got to my early 30's that I got sensible.
I'm now divorced with my ds17, and I've always been honest about my past.
He's utterly amazing BTW, dux of the school, heading to university, there is no too old or too young if you have a child, it's all about being a good parent. Age is immaterial.

My Mum was 22 when she had me, she's now 42 and having her fourth child. Yes I believe that she is too old.

Everyone is so different. I had mine at 38, following miscarriage at 37.

I had a fairly significant health problem following the birth and had surgery for it 15 months later.

I've never felt more tired in all my life. I feel I've aged 10 years in 5 years. But it has been entirely worth it. But friends of mine are much fitter 40+ year olds and seem to not look quite so haggard as me.

Lots of friends were around the same age or older. All I would say is if you want a second one afterwards, think about it quickly.

I will confess that I'm not really an active type of mum. I don't often get on the trampoline or opt to kick a ball with her in the park. And she could outrun me at around age 3.

Not too old at all.
If my Grandmother hadn't had her first at 40 (my Dad) I wouldn't be here.
I'm 50 and Dd (youngest of three) is 7.5 I can keep up just fine. I'm fitter than I have been in years and slimmer too.
She's is the joy our our lives, and a little spoilt

I think it's an entirely personal thing. I made a conscious decision to have my children at a younger age (had DS1 at 23, DS2 at 25) as I have fibromyalgia. I figured that I could get better, but I could get worse so I may as well take that leap. Also, DH has the energy to pick up the slack when I can't and my parents are in their late 40s so help out too. On balance, although it has been difficult at times I feel I made the right decision for our situation.

If you want another one, and can do so, whatever your age you should go for it.