To ask if it is much harder having a baby at 39/40?

[mulberryapples]

Any experiences? And of course I’m worried I might not be able to conceive at all

I had my first at 25 and my second at 41 and to be honest the second was easier, the pregnancy and delivery was straightforward and I’m older, wiser and more patient this time around. Conceiving took a long time though (almost 5 years and 2 miscarriages) so I’d get cracking if I were you

I’ve only had babies at that sort of age-so nothing to compare it to. But it was a bloody sight easier than going out to work!

One and only at 40. Easily got pregnant. Nothing to compare it with but I'm here 19 years later and all is well.

I had a dc at 37 and one at 43. Ttc at 42-took three cycles and only dtd once on that cycle!!

I had my first at 32 and my last at 42. To be honest I was surprised at how much more knackering it was at 42 and also how much toll it took on my body. I seemed to be fine in the pregnancy itself and the birth was no different but afterwards my body just didn't seem to heal in the same way and I had a huge amount of problems with my joints and my back. Also because it was my said I didn't have the same amount of patience or ability even to sit there and breastfeed when I had two other children that I felt were missing out on me being there for them as breastfeeding is so all absorbing. And I found it harder to cope with being up at night just because I had the other two to get to school and deal with.

I had my first at 28 and my last at 38. I was completely exhausted by the time my last baby was born, the pregnancy was really hard on me, but that may have been because of the four previous pregnancies rather than just the last one!
On the plus side, I was much more sensible and less caught up in all the baby bollocks (just have to have this, must only do that, and never ever the other thing) and more able to look at what was evidence and what was marketing, plus more able to stand up for myself and ignore the 10000000000 different opinions about my baby that the world and his wife wanted to share with me.

3rd not "said"

My 3rd child however was my biggest my strongest my healthiest and he is my best natured and most intelligent.

I had my last at a similar age. Conceived quickly, no health problems. I’m tired, but not noticeably more than younger mums with similar aged kids.

I had children in my late 30s and last one at 40. My first was early 30s. All the same. No issues with getting pg

I’ve had mine at 22, 23, 36 and will be 38 when #4 is born.

I feel a lot more confident this time, I have more patience and the sleepless nights haven’t bothered or affected me as much as they did when my older two were babies.

Had first at 37 and second at 39. Conceived instantly both times. I would have struggled with the loss of freedom when younger. I had more patience at 37 than I would have at 27.

Dc at 39 and 41. Nothing to compare it too but i am knackered (both young still). Also think a combination of toddlers, perimenopause and aging parent is a bad one...

I think there are advantages and disadvantages of having a child at any age. And each individual's experience will be different

For a lot of people, they may have more energy aged 22, and more money / patience aged 42. But not necessarily

I'm currently 36 weeks and 39 years old. My son was born when I was 37 after two years of trying to conceive. Was not expecting to get pregnant again at 38 years old! It was much quicker second time round (almost two years to the day! My son was born 05/04/17, my daughter is due 10/04/2019!)

Mum had my brother within one month of trying at 39. Step-mum was the same age, within 3 months. Good luck

It took me longer TTC at 34, than at 40. But the pregnancy did affect my body a lot more - I had very painful hip joints and was on crutches towards the end.

I found life with a baby a bit harder but I think that was mainly because I also had the older one to think about. Night waking, breastfeeding and recovery from birth were all similar to the first time.

When I talked to my GP about TTC at 39 she was very positive and said "of course you can!". The odds do decrease, but that's an average - you can improve your individual chances with healthy eating, avoiding alcohol, getting enough sleep etc. I also had reflexology for fertility - wasn't sure about it as I'm far from "alternative" but thought I might as well and it was amazing. V relaxing if nothing else.

I had my first at 28 and my 3rd at 36. I'm not sure whether it was because I had more experience, or whether it was because I was older and more relaxed/confident generally, but it was definitely easier being older. Physically I didn't notice any difference either.

I had our DD when I was four months off 40. I had a very straight forward pregnancy and quick recovery from a c section. I've nothing to compare it too and yes I was tired when she was a newborn but I think I would have been anyway. To be honest having her later in life gave me the kick up the bum to get fit and lose weight. I'm slimmer and fitter now at 46 than I ever was in my 20's and 30's.

We did have six miscarriages before she was born and I went through an early menopause when she was 18 months old so she is our miracle baby.

Thanks, all really helpful

yes !
but worth it!
be prepared to be knackered

Had dc1 at 34 DC3 at 43. DC3 not planned but pregnancy was great no problems natural delivery & she's been our easiest child I think we are so much more relaxed. If you fairly fit with no health problems then no reason why pregnancy in your 40s any harder than it would be if u ten years younger.

TWo Children, pregnant within two months both times. I’m 43 now and have been trying for nearly a year (though with a different partner) and not having any luck. I’ve seen plenty of women on here have successful pregnancies in their 40’s

No problems conceiving or carrying (as such) but was a whole lot more exhausted and worse off physically at 38 than I was at 31. Two years on nearly and I still suffer. But if I had nothing to compare it to I don’t know if it would be too bad.

I think it’s a hard one to answer as to compare a younger age to an older age means you already have one child and that makes you super tired when having a second as you can’t just lay around and sleep all the time. I had one at 36 and due another at 39 and I’m definitely feeling it more this time but can’t say if that’s age or having an active 3 year old....