To want a baby at 36

[Hg176]

In a stable, loving relationship and want to have a baby. Just turned 36 in July. This wasn’t really on the cards before as I’ve been so career focused.

I’m worried I’ve left it too late and everything around ‘geriatric’ pregnancy is scaring the life out of me! AIBU?

Do it! Don't keep putting it off for this reason or that or you'll end up regretting it.

Christ.

I’m 36 and I’ve never considered myself as old.

I had my kids at 29 and 33 but tbh would think anything up to 43/44 as pretty normal these days.

Every other mum I know (myself included) was 36 or more when they had their baby...what exactly is it about geriatric pregnancy that scares you so much?

Not at all unreasonable to want it, or to think it’s possible. Lots of women have children at that age.

It seems like you’re aware it’s statistically likely to be harder than if you were younger, but it’s possible to have fertility issues at any age. I think they suggest that if you’re struggling to conceive you see a fertility expert faster than they suggest for younger women, though, for obvious reasons.

I had twins at 37/38 don't sweat it x

I had a ds at 37.
And one at 43!!.

I wouldn't think twice about trying for a baby at 36. Quite the opposite.

Wishing you all the luck of you do decide to go for it @Hg176

I’ve just had my second at 37, for for it!

Go for it

Do it!!! Good luck, keep us updated.

Yanbu, that’s absolutely not too old.

Thanks all. I guess I’m worried even by the phrase ‘geriatric’, I don’t feel very old, but everything I’ve read is saying ‘geriatric’ pregnancy is much more high risk etc etc.

Do it now. Don't leave it much later if you can. 36 is a lovely age and not old at all but obviously fertility declines after 35.

Had my first at 35 and second at 38, both easy pregnancies and births, and the kids are healthy. Really don’t think 36 is a problem, pretty standard age amongst my friends.

36 isn't old for a pregnancy!

Had my first at 38 x

@ivfgottwins

I had twins at 37/38 don't sweat it x

Wasn't easy though was it

I'm also worried about being of 'advanced maternal age' the risks of chromosomal abnormalities for starters

Its fine having a baby at 37 or older. I never wanted children and changed my mind at 36. I was 37 and 39 when DC were born.
The baby stage is fine, just be aware that your child will be at uni as you approach 60.

The medical term 'geriatric' for 36+ pregnancies is pretty insulting I think! Pregnancy and child birth carries risks at all ages, you will worry about your health/baby's health what ever age you are...youth is no guarantee of no problems either. Go for it!

Huh? That's a really normal age to decide you want a baby. In fact I would say it is the classic age at which women who previously gave little thought to parenthood suddenly decide they would like a baby, after all.

Post-40 and you do need to think about being older. Just turned 36 though? Standard.

Don’t leave it any longer but do it! I had all mine in my 30s

I didn't start thinking about kids until I was 36. Pregnant at 39. I know its riskier and less predictable and all that jazz but honestly the way people talk about in this day and age still bemuses me.

You're 36, not 56. And who gets to decide you're too old?

No of course you are not being unreasonable. I think when TTC after 35 you have to mentally prepare yourself that it may be more difficult to conceive, but that can also be true for younger couples. Go for it OP if it’s what you want.

Sounds fine. I had my 2nd at 37. It was even easier and more straightforward that my first. Got pregnant first month of trying.

Absolutely fine!