How old is too old to have a baby?

[Shaz83]

Just wondering how old is too old to have a baby? Fair enough being healthy etc is fine.. but how old is too old?

I think it depends on personal circumstances. I had mine in my early 20s. So I think age gap plays a part. I didn't want a big age gap so wouldn't have tried to have another child in my 30s. However, if I hadn't done that I think my cut off would be 35. Not just because of the newborn stage but because of how old i would be when my kids would have been teens. I wouldn't fancy approaching 60 with teenagers but that's just me. If that's what people want then good for them. I wouldn't judge them it is such a personal decision.

I had mine at 32 and 34 and as a result feel too tired and ‘over’ that stage at 40. But if I hadn’t had any already I’d probably have way more energy and feel fine to have one now! It’s the people who have babies at 40+ having started in their twenties that I’m in awe of!

35. After that the chances of having children with disabilities significantly increases.

For me I would say 46ish but for anyone else I don’t care if it’s what they want.

I think it's down to the individual choice really. I know mums in their 40s who are fit and active and brilliant mums. I had my first at 19 and last at 29 so the thought of having babies in my 40s fills me with horror 😂 but a lot of people say that they didn't feel ready in their 20s. Also depends when you meet someone you actually want to have children with! I think probably over 45 is edging towards too old but each to their own.

I had my first just before I turned 30 and will be having my last at just over 35. I don’t feel too old to have any more, but I don’t think I have ever given enough consideration into how I will feel at 40, 45, 50 etc. The decision needs to be made by the individual and based not on the baby years but as the child gets older too.

It also greatly depends on how many children you might already have. Nothing ages you faster than having kids.

43

Infertility changes people's views. For me, no age is too old when you've been through multiple miscarriages, IVF etc. You'll keep trying until you get there. Or not get there, which is sadly the case for many.

This is such a person question which has a different answer based on each person and their situations and preferences.

I was done by 23. And I am 34 now and there is no way I'd have another baby. Some of my colleagues, the same age haven't even stated.

I would consider myself too old if there was a significantly increased risk, due to my age, that the pregnancy and birth would not result in healthy outcomes for me and/or my baby. Also if my age meant I might not expect to live to see them reach at least their 30s.

After forty, there is a higher likelihood of serious disabilities or special needs. Whether you feel able to cope with that possibility is, of course, a matter for the individual.

I honestly think your body knows best. When your periods stop, you're too old. If you're still fertile, it's fair play.

Well, if things go as planned I'll be having my first (and quite probably only) child at 40/41 as we're currently trying. Physically I'm healthy, but I haven't felt ready mentally until now. So let's see!

I had mine at 26 and 29. My sister had hers at 36 and has just turned 40, trying for a second. You couldn't pay me to have another one now, but we're a totally different stages with our existing children.

Personally I think 45 should be the cut off for both men and women.

64? Deffo too old

Had my last at 41. Wouldn't have wanted to go much past that. Biggest drawback is ageing grandparents

I had my first at 25 and personally wouldn't want any past 35 as the risks go up then. If I was older than 35 and didn't have any children I'd probably feel differently though.

I always wanted children before 30 but didn't meet my DH and get married in time...had DD 30, and no 2 on way I'll just be 32. Not sure if we'd like a 3rd but I'd want to be under 35 (also as DH would be 40 when I'm 35!)

I’m 37 and about to have my second (and final). Feel fine about it.

I think if you’re getting into your late 40s it’s running the risk of being less wise, imo. Much depends on your health, fitness and how much support you have around you, but if you’re (say) 48 there’s no avoiding the fact that you’ll be parenting a teenager in your sixties and that’s going to be difficult. You’ll also be entering the years where you’re more likely to need care and support just when your kids are in their twenties and very unlikely to have the emotional or financial resources to offer that support.

That said, so much depends on other factors. Victoria Coren Mitchell has had her second baby at 51 which I would usually consider to be a risky prospect but she undoubtedly has the means to pay for any support or future care she needs without it being an undue burden on her children, so there is unlikely to be a problem on that front.

Getting pregnant at 35 was my own personal cut off & I had my 3rd a month before my 36th birthday. My mum had me at 42 (which was pretty unusual back then).

Ideally I wouldn't have had any children past 35 but Mother Nature and recurrent miscarriages soon put paid to that . I was 37 when I had my 2nd. I'm now 40 and part of me wants another but I don't think I can roll the dice again .

43

I kept telling my daughter I was too old for another baby from the age of 36 just after I had my 3rd child. Now I'm.42 and pregnant by accident and I feel seriously too bloody old!

46 probably - I assume you mean for a woman. If adopting/ using egg donor obviously later