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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Older mums

54 replies

Suburbiton63 · 06/03/2026 10:17

From what age would you start classifying someone as an older mum? I know it's historically from 35 but I think that's very average now.
I'd say anything is 30s is unremarkable.
40-42 for FTM older but not majorly.
43+ older mum

OP posts:
Coffeeandbooks88 · 06/03/2026 10:18

This again?

PinkIcedRing · 06/03/2026 10:20

Why are you interested, OP?

ToKittyornottoKitty · 06/03/2026 10:22

Not sure why you need to categorise people really

jeaux90 · 06/03/2026 10:23

Boring

defoneedanamechange · 06/03/2026 10:23

38+ for first time , 40+ for second/ subsequent

DestinedToBeOutlived · 06/03/2026 10:25

What are you hoping for from the answers op?

What reason would you need to categorise people into an 'older' mum section, unless you were involved in their medical care?

dhinwiz · 06/03/2026 10:30

I would go for a medical point of view 35+. Biology doesn't change with fashion. Had mine 41

Hedeghogsandguineapigs · 06/03/2026 10:36

dhinwiz · 06/03/2026 10:30

I would go for a medical point of view 35+. Biology doesn't change with fashion. Had mine 41

Edited

You say that, but 30+ used to be classed as a geriatric pregnancy, and then they changed it to 35?

Suburbiton63 · 06/03/2026 10:43

I'm just looking for other people's perspective as would like to go for a third. I totally realize it's completely down to me and my decision!

OP posts:
ToKittyornottoKitty · 06/03/2026 11:03

Suburbiton63 · 06/03/2026 10:43

I'm just looking for other people's perspective as would like to go for a third. I totally realize it's completely down to me and my decision!

So what difference does it make? Would you reconsider having a 3rd if randoms on here think you’d be ‘old’?

Lobelia123 · 06/03/2026 11:18

It doesnt matter whats becoming normal or more common... the definition of older mum is usually in a medical context and biology doesnt change.

Easterbunnygettingawrapping · 06/03/2026 11:20

I had my last 2 dc at 37 and 43...
No real difference in pregnancies tbh.
Ds is now 11 and an absolute joy. Adored by his siblings.. No regrets having him at 43.2...

Jk987 · 06/03/2026 11:23

I don’t spend time classifying! I get to know them as individuals not ages.

Everlil · 06/03/2026 11:23

104

Marwoodsbigbreak · 06/03/2026 11:26

I would say over 35 is older than average for a first child. I believe the average age is increasing, along with lower birth rates overall.

Our ageing demographic is really problematic but the COL/Low Pay crisis isn’t helping young people who might have chosen to have children or have them younger.

Besafeeatcake · 06/03/2026 11:27

Who gives a toss. Do what you like.

I hate to break it to you as well but if you are basing judgement on how others will perceive you in terms of age - how you look would be more important. Don't tell anyone your age.

Completely ridiculous to be concerned about what others think. If you are fit and healthy and want another and can afford to have another than do it.

Bulbsbulbsbulbs · 06/03/2026 11:29

I suffered a lot as a child having an older mum- 44 when I was born. I was so aware of her being 'old' and suffered huge anxiety about her dying. Of course this is many years ago so may be different now there are more older mums.

ScarlettSarah · 06/03/2026 11:30

I had dc3 at 37 and felt 'old', but only because my older kids were around a decade older! I am the same age as plenty of other mums including first time mums.

Jellybunny56 · 06/03/2026 11:30

I suppose what you consider “older” depends on what/who you know. I’m not bothered when others choose to have their children but based on where we are (and I have 2 young children so spend lots of time around the other parents) I’d say most are 22-33 ish. I do think sort of 35+ would be “older” at least here.

mindutopia · 06/03/2026 11:51

I had my youngest at 37 and don’t feel like an older mum.

mondaytosunday · 06/03/2026 11:54

I guess 40 plus. I had both mine in my 40s, but it was not remarked upon. Other than doing a nuchal scan and offering me more tests if I wanted the medical team never referred to me as ‘older’ certainly not the outdated ‘geriatric’. Not even the now acceptable Advanced Maternal Age (though that may well be in my notes). While I was definitely one of the older mums at my kids first school, there were far more my age in our second school.

90sTrifle · 06/03/2026 11:57

Suburbiton63 · 06/03/2026 10:17

From what age would you start classifying someone as an older mum? I know it's historically from 35 but I think that's very average now.
I'd say anything is 30s is unremarkable.
40-42 for FTM older but not majorly.
43+ older mum

40

LoserWinner · 06/03/2026 11:58

Well, I’m well into my seventh decade, and I’m a mum…my youngest child is 34. You don’t stop being a mum, ever.

Thepeopleversuswork · 06/03/2026 11:59

I don’t know and don’t really care but it seems to be a routine dog whistle for some people who disapprove of women having careers before they have kids and then lecturing the rest of us about biology. As if we didn’t know this.

Why do you ask other than to be goady?