How old is too old?

[Youremyannie]

I know there have been many many posts regarding how old is too old to have a baby. But I'm more wondering how old is too old to think you could still get pregnant and have a successful pregnancy?

Not many girlfriends to ask. My step-up had her last at 42 an my gran had her last at 49. But I see people on here struggling at 35+

I'm 44 and think this would be the last year I'd consider a child (if circumstances would allow, which they wouldn't)

It's not just energy levels - it's the whole, will I have a disabled child, my older children would suffer etc

This is the most done to death subject on here

Whenever is the time for you as a family and a parent. We're all different.

My friend had her 6th at 49. Her oldest was 25 at the time.

Yes, it is related to this apparently. Ovulation pauses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It's called "oocyte sparing". Women who have never been pregnant are much more likely to have early menopause.

Egg quality continues to deteriorate though whilst paused so this might not make it that much easier to get pregnant later.

I definitely wanted to be done with pregnancy by 35. I have a friend who had her child at 45 but she had to use donor eggs and is shattered and having bonding difficulties. I don't think getting pregnant post-40 is a great idea unfortunately.

Had mine naturally at 39 & 45. I had given up hope that I'd ever have a second child but I got lucky and all turned out fine. Fertility is all very personal though, and it's a roll of the dice every time no matter what your age. Good luck OP x

I don’t think anyone can answer that. I had four easy pregnancies and healthy children, getting pregnant pretty immediately aged 30 32 34 and 38. Tried pretty hard for a fifth at 40. Took way way longer to get pregnant and lost all three pregnancies. After three years we stopped trying as it just didn’t happen and I felt (personally) 43 was too old. So my point is that I don’t think it follows that easy healthy pregnancies in your thirties equals the same when you’re older. Of course it might do for you but it didn’t for me.

49?!?!
52?!?!

holy fuck nuts 🌰

But thats probably not anything to do with age, most women who give birth naturally with no emergencies would probably describe their first as their worst. Its widely known that second and subsequent births are generally quicker and easier.

You've misunderstood my question. It's over done at all, ive searched for what I want a can't find it.

The principle is sound that our individual lives and physiology are so unique that we are all different

This type of thread almost always ends in a bu fight between older and younger mums and often not a pleasant read

I haven’t seen anyone comment this so it might be an unpopular opinion but I truly think it is selfish to have children into your 40s. You have elderly parents by the time you are 25-30. I’d like to have as long as possible with my parents and my mum was a grandma at 47. We have lots of fun together as she is still a ‘young mum’ and she is very present/active with my children. I’d love her to see her great grandchildren one day too!

I remember back in primary school a girl with quite old parents (old to us) in their mid 50s (she was about 10) and she was singled out because of it and branded as ‘weird’

Point proven op

I understand your theory but the chances of the child having some kind of disability when the mother is in her 40's is too risky imo. And I say this as my nan had 12 children, the last 4 when she was in her 40's. All 4 of those children had some kind of disability. I had my DS at 36 and he's on the autism pathway. Though women can have children later than mid 30's I think the risks aren't taken into account nearly enough

43 would be my cut off I think.

Is it, eh?

Sure that happened.

Why on earth would I lie? What part is so unbelievable to you?

Had my last at 42...4th DC . He's now 17 ...I'm heading to 60 but I will say I don't feel, act or look 60. Does he keep me young, yes he does, he's often shares music he's into with me & what him & his mates get up to ( censored version I'm sure) We actually have an amazing relationship probably closest out of all my kids. He's off on an adventure soon....I will miss him 😢

Also @AutumnAllTheWay my aunt from that side of the family also had a child at 44 who is severely mentally ill. Of the 4 of my nans 2 had profound deafness and 2 had severe mental illness so not sure why you think my post is a lie because it's all true. My dad was her last child at 46

I had my youngest, naturally, at 42, and while I absolutely can't deny being more tired than before, I now have a wonderful nearly 22 year old who is a joy in every way. I'm very thankful that we were very lucky, with no SEN or other issues at all. Completely aware this is not everyone's experience in these circumstances.

Well I’m 36 and still trying. My mum had me at 43 so I think that’s my stop age. My mums healthy in her late 70s.

I think you have some unfortunate genes in your family.

The stats you are giving are far out of the realms of what would be expected looking at such a small cohort.

Sorry if what you are saying is true as its really sad, but this is not to much to do with age as other factors.

A vast majority of childten born to parents in their late thirties and forties will be healthy.

Unfortunately in my family it is true. Which is why I always said I wouldn't risk having a baby at 40+. Though I was 36 I obviously didn't get lucky as it's extremely likely my DS will be diagnosed with autism. Sorry if I came across shitty to you, I just couldn't understand why you thought I'd be lying. Though I suppose with some of the things you see on threads on here I can't really blame you 😂 though the genes are shit in that way, at least we all have the gene that keeps you looking younger than you are, better than nothing I suppose 😅

I’m 36 and child-free, and we’re not in a position to start TTC until I’m almost 38. I’m sure some people think that’s far too late, but it’s about average for my social circle.

I haven’t really thought about a cut-off, I guess somewhere around 46/47, but only if using younger eggs (I froze my eggs a few years ago).

I'm nearly 39 and don't feel done but for a myriad of reasons I have to be. If money and the rest were no concern I'd be happy trying up to about 47 and wouldn't forsee issues but beyond 50ish I would be concerned about my fertility based on family menopause ages etc

35 would be my cut of.