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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Is it worth TTC at 39+?

48 replies

Onlyinanemergency · 15/12/2018 09:30

I already have 2 DC and always pictured myself having another. I didn't have my first until 35 however and breastfeeding has meant my periods have been largely absent. My period returned this month which has got me thinking about TTC but I will be 40 in a few months. Reading online has left me feeling my odds of actually getting and staying pregnant are very slim. Not sure if I should just give up on the dream!

OP posts:
flumpybear · 15/12/2018 10:58

I'd say yes! Took me ages with both my children but still fell pregnant at 39 with second and final child. I've heard of lots born in 40's

Onlyinanemergency · 15/12/2018 11:27

Ok, I think I'll give it ago. I think it's probably true that you regret the things you don't do.

OP posts:
soberexpat · 15/12/2018 11:29

I had my coil taken out aged 37 and was pregnant 14 days later...not sure why a few more years would make a huge difference...

mellongoose · 15/12/2018 12:08

I'm 17 weeks at 42 with my second. So far, I am as low risk as I was at 38. Go for it!

MakeAWhish · 15/12/2018 12:34

I'm 8 weeks of with number 3 and I'm 39 years old. Baby is due around my 40th birthday. I asked midwife at booking in if I was at increased risk for certain birth defects due to my age, and she very quickly reassured me that no, they would not be concerned about my age. Go for it! It only took us 3 months to conceive this one as well.

90mammasophie · 15/12/2018 12:40

I personally wouldn't at 40.
MANY will disagree, but I think it's old to have a baby. Lovely that you have two little ones already, wonderful - enjoy them.

woolster · 15/12/2018 12:45

Currently holding newborn DD at 42. Got pregnant at first cycle of trying (as we did with first 2 children born when I was 33 and 35. This pregnancy very similar to others (not without problems but clearly not related to age). She’s perfect btw. Go for it!

MakeAWhish · 15/12/2018 13:03

10 years ago when I was 29 I would have said 40 was too old to have a baby too. Then you get to (nearly) 40 and realise what crap that is. I feel better in my late 30's than I did in my late 20's.

MikeUniformMike · 15/12/2018 13:07

Try but be realistic. It might not happen but at least you tried.

Onlyinanemergency · 15/12/2018 14:37

I really don't feel any older than I did when I got pregnant with DS at 37. My age wasn't even mentioned then. But I suppose those extra few years may make all the difference.

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Liveinthepresent · 15/12/2018 20:59

Go for it
Had mine at 39 and 41 . No age related issues at all.
Can’t imagine my life now if I had thought that I was too old or it was too risky and I hadn’t tried .

Backhometothenorth · 15/12/2018 21:07

I had DD1 at 39 and DD2 at 43, both amazing pregnancies, conceived easily and naturally, and the second time allround easier than the first. The big BUT is that we had two miscarriages in between which were the worst experiences of our lives. BUT our lovely girls are the best and I can't imagine life without them. Go for it and good luck OP Thanks

flumpybear · 16/12/2018 16:58

PP who said 40
Is too old is very wrong! Ignore, I've friends in their early 50's who are super sporty and fit, others in their 60's and even 70's who bike, do martial arts and are fitter and better than most younger folks .. your body will be fine, you need to look after yourself but there's no reason you shouldn't have children

I'm much more mature and better financially and emotionally now I'm older and I had my two at 36 and 40 --- I'm 46 now

SparkyBlue · 16/12/2018 21:45

I am 42 and currently pregnant with DC3. We were fully finished our family and this was a complete and utter shock to us. So obviously you can be very fertile once you are past 40 😀😀😀

stubbornstains · 16/12/2018 21:49

I was 39 when I started TTC #2. It took 9 months to get pregnant, and I gave birth to DS2 at 41. No problems whatsoever.

The risk of chromosomal abnormalities, although greater, is still tiny.

There is a much greater risk of MC, but it's not a given. I have never had a miscarriage.

Onlyinanemergency · 19/12/2018 07:37

I think I'm going to give it a go this month. I think I'd regret it if I didn't at least try. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'll keep you posted if I have any luck!

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PickleMeThis · 19/12/2018 10:01

I’m nearly 20 weeks pregnant at 39 with my 4th, had 2 in my early 20s then one at 36. Was first month trying too.

🤞🏻 It’s works out for you

Onlyinanemergency · 19/12/2018 10:58

Thanks pickle, and congratulations!

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toomanyflatwhites · 19/12/2018 12:54

Just have to chime in too and say I am currently almost 15 weeks with DC2 at age 40.5, had DD at 37 and although we did have one early loss this summer it was relatively easy to conceive - I think it o my really took a few months (despite barely DTD because it's so much harder to find the energy when you have a toddler!!). Although my age adjusted risks of downs etc were a bit scary we paid for the harmony test and am low risk, can only hope and assume everything will be ok.
Am laughing so much at the comments saying 40 is too old to have a baby, I'm healthier than many 20 somethings and yep I'll be knackered with 2 children but so will all the other new mums! Good luck OP 🤞🏻

MaryShelley1818 · 19/12/2018 21:37

I had my DS last year at 39.
We plan to try for DC2 in the middle of next year when I’ll be 41.
It’s definitely not too old to be having babies. Not everyone is ready or meets the right person earlier!

DrSeuss · 21/12/2018 06:42

Do it! I had DD at 40. Good luck!

Adrianoska · 05/02/2020 12:08

Any news on here? I am 36 and desperate.. Have been trying only for 3 months but I am getting worried. I have two kids already (12 and 6). Please let me know how did it go?

taykitty20 · 31/10/2021 16:14

Also curious! Ttc at 38

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