Talk to me about babies in late 30s

[WordsAndWorlds]

I know this is considered fairly normal these days. But I'd always been 100% adamant no more babies for me over age 35. I just felt / feel like after that, I want to just be enjoying Me time, getting my body, finances and career back to normal and not starting baby stuff all over again. Plus I've had it drummed into me that over 35 is a bigger health risk.

But I'm over 35 now. Not ready for another baby yet at all & DH 1000% certain he desperately wants one. If we were to, the only point I can see it happening is when I'm about 38.

Talk to me about pros and cons of having babies at that age...

We didn't - well I'm 38 and we decided no more.

I have 2 though already the last at 34.

Big deciding factor is that life feels like it's getting normal - also just don't want another!!

If I was to have another I would be 39 by the time Baby was born that just feels very old!

Lots of people do have babies in their late 30s, 40s, I suppose one advantage is that you bring more maturity to it and experience. I am thinking about the same thing at the moment.

I got pregnant aged 38 no problems and had an easy straightforward pregnancy. I don’t think it’s a big deal if you are healthy and your fertility is normal for your age. I have heard that the age your mother went through the menopause is a good indication when you will, so if your mother didn’t go through an early menopause, and you’ve already had a child (so you know there are no underlying fertility problems) then waiting until 38 to have your next child shouldn’t be an issue :)

I had my two DDs at 25 & 28 - never felt done but then threw myself into work, climbing the ladder and building a home. Got to 35 and panicked - my clock wasn't ticking but clanging. Currently 27 weeks pregnant with twins (just one more we said...) turned 36 a couple of months ago.

Pregnancy in mid/late thirties as opposed to twenties is a different ball game...I don't think it's just the twins. Twins are also more likely the older you are so be warned!

I'm just about getting my head around doubling our family overnight and I am excited to be having boys this time but I am exhausted by the pregnancy and when they are born I suspect I'm looking at a downward slide of sleep deprivation until I'm 40.

Think most of you are confirming my belief that it really isn't the way forward for me!! I may break DHs heart if that's the case though :(

I wouldn't let these comments put you off, if you google baby late 30s early 40s on mumsnet you'll find lots of positive stuff too.

I had my first at 30, second at 32 and third at 37! The third is currently 4 months old and the pregnancy, birth etc were all straightforward and easy at all stages! It’s great too as the other two are at school so my third is getting treated like a PFB!!

I am a better mother for being older. I'm far more patient and confident as a mother than I would have been 20 years ago. Given the choice, I wouldn't have changed having my DS in my late 30s.