I want to try for a third baby at 38 - too late?

[Shinebright21]

Hi everyone

So I feel blessed to have my 5 year old DS, and 6 month old DD. I thought if I had one of each I’d be done, but I really would like a third baby to complete my family (if we can!)

I turned 38 this week, and I also exclusively breastfeed my 6 month old ( starting solids soon), my periods have returned in the past two months also.

I guess I’m looking for mumsnetters for advice. Is 38 too late? If you tried to conceive then, how long did it take you?

Also, they say you should wait 18 months i between births? Or there are risks associated with it?

Any advice is helpful!

I had my first at 32, secomd at 35 then 3rd at 42. So no, its not too late at all. He's 10 now and I'm 52 and it's brought me an extended feeling of connection to youth. My peers are talking about retirement and winding down, whereas I don't feel in any way that is where I am in life.

I married at 40 had my first at 41 second at 43. Got pregnant after about four months of trying each time. I wanted a two year gap so started trying for second when my first was about seven months. I breastfed until five months with him, but know a few women who got pregnant while breastfeeding.
About six of my friends all had babies without intervention in their 40s.

I had my first at 38 and second at 42. I sometimes wonder if I'd have been less tired if I'd had them earlier but I chose travelling lots whilst still young over settling down.

38 isn't too late. I was that age when I got pregnant with my second. What I will say is, I wanted a third quite soon after my second. I had one of each too and was expecting to feel 'done'. BUT I knew a third wasn't practical and so thought I'd give it more time and see how I felt. Once baby hit toddlerhood, I found the urge for a third completely subsided and now I do feel 'done' with two. I think I'd forgotten how much energy a toddler takes up and also how much attention they want and need. I just felt like I didn't want to split my attention 3 ways, and wanted to enjoy what I have.

I also realised that my urge was tied up with wanting a baby and experiencing the baby stage again, but I now realise just how quick that phase is, and if I had another, 12-18 months later I'd be past the baby stage again.

A lot changes in the first year, I'd wait and see how you feel in another 6 months. 38/39 is still easily doable for another.

I'm trying for my third right now at 39, my DC are 9 and 5. It is most certainly not too old. My Mum had me at 39 and my Gran had her in her forties. If you want it then go for it.

Did you have a c-section with your youngest? I was told the 18 month thing in relation to letting the scar heal properly after mine.

I’m just pregnant now (age 41) with number 3. Older boys are 7 and nearly 5. It took a long time to go for it but had a now or never moment and conceived straight away. I also was absolutely set on having another baby after 2nd was born but DH was less sure.

Hello 👋🏻 I don’t think it is too late, I’m 37 and TTC my third and would be 38 when a baby arrives.
I was advised to wait 18months but that was due to having c sections, not sure if it’s the same with a natural birth?
I have just had my first chemical pregnancy after our first month of TTC so I maybe have to be prepared for it to take a bit longer this time round or it could have been completely not related to age.

Would be great to hear others experience 😘

I had mine at 37 and 40, conceived straight away both times. 38 /39 is definitely do-able. I never wanted 3 children well maybe in an idle moment I thought oh it might be fun but the reality of it I think would be less fun, maybe that's just me.