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Conception

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Original poster

Is 37 too much old to have a third child?

155 replies

summerfinn · 30/04/2023 19:53

Is 37 too risky to have a third child? Are the chance of having a disabled child too high to risk it. Would a healthy 37 year old be putting their health at risk by having another child at this age. Also is it unfair on the child to have an older parent? Thoughts please?

OP posts:
surreyisik · 01/05/2023 07:28

I deliberately had my first at 37, DH was 41. No issues during pregnancy or birth, neither midwives nor consultants mentioned any need for extra monitoring.
Having said that we are both very healthy and have good habits, which is helpful no matter what age you decide to conceive.
The bigger difficulty was around adjusting to the massive life change - you need to be mentally strong and have good support network. If you are already struggling in that zone that's something to consider regardless of age.

Marigoldilock · 01/05/2023 07:31

Confused19831983 · 30/04/2023 22:47

Hi OP. It is scary when you look at the stats, and also to know that over 35 you are classed as a woman of advanced maternal age, so can totally understand why you have concerns.
But the truth is the vast majority of women your age have perfectly healthy pregnancies.
I am 40 and pregnant with my first and have had a lot of anxiety, but all fine so far (touch wood) at 34 weeks.
As lots of people have said (some in not very nice terms) many mums are way older than you when they get pregnant and have no issues.
It totally depends on your individual circumstances.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

A normal response.

Marigoldilock · 01/05/2023 07:41

Abacusporttaco · 30/04/2023 22:08

Ignore the smug posters who don’t often get to feel smug about having a baby in their early twenties and are enjoying the moment. Yes, I’ve been piqued by this shitty thread…

Show quote history

I had all my kids in my 30s including one at 39, and I still researched the risks associated with my age before TTC at 38. In the end, I decided the risks were small enough for me to proceed but I still wanted to make an informed decision. I really don't see anything wrong with that. I also spoke to my gynecologist who told me that she didn't consider me to be higher risk because of my age, but she did warn me that my risk of miscarriage was higher.

Anjie80 · 01/05/2023 09:51

I'm 42 and currently 18 weeks pregnant ill have a 20 year gap between my eldest and this baby and a 10 year gap between my youngest and this baby and I can hand on heart say that this pregnancy has been a dream so far no issues at all and I feel amazing I get a lot of shocked reactions when people realise that I'm expecting but who cares its my body my life !

Violasaremyfavourite · 13/06/2023 19:08

I had my second at 37. I had amniocentesis as I wanted to make sure the baby had 23 pairs of chromosomes. I would have terminated if they didn't. No other issues to do with my age arose or were even discussed.

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