Is age 40 to old to try for a baby

[Sara1003]

My partner and I met later in life. We are really keen to start a family, is this unrealistic at age 40. I know some ppl do have success but for the majority it seems like low odds.

I’d been with DH for about 15 years before I reached about 41 and we decided it might be fun to have a baby.

I conceived at 42 and gave birth at 43 so it is possible although the odds are stacked against you statistically.

It might be worth having some initial fertility checks to determine whether natural conception is likely or whether you are best advised to look at IVF.

Good luck. Being an older parent is great.

If you don't try you won't know. There are no guarantees of successful conception at any age so if it's what you both really want then go for it. Plenty of people have babies at 40 and beyond, some try and it doesn't happen. Just prepare yourself for either eventuality.

Good luck!

I hope not. Me and my OH are trying for our first, I am 42 a d he will be 44 in April. Yes, the odds are lower but people are having them all the time in their 40s. I wouldn't worry x x

What do you mean by too old to try? You don’t need permission if that’s what you want to do. Plenty of 40yo have babies.

Nobody can say what your experience will be, you may be absolutely fine or you may not. But if you really want to have a baby I’d crack on and have a go because it’s certainly not too old to be a parent.

In some areas, especially around London being a first time mum to be in your 40s seems like the norm.
The only way to assess your fertility is to do testing as each woman's results are individual. It'll give you an idea weather you might have problems or not.blood tests to check hormones , amh , afc. If also check tubes with dye and sperm check if your keen not to waste any time just to check everything is working fine . Fertility does decline with age but its gradual and as mentioned it's an individual decline.
I'm 38 and expecting my first baby.
I spoke to my midwife regarding my age and no one had batted an eyelid. I was told late 30s 40s is more common than teenagers / women in their 20s now and to think for generations our grandparents/ great grandparents ect have been having children well into their 40s so I really don't think it's unusual .
At 40 it's worth baring in mind that a larger percentage of eggs may have chromosomal abnormalities and it can be harder to get an egg to stick , and of course risks are higher but lots of women in 40s have healthy pregnancies

My friend had her first at 40 (took her a year to conceive) and then she's just had her second at 42 and took her a month to concieve!
Im 27 and struggling to conceive again for our second. First was ivf when I was 25.
You just don't know ! I'd try for 6 months and if nothing happens then get referred for more tests.

I met my husband when I was 38 and we started trying for a baby just when I turned 40. It took just over a year for me to get pregnant with my daughter and I gave birth at 41 (with one miscarriage along the way).
So definitely not too old. As others have said, try for 6 months then get in touch with your GP for tests. I was referred for fertility treatment after 6 months - there was a 7 month waiting list but I was surprised to find out I was eligible for 1 round of IVF at age 41, and even though I’d had a recent miscarriage, although I understand this depends on area. In the end I fell pregnant naturally before my second IVF appt.
Best of luck!

Wow, your post gives me hope @Charlie2121 in a very similar position after having been with my husband for 15 years and now at 41 we’re ‘trying’. 😬🤞

Thanks, some useful comments. I won't completely give up hope.

Hi im 42 43 in August and partner 39 I have 2 children from previous marriage but we desp for one of our own. Ttc for 2 years one success thay ended in MC July 2023. Currently having accupuncture to see of helps. Ovulation day should be tomorrow. X