Can I get pregnant at 46?

[Singlemom8]

I had children in my 30s really easily like within a month of trying and my last child I was 34 and got pregnant on the mini pill. My partner at the time was violent and abusive. I’ve now met a lovely men and we’re making plans for our future and we talked about trying for a baby together but he’s 45 and I’m 46? I’m wondering if anyone has experience of this??

With so many risks to both you and the baby I wonder why anyone would purposely attempt to get pregnant at this age.

Especially when she already has a soon-to-be teen in the house, and is fresh out of an abusive relationship. OP, give your head a wobble and think of the trauma your existing children have already experienced.

This will be very individual - the average chance is low but it does happen for some women (my mum was born to my grandmother at 45). Suggest first measuring your AMH and general day 3 hormones + having a follicle scan to determine your ovarian reserve. If you have decent results (above average for your age and not yet peri), your absolute best chance would probably be IVF with genetic testing. Obviously not cheap but if you were able to get a normal embryo your chance of success is the same as someone any age.

This is one view. From my side, my late mum loved my little boy and she was a 40s mum herself so I entirely understand the generational challenges I’ve set myself.

but I am wealthy, content, have heaps of life experience. I am taking steps to manage my health and energy levels (staying fit).

And I absolutely love being a mum to a little one again - teaching him to read and rode a bike, taking him on adventure holidays and playing endlessly with Lego.

We are going cycling in France this summer; next year is Disneyland and hiking in Scotland; the year after it will be Japan and visiting family in continental European. I couldn’t have afforded all that in my 30s so my little lad is going to get a heap of opportunities and experiences. Do I lack energy? Hell yes. But I make the best of it,

Families all have their problems, I’m not a perfect parent but I bet you aren’t either.

I became pregnant naturally aged 46, despite being on Desogestrel (I'd had a tummy upset) - we were delighted but very worried about the increased risks and sadly I miscarried at 6 weeks.

OP, if it's what you want then you might as well try. You can find out in minutes from google what your chances of a healthy birth are. You can find out the likelihood of conceiving and giving birth are, you don't need anecdotes from MN to help you decide.

What I will add to the statistics and anecdotes is to point out that the fertility rate by age is simply based on the age of women giving birth. It doesn't tell you at what age it is possible to give birth. Women tend to stop wanting to conceive after their 30s because that's typically when they have already had their babies. But in societies where birth control has not been used it has been pretty common to conceive in the 40s and again now when women have put off conceiving we are seeing many, many more women having children in their mid and even late 40s.

So it's not just physiological reasons which have restricted pregnancies in older women. Social and cultural reasons play a big part too.

Talking of which I am constantly flabbergasted by posters who appear on posts like this saying things like, 'but you'll be 60 years old with a teenager!' I just don't understand this issue at all. You must be living in a very strange world where a 60 year old cannot cope with a teenager. These days 60 year olds are running marathons and adopting babies. At my gym the majority of women are older than 60 and far stronger and fitter than women in their 30s. They have time to eat properly, get enough sleep and generally the wisdom to take care of themselves. I am over 60 and definitely have way more energy than I used to.

So, of course a woman in her 40s can conceive and cope with a young child. There are umpteen examples of this. You just need to investigate how safe or realistic this is for you. Good luck!

You shouldn't count on it. I had our youngst (3rd child) at 46 yo - not planned. I would never have aimed for it.
She is a bright, healthy and happy child. And a blessing!

I was 44 when I fell pregnant with my last, I was almost 45 when I had him. It took me 4 months to fall pregnant which was similar as my previous pregnancies.

My mil got pregnant naturally with my husband at the age of 47. But that is rare.

This. It makes me chuckle as the majority of the time it’s donor eggs and sometimes donor sperm

Its highly unlikely to happen at 46 naturally

It's happens but is rare

If you really wanted to try then I wouid suggest ivf and icsi but this costs thousands but is worth it

Mini blondes was my 5th attempt at ivf

Meeting someone and wanting babies is a common thing when you've got the lovely oxytocin thing going on. I really wouldn't rush into it. It wears off.

getting pregnant at 46 yes you can but do you want to.

Yes! Child sat next to me conceived as a complete surprise when I was 6 weeks off 46!

Hell, yeh!

So many judgemental posters.

The OP asked 'can you get pregnant at 46?' and 'does anyone have experience of this?'

It's not about whether you think she should or not.

I'm unexpectedly pregnant at 45 - has been a huge shock. So yes it's possible! But I'm being realistic that this might not work out - all well so far but risks are obviously increased.

The chances of carrying a healthy baby to term are slim, but not zero. At least 2/3 end in miscarriage. Downs risk is 1 in 30. How long have you been together? Why do you want a baby? How likely is he to stick around? Do you want to be on the hook for university fees when you are retiring? Every relationship doesn't need a baby.......

I missed that you have a 12 year old. Their best interests aren't likely to be served by you being busy with a toddler when they are doing public exams......

Just go for it.
I'm 44 and currently 10+4 weeks x

If anyone considered all that we'd never have kids.

This is what I was thinking... All the positives Polly's.... 🤦‍♀️

Quite a lot of the historical menopause babies were actually illegitimate grandchildren.
The teenage daughter went away for a few months to stay with a relative, the (gran) mother stuffed a pillow up her jumper and a baby turned up. When the coast was clear the daughter was either married off to a sucker, or came home and got on with her life with a new little 'sibling'

@Singlemom8 why would you even want to get pregnant at 46????? poor child will have a geriatric mother for most of its life!

I wouldn't want to be dealing with a 14 year old at that 60. I had my youngest at 37 and if I had my time over, I 'd have had him a year or two earlier. It was tiring enough at 37 so I can't even imagine what it would be like at 46. This man got to 45 without having children - perhaps because he didn't really want them. I imagine he'd have gone for somebody younger if he really wanted children. I just can't understand why you'd put yourself through this at your age. Your future should feature lazy mornings, travel, and dinners out rather than cracked nipples and no sleep with a man you hardly know.