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??

This is a really good post.

Some people at 45/46 are indistinguishable in energy and appearance from someone at 35/36. Ditto 60 and 50.

Whether you would want to or not is irrelevant projection.

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

Why did you feel the need to add this bit of information? What is the relevance to your question?

Do you want to ask about your chances of conceiving or do you want a wider conversation about whether it's a good idea or not?

How long have you been with this new man?

Anyway, in answer to the question, of course it's possible, but not likely. Pregnancy in your mid 40s tends to be something that happens by accident to a very few women, rather than easily and naturally to a huge number. And at 46 your risk of having a baby with Down Syndrome is 1 in 30, which is staggeringly high.

I had my third child at 42. Completely unexpected. He is 16 now and I'm 59. Healthy pregnancy and normal vaginal delivery. There is an 11 year difference between my youngest and her oldest. They are coming into their own relationship now that my youngest is no longer annoying in his brothers eyes.

If you want to try, do it.

I'd have thought meeting at 45/46 babies wouldn't be up for discussion.

Yep, of course you can

I think everyone knows on here that it's possible.
It's the fact that it's definitely harder to conceive a healthy baby at that age and carry it to term.

@Sinderalla I think it’s a little irresponsible to encourage this with no awareness of the OP’s circumstances, health, relationship etc.

It’s great for you if you’re in a happy situation but for most people this is quite a risky thing and you haven’t yet gone through the whole experience.

I was the last in my family and born to my mother at 47 (a complete shock!) and whilst we’re a happy family, it was extremely hard for her and I can’t imagine she’d ever have planned it that way. She worried all the way through the pregnancy (and was sick as a dog) and found it exhausting having a young child again at that age), and quite challenging having a teenager in her 60s.

basically: it can happen, it can be lovely, but it’s probably not a great idea to plan for it at 46/47!

I'm very happy for you that you've met a lovely man after your abusive experience. It's understandable that you want to have a child with him. Perhaps think about the risks pp have been explaining about a pregnancy at your age, and maybe investigate the fertility of both of you. Good luck.

There is a high chance of having a special needs child, and he may well not hang around if that happens.
Enjoy the honeymoon stage of your relationship. Presumably you missed out on a lot of other aspects of being in a relationship with your last partner. Savour that now. Before you know it, there will be grandkids coming along and you can enjoy them together with your new partner.

My mum had me at 47 (an accident) as someone with first hand experience I’d say to anyone to consider the child as they get older. I was bullied terribly for having ‘old’ parents and then while still in my late 30s I became a carer for my mum who had dementia.
I had my own dd at 24 to ensure she didnt have the same problems I had. We do lots together as I have the energy and enthusiasm. Something my own mum never had.

Yes ! I got pregnant at 44 and gave birth at 45 with no problems at all ( wasn’t planned ) so you never know

That’s if it happens instantly. One poster suggested putting a two year limit on it. She’d then 48/49 when the baby was born, meaning 60 when they finish primary.

I found out am natually pregnant at 45. Am 8 weeks and baby is doing well with a strong heartbeat. Had my scan on sat and baby growth is 8 and half weeks and growing well. No concerns.

Was a complete shock as was unplanned. I met a lovely man 18 months ago after being in abusive relationships and it's been amazing.

So it can be done. Although unplanned it's definitely welcomed and loved.

Good luck

Hi there. I am new here and a 45 yo hopeful!
just wondered if it worked out for you and you got pregnant? Xx

That’s rude! What’s actually wrong with you is more the question we should be asking here. The poster wants a baby. I think in her life she’s entitled to do as she wishes!

My friend is 57 with an 11 year old. A one night stand, and she thought the baby was the menopause.

How do you know they’re using donor eggs?

unless you have access to every medical file you are just making this up and stating as fact.

you have no idea whether someone’s pregnancy is assisted or not, unless they make it public.

Yes. But you would have over 50% chance of miscarriage if you did, and a very high chance of having a child with a disability compared with if you were in your 30s.

You're 46. Personally, if you have a lovely man you enjoy the company of, I'd rather be living my 60s thinking of retiring and going on cruises rather than being held to the school terms and needs of a teenager or caring for a profoundly disabled teenager.

You already have children, youngest of which sounds like is already 12. Enjoy the freedom, enjoy potentially being a grandparent in a decade or so - then handing the baby back and going for a full night's sleep then a child free holiday!

@BeachRide :

"You want to try for a baby at 46 with a man you've just met and you have a 12 year old?! What's wrong with you?"

Couldn't agree more.

@Kels21
I don't think @BeachRide was rude at all.