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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

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Original poster

Do you think TTC 1st baby at 32+ is v v late?

38 replies

Pinkflipflop · 12/02/2010 18:48

Basically what do you think? Have heard and read so many horror stories about older mothers and probs they face and basically am starting to worry (sad)

Won't be financially ready until I have a perm job to have a baby, but I know I would love one at some stage (I know, I know, a baby is not a commodity and I would be very very blessed to have one, but have to be able to provide for it also)

OP posts:

waitingforbedtime · 12/02/2010 18:51

No I dont think so. Average age of a 1st time mum in UK is apparently 29 so youre not far away from that. I am 28 and currently pregnant with dc2 but about 75% of my friends are not even close to settling down and having babies. Just try and get yourself fit and healthy so youre in the best shape when you do start. Take folic acid for a while beforehand, plenty of fruit and veg, ideal weight etc etc etc

LittleSilver · 12/02/2010 18:54

No, I don't think it's late at all. I had my first baby at 23 and spent all her babyhood and toddlerhood wishing my friends would have babies too so I wasn't the completely odd one out. Am 29 now and they've only JUST started considering it.

Why on earth do you think it's late? Sounds pretty average to me.

Lulumama · 12/02/2010 18:59

no, i would not say 32 is too old o v v late

i would say 40 + is probabyl pushing it

there are increased risks over the age of 35, but still fairly minimal in terms of chromosomal abnormality

also a decline in fertility at 35 + is pretty much accepted as the norm

and i don't think anyone is ever financially , physically or mentally fully prepared for having a baby

it sounds more like you think it is getting late and you want to get on with TTC

Original poster

Pinkflipflop · 12/02/2010 19:01

Thanks for your replies - almost everyone I know has babies, am very much the only one without and I know I won't be ready for a while.

OP posts:

mazzystartled · 12/02/2010 19:03

not at all

tbh most people in my circle haven't even gotten around to thinking about it before 35.

of course the cold hard facts are that fertility begins to decline after 35, and if you want lots of kids it's probably better to start sooner rather than later.

Original poster

Pinkflipflop · 12/02/2010 19:04

So many questions tonight! Really want to feel that I am giving any potential baby the best start and that I am ready. I appreciate there is never a good time - but I am a bit of a worrier!

Also ladies - if I was 32 + my husband would be 37 +, do you think HIS age would be an issue. Said to him the other day that I just don't want him to be too old to run around after baby, or to have no enery etc.

Would really appreciate thoughts please?

OP posts:

Ariesgirl · 12/02/2010 19:08

NO!! Don't say that - I and a few others I've "spoken" to today are nearly 35 and planning our first. I'd love to be younger but it hasn't been possible. I accept it could be more difficult, but later babies are normal now.

mazzystartled · 12/02/2010 19:11

well i think it depends how fit you are and on your attitude (and how your relationship is)

rather than your age

squishy · 12/02/2010 19:13

I had my DD when I was 32; my friend had her 2 when she was 38 and 39, her DH around the same age, I think if you want a baby, then you will find a way to make it work for you!

Bobo23 · 12/02/2010 19:15

erm no! Started TTC when I was 40 - it took us two months!

Lulumama · 12/02/2010 19:16

what bit makes you say you are not ready?

nickytwotimes · 12/02/2010 19:17

Not too old at all.

I had ds at 32, about to have number 2 aged 36.

We were not ready financially or maturity wise before then, tbh. And we enjoyed the sex drugs and rock and roll too much.

ChocolateMoose · 12/02/2010 19:39

I'm 32 and my baby was born when I was 31, and I don't consider myself an 'older mother'! You won't know until you start TTC whether you are one of the few couples who have fertility problems, for whom starting early could be important. But for the majority 32+ should be fine I think.

PancakesForTeaFan · 13/02/2010 10:42

I am 31 and DP is 41 and we have been trying a few months now. We waited 10 years to be financially secure etc and since we started trying I have found out I am being made redundant and DPs business has gone scarily quiet. BUT the best advice I have had is don't ask if it the right time to TTC, only ask if you want a child. So we are carrying on regardless in the knowledge that we are more than capable of coping with whatever life throws at us!

DuelingFanjo · 13/02/2010 10:44

no.

I am 39 and struggling. I know someone who started at 27 and eight years later is still trying. Age IS an issue but no one ever knows if they sre going to have fertility issues until they try. For all you know your DH/DP may have fertility issues.

Georgimama · 13/02/2010 10:47

Biologically it is late, there is no denying that. Don't put it off for the pursuit of perfection. If you want a baby and are pretty much solvent, have one.

belgo · 13/02/2010 10:47

No it's not too old but tbh I wouldn't wait any later, I know so many women in their early thirties who have had miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies. Recent research shows that fertility is already significantly declining by the age of thirty. But there are always exceptions and many women don't have any problems at all.

DuelingFanjo · 13/02/2010 11:02

it all very much depends

Georgimama · 13/02/2010 11:06

That's true DJ but a woman who has never been pregnant and never attempted to be pregnant before has no idea how fertile she is at 32. Chances are, frankly, you'll be fine. But if like me you have PCOS or your husband has a low sperm count (or like us, both) being even older is really not going to help.

cece · 13/02/2010 11:12

Not at all.

I had my first at 34, 2nd at 37 and 3rd at 42 so I think you are a spring chicken!

phdlife · 13/02/2010 11:17

I fell pg hair-raisingly easily at 36 and 38 so I'm one of the lucky ones. But I was treated by the NHS as an "elderly case of prima gravida" [anger].

(Here in Oz the obs snorted when I asked if she was worried about my age.)

good luck!

bexxaa · 13/02/2010 12:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

shonaspurtle · 13/02/2010 12:11

I was 33 when I got pregnant with ds. It was quick, straighforward and an easy pregnancy.

I'm now 37 and ttc no2 and it aint happening. Which is probably age related.

So, no I don't think 32 is particularly late, but if you want more than one you should bear in mind your age at future pregnancies, there is increase risk as you age, your fertility does drop as you age etc etc etc.

mummybto3 · 13/02/2010 23:20

No, it's perfect! Stop worrying, have fun trying and enjoy it.. you may be able to squeeze 2 in before you get to 35!

Clary · 13/02/2010 23:25

I had my first at 35 and went on to have 2 more, so no, not v v late IME.

That said, don't plan and plan and plan - please. I know someone who did and sadly it went a bit pear-shaped for them.

I left it "late" because DH and I didn't get it together till then. We did it when we did it really - babies don't run to a schedule. There is never a perfect time really, so if you feel you would like a baby with someone you are with, I would get on with it, frankly. Encouraging

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