What is the eldest which you would consider a last baby

[onlyoranges]

I know we have talked about this before but I am sure there are new people here since then. What would be your upper age limit for that last baby?

I had my 4th child at 35 and I'm now 46, I would consider having a child up to 42

Ideally, I would have liked to have had my dc in my early/mid 30s. In reality, I didn't have my first till I was 41 and my second at 45. So, given that I wouldn't be without them, I guess that is my limit. I know that by the age of 47/48 I really, really knew I wouldn't want another, even if that were possible.

Oh, just seen this is in 'Larger Families'. I'm an imposter! Sorry, ladies [tiptoes away with her pathetic collection of just 2 kids..]

For me 40 would've been the cut off. I had 2nd DC at at 37 and I felt really tired and creaky and kept thinking 'I'm too old for this!', but if I'd really wanted a third I'd have gone for it and realistically I'd have been 39-40 at that point. But over 40? No way.

I wanted 3 by the time I was 30 and have been fortunate enough to be able to do that. I'm 35 now and I feel my family is complete and I think I would struggle now BUT I've already been doing motherhood for 12 years so that I think does have a bearing on it. I've also had 3 years nappy free and longer with ( mostly) sleeping through kids. If I was just starting out I'm sure my answer would be different.

I'm 31 and had my last earlier this year. I would happily have more but after having 9 in 13 years my womb is knackered basically as am I

I thought 40, but was pregnant with DC3 at 41. Unfortunately ended badly and still want another, so have increased to 45. Not likely to happen sadly

I'm 34 and dh is 39. We have five dc, youngest is two. Dh doesn't want to be an "old" father, so we are done. I'm pleased with our family size and I'm glad to be done at a reasonable age. :)

I'm 39 now and weighing up the case for a third child - it fits like I'm hitting a 40 deadline in my head.

In reality though, I'm not sure about these numbers - we all take the chances we get given. I'd have had kids early if I'd managed a suitable boyfriend earlier :)

34 if I already had one, 39 if first was also last. It's a very personal choice though, thankfully we live in a place where we are free to make our own decisions.

Well I had my fifth at 50. My kids are 24,22,20,17 and 4. I had a try for a last one a few months ago at 54 (using donated embryos), as my youngest is in some respects like an only child with five parents (I'm single). I was very briefly pregnant, but sadly lost the baby, and don't have any money for further treatment, so need to accept that it isn't going to happen. I did find having a new baby tiring at 50, but I got through, and my other kids helped, though I did all the nights. It's fab now that he's four, and it's not tiring any more. And I'm happy to look like a prat and play chase and hide and seek in public, and go down the slide at a play park.

39. My cut off was not to be pregnant at 40. All my children needed to be born before my 40th birthday for me. As it happened the last one was born whilst I was 36.

I think it entirely depends on what age you have your first.

I had my eldest at 22 and my youngest at 36.

I should have had DC3 (the youngest), at least 6 years earlier.

Had I not had DC1 until I was 30, then I would say possibly between 36 & 38.

But it's personal and different for each person & the events of their life.

I had my last baby (of 5) at 36 almost 37, I'm 41 now and am pleased not have a small baby to look after. I have two friends who had their last babies at 43 and both were very happy with that, it just depends on your energy levels and what else you have to do.

I had DC3 a week off my 38th birthday and could perhaps have gone to 40/41. Friend is pregnant at 43 and it doesn't feel like she's too old at all. All depends on the individual really.

Im almost 32 and 12 weeks pregnant with no8- I was done as 7 as found my last pregnancy at 30 really tough- that said this pregnancy is unplanned and I'm finding it tough emotionally as I have split with babies father

I suppose 44. I know quite a few who had healthy babies at 43yo. My actual last was born when I was 40.

Socially, it's awkward when you're talking to a nice gal at the school about kids you're about to pick up... she's a gran & I'm a mom.

I had my eldest at 20 and my youngest at 36. I know this one will be my last. I have always wanted a large, close family but i'm 41 now and couldn't imagine keeping up with a new baby let alone the 5 year old I already have!

I had my first when I was 21, second at 31 and third at 36. I'm 38 now and really, really considering one more! Think my limit would be 39.

First at 27, second at 30, third at 32, fourth born on my 37th birthday. I think up to 42/43 is unremarkable nowadays and why not later if you are fit and healthy and want to? Age is just a number.. It's down to your individual circumstances!

40. I'm nearly 36 and have one DS. If I don't manage to get pregnant again (history of trouble) I will stop at 40 and get a load more cats.

I had DC1 at 32, DC2 at 35, and although I have no plans for DC3 I wouldn't try after 38 (I wasn't born in 1982) I've been lucky with two healthy pregnancies and babies, after 38 I feel intrinsically like maybe my luck would be up. Who knows, but that's what I have in my mind.

Sorry didn't realise this was in larger families! Although I would love four I think time will mean I get one or two at most.

Two years ago. Pregnant again. Oops. Make sure your contraception is robust once you get past your I-am-done-now age.