older mum ( 40+);second child?

[mopsera]

do you have a second child on the way and are over 40? im 42 1/2 ! and wondering wether to try again; partner wants another; first -girl-is now 15 months .ideally would have waited til she school age but havent got time! would love to have a boy this time; just unsure if i can manage it energy-wise as first took so much out of me! and slightly concerned about downs/ other probs tho first was fine- mainly and had a quick ( 6 hr ) labout with out any drugs ( thats the other thing that scares me giong thru THAT again! and i really wanted a water birth but half the labour was screaming abuse in an ambulance!

p.s. so the main issue is can i manage it physically; can i also do a good job with my daughter; will it be ok ; and can i get thru another labour; have even considered elective cesaerian-what a coward!

There are more risks but if you are fit and healthy there is no reason pregnancy shouldn't go well. Main issue is getting pregnant so if you are going to try don't stall too long. I have 2 children- 1 in late 30s the other at nearly 43. All well with both. [However did have pregnancy loss in middle of 2 due to -probably- age related chromosomal problem].
What was stressful for me was extra scans due to problems with 2nd pregnancy. However when given 'all clear' just 'normal' pregnancy/ quick labour and beautiful baby!

thanks thats very encouraging.think we do need to get a move on.! dont want any regrets.

Good luck! Watch out for young registrars/ docs that may over state potential problems due to age [you know, the ones that look about age 12].
Always found midwives and consultants more encouraging and optimistic.

yes fear is a big factor with hv have seen many times

I have two teenagers and a ds aged 4. He was born when I was 42 and I had no problems. I do feel more tired than I did with the other two but I work full time in a very demanding job so I think its more to do with that.

Good luck!

I am pregnant with my third at 42 - 35 weeks now. No one has ever said anything about potential problems, despite the fact that I am high risk- ish anyway due to type 1 diabetes. In fact my GP was v happy for me and said "you know, 42 isn't really considered old" which I was pleased with.

I did have all the screening tests though.

My last baby was an elective C section, due to problems with the first being big, plus I just thought, like you, screw that, no way am I doing that again! It was a quick 8 hour labour as well, but I just hated it from start to finish.

I don't consider myself a coward, I consider myself most sensible and taking advantage of modern medicine!

Being pregnant this time round (youngest is 8) has actually been a lot easier thatn previous pregnancies, I ma so relaxed and time has just flown.

Of course baby isn't here yet, might all change then!

Hello, we have just started trying for number 2, and I am 41 (42 later this year). I was pregnant in December but sadly we had a miscarriage. I have the same worries as you, my son is 26 months (just over 2 lol), and I was knackered after having him, the first 3 months were almost agony. BUT so worth it. I don't want him to be an only child and I don't want to be aching for another baby when its too late.