Too old to start a family?

[Jezzye]

So I'm currently 32, married to my husband 35 and we're considering when to start a family.

There's a chance I may not be able to have kids biologically due to some medical conditions that are currently being investigated, but presuming that things are fine, I worry about waiting too long to start a family.

We don't feel like we're in the right place to start just now - there's a few things we still want to do as a childless couple and we need to regain some financial stability.

Waiting a year seems fine, 2 maybe... I don't know. Trouble is pretty much everyone around us is either child free and planning to stay that way or had their families early. I don't know any "older" parents.

So, people of mumsnets, do you think mid 30s is getting too late to start a family? And anyone who's had kids in their 30s plus, what's it like? Do you regret not starting earlier?

I had my first at 32.5, second at 35 and due 3rd at 37... first I was worried about being an older mum, I wasn’t! Second I didn’t care. Third I am knackered and feel ancient but sure that’s more to do with pregnancy and 2 kids 4 and under!!! Certainly the mums around me are all around my age, I wouldn’t say I’m ancient x

I had my little one at 36. He’s 10 months now and I’m now 37. I don’t feel like an older mum. I feel like it’s the right time for me. Do what is right for you xx

Had my DD at 42. I know someone who conceived shortly before her 50th birthday. Our. DD's are now 4 and are happy, healthy kids.

My mum friends range in age from 25 - 54 and out of 8 of us, only 2 are under 30.

I was 39 and DH was 43 when we had our first and only child. He was ivf so it took longer than expected!

Had DD1 at 33 now three years later I'm so disappointed we didn't start sooner. Torn between wanting another child and also not wanting to be child rearing into my fifties.

No 1 at 33, no 2 at 34. It's not going to get easier as you get older. It's n'enverrai ever the perfect time. It can takes years or no time.

If you have a roof over your head, a job that gives maternity leave, little unsecured debt and are married I'd start trying.

I had my first at 25 and felt far too young and really missed my freedom. Second at 35 with a different partner and it’s been so much better and I certainly don’t feel old. There were some younger mums at baby groups etc but plenty my age and older. I’d happily have another at 37/38 if it wasn’t for the financial impact.

Of course not! My god! 32 is old?! Wtf??

One of my work colleagues is pregnant at 28 and I think that’s really young. Almost everyone I know (in London and overseas expat community) has started families in their 30s.

Had my kids at 35, 37 and 39. All easy straightforward pregnancies. Feel like I lived a lot before those years and have never felt too old to have started a family.

I had mine at 35 and 39; DH was 39 and 43.

Honestly, if we’d had them younger we wouldn’t have been in the right place financially, emotionally or career wise.

There is a real mix of ages of parents round here, loads our age and some older or younger. The mum of dd best friend is a young mum and me and DH are actually old enough to be her parents (we’re 17 & 21 years older than her). I get on pretty well with parents of all ages at school etc and age never seems to be an issue.