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Original poster

quick poll - what age did you have your first baby?

160 replies

Pinkflipflop · 24/09/2010 17:28

what do you think of 34 for first baby - or is it pushing it a little? Please don't be pc - I need opinions.

Long, long saga - never been a possibility before (never felt remotely interested in babies before, financial situation ALL wrong) and now I reallt feel like I want to be a mummy and I'm so aware that it's not a given.

Looking forward to replies

Pink

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HighlandlassinLondonshire · 26/09/2010 20:34

I'll be 29 but by only 1 day...!

My cousin had her first at 39 and her second at 41...! All very healthy.

Best of Luck, xxxx

Dunka · 26/09/2010 20:41

Thanks for this thread-it might calm me down a bit as I thought I'm too old(34) and panicking

ilovesprouts · 26/09/2010 20:44

ds1=21,dd123.ds 38

StrangewaysHereICome · 26/09/2010 21:23

Two weeks before 30th birthday for my first, 31 for second and now will be 35 for our third.

autodidact · 26/09/2010 21:26

27
34 a perfectly fine age. Any age can be good.

Cyclebump · 27/09/2010 10:23

I'm 28 and pregnant with my first but the average age of friends and colleagues having their first baby is 35/36.

I've been with my DP 10 years so it feels like the right time for us but anyone who says there's a definitive 'right time' for everyone is, in my opinion, talking rubbish.

slimyak · 27/09/2010 11:41

I had DD at 35 and expecting DD2 in Jan when I'll be 38.

It hasn't been easy, I've had 3 miscarriages and had gestational diabetes with DD1 and monitoring to see if it comes back this time. But we didn't have trouble concieving and who knows whether it was age or other reasons that caused the other problems. Women in there 20's have to deal with all those things and a lot worse.

I love being a mum in my thrities. Everyone is different but for me I was ready, I don't feel like I've had to give up my desired social life (I have no interest in clubbing or going out every weekend even) my career was at a point that I could put it on the back burner without it being detrimental to me and I just have more time, patience etc. to enjoy being a mum.

On the flip side my mum had me and my 2 sisters in her early 20's. Loved being a mum and now loves being an active, hands on Grandma.

DancingHippoOnAcid · 27/09/2010 12:14

Had 1st at 33, 2nd at 35. Most of mums at antenatal were in their 30s.

At DCs schools, the mums who had theirs in their 20s are seen as the babies of the group!Smile

So you are at a great age to have your 1st.

Mind you, I would not advise anyone to wait to their 40s to have their 1st if they can help it. Having entered menopause at 42, and finding out that this is not unusual, you could find you have missed the boat entirely.

kittycatcat · 27/09/2010 12:16

I am 35 and 10 weeks pregnant with my 1st and totally ready :)

Kiki84 · 27/09/2010 12:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

froggers1 · 27/09/2010 12:44

I was 34 - circumstances a bit - had a miscarriage at 31 and moved from NZ back home to blighty so had to get set up again. However - its fine. I only want one though so that made it easier. I am now 36 and would have another if wanted to but not that bothered. I have to be honest though and say I have found it more tiring than some of my friends who started younger. However I am someone who loves sleep!! LOL

Rocklover · 27/09/2010 12:54

30 with my dd and now will be 36 when ds is born in Jan 2011. Being in your thirties is very normal nowadays for a first baby.

I am considered an older mum, but I have not been treated any differently. Yes it is the official line that there can be increased risks the older you get (with things like down syndrome and miscarriage), but there are always risks at any age.

My mum had a down syndrome baby in her mid 20s for no other reason than the luck of the draw so to speak. She then went on to have my sister with no complications. I would go for it at 34 and not worry about statistics.

me23 · 27/09/2010 13:55

I was 23 with first now 28 will be 29 when this one is born.

Plenty of women your age are having babies, go for it if that's what you want before its too late.

lulabelle · 27/09/2010 14:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HeadingHome · 27/09/2010 14:52

29, but hoping to have a dozen more...

cheekymonkeyno3 · 27/09/2010 16:14

i was 21 when i had DS but had been with now DH since we were 15.
now 26 and due to have DC3 in 4 weeks.

i feel really young in the playground and most of my mummy friends are late 30s or 40s.

MarineIguana · 27/09/2010 16:28

35, and had another at 40.

I would have liked to start younger really (DP wanted to delay) but on the plus side, I was more financially stable, and already had a wild youth to look back on :)

I read somewhere that 34 was the optimum age to have a baby - you tend to have more money, wisdom and are more settled than in your 20s, but are not yet really ancient...

But even when we were TTC again at 38/39 I had nothing but encouragement and positivity from my lovely GP.

Mae34 · 27/09/2010 16:33

Hello! I was 34 when I got pregnant, 35 when I had DD - I think its a nice age - I was really looking forward to being a mum, was ready to put work aside for a bit and was financially and socially in a settled place...So, no, I dont think its too old! And most of my friends had their first between 30-35...x

jellybeans · 27/09/2010 16:39

I was in my late teens and it was right for me to be honest, straightened me out and gave me a purpose as I was abit troubled in my teens! Had 3 more in my early 20s and then last one in early 30s. All ages are fine really but i had more energy 10 years ago!

BikeRunSki · 27/09/2010 16:44

37, just the right time for us.

LouMacca · 27/09/2010 17:09

I had my twins (now 7) when I was 35.

Good Luck Smile

MouseCostume · 27/09/2010 17:10

Hi

I was 27 for number 1 and 29 for number 2. I am still the only one of my close circle of friends (32-34) to be married, nevermind with kids, they're getting pretty broody now though!

I think our timing was/is fine, but then I don't know any different!

Just crack on and see what happens, you might feel more pressure if you leave it too long?
x

nicky80 · 27/09/2010 17:47

decided after seven years with hubby to try was 28 at the time. conceived at 29 and due two weeks before my 30th Birthday. If it hadnt been for early menopause with my nan and mother I would have waited another year I think.

DrMuhahaha · 27/09/2010 18:01

37 for my first and 39 for my second (age range in my NCT group was between 32 & 42)

Took about 12 months to conceive DC1, and 3 months for DC2.

Kaytee1987 · 21/09/2015 13:39

I am 28 (husband 30) and ttc right now however we both have good jobs, married (made a difference for me but doesn't matter for some) and have a lovely 4 bedroom house in a good area and have been on some great holidays. We're very very lucky to have all this and most don't at our age so I can see why a lot of people are waiting until their 30s. If 34 is right for you then go for it, and best of luck to you xxx