Is 45 years old too to try for second child?

[ABPMum]

I'd really like to find proven statistics of the risks associated with having a second child at 45 but most of the information I find is largely anecdotal. Can any of you very informed bunch point me in the direction of factual sources you may have come across please? Thanks!

There seem to be links from this website to reports that might provide you with statistics as opposed to anecdotal evidence.

Statement on later maternal age

Good luck if you decide to try; second time round is easier and more fun in lots of ways!

thanks so much! x

The factual sources will give you plenty of guidelines, but of course this is based on the testing of an 'average 45 year old'. Only YOU will know about your lifestyle, tiredness, work commitments and future plans and how a second child will fit around this.

What I'm trying to say is that they are 45 year olds who would be able to cope fine with a second child compared to a 25 year old with a complete different set of factors and likewise.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Hi ABPMum, I'm 44 and on my first pregnancy - a natural and unexpected yet much longed for delight. Am 34 weeks and all is going well, baby and I both healthy. I have been nervous all along owing to my age, but all my test results have come back positive and I am constantly assured that baby is very healthy. The stats can be alarming, but I have since met and heard of more women my age having children and all being well than I would have though possible. Good luck to you!

Interpreting statistics is a bit of a minefield. Older women are more at risk of many things: reduced fertility, miscarrige, down's, pg complications etc. However, you are not a statistic and women younger than you can encounter these things. Many, many women of your age go on to have healthy babies - this is a fact.

Pregnancy is a risky business all round. It depends on how risk-averse you are. How would you feel if you reached the menopause and had decided not to attempt for a second? How would you feel if you attempted but failed? It's the 'never trying' vs 'tried and failed' thing. Obviously, only you and DP can decide on this. Good luck and find peace with whatever you decide.