How old is too old?

[lucywiltshire]

I am just 41, with DD (3.5), DS1 (2) and DS2 (4 months). Each time I have been extremely lucky and conceived first time. We would love to go for number 4 at some point but are worried about my age. I know some women have babies in their mid 40s but is it too risky? Should I accept that it would be stupid and reckless to push my luck? I am so blessed to have three gorgeous little ones but feel so sad if I completely rule out having another one!

I think if you are happy to go ahead and feel that you are physically and emotionally able to have another child then it doesn't matter what your age (and you're not that old)
Wish you the best of luck :) xx

I'm 34 weeks with DC2 and will turn 43 the week or so after baby is born.

It all depends on how you feel and if you think your body can cope with another pregnancy.

I'd have loved a big family but I wasn't very good at conceiving and hanging onto beans.

Having kids at our age is fab IMHO. Keeps us looking younger!

You could be me, except mine are a smidge older and we've had 4 MC since DC3 (3 yo) so even more worry about persevering when something may be telling us it may be time to stop.

Having said that we haven't thrown in the towel yet and 41 is not so old. If you only had 1 DC by now you wouldn't think twice about trying for #2 so why would it be different because you have 3?

Good luck Lucy.

Part of me feels that as my 3 are healthy and I never had the heartache of miscarrying I am convinced I won't be as lucky a 4th time, and I would hate to decide to try for another one then have a few miscarriages as then it would be so hard to stop trying when I'd be so desperate by that stage for another baby. Also, DS2 has only one kidney and although it isn't a big issue we did have a rough time during my pregnancy not knowing exactly what would happen and I am terrified of my age causing a serious health defect. On a personal note I hate being pregnant as struggle with pelvic issues, sciatica, nausea etc etc but that still doesn't put me off entirely!!

PS so sorry to you PermanentMenstrualTension for your miscarriages. I can't even begin to imagine the pain it causes so fingers crossed for you x

Hi Lucy. Come check out the fab 40+ thread. Loads of us in our 40s. I'm 35 weeks and 43. Pg has been much easier than I expected. Although I have to say you'd be braver than me to have 4 under 5 at any age.
I have had very positive attitude from hcp. Mw always tells me 40 is the new 30 for having babies

Your excellent history of conceiving and having babies at an older age probably means that you are much more likely than most women to have another one without much problem. Yes, you might have to deal with the possibility that you could miscarry this time or have problems - but much younger women than you deal with that issue as well. You could always go for it and change your mind if it proves too difficult.