Is 40 too old

[dontmakemeleavethehouse]

That's it really. I'll be 40 in April and my baby is due August. Having Harmony test next week. Just feeling overwhelmed. I have two under 4.

Not if you're happy having one at 40. If you were too old your body wouldn't let you have a baby! I'm pregnant with my third and have two under 4 and bricking it a bit. But I'm hoping this one will slot straight in (or telling myself to keep sane!). If you're not happy with the pregnancy that's something you have to decide on but I honestly don't think you're too old

I had a dc at 43.2.. Ds is 5 now and an absolute delight!!
6 year gap between him and the youngest.

Just turned 40 and have fantastic 1&2 year old Dd's...I'm bloody knackered but so would a 20 year old be! Not too old IMO....but ask me in another year

Dc2 was born when I was 41 and is now 10. Pregnancy was more exhausting than previous pregnancy but other than that, no issue!

Had our first DC at 41, pregnant with our second at 44. I feel fine! Sleep deprived, but fine.

First at 38, second at 41. I would have had them earlier but circumstances gave me no choice. They're a bloody handful but they'd be at 44 (my age) or 34!
I actually don't feel too overwhelmed at the end of the day it's really about how you feel.
Congratulations OP, try not to think about it too much for me for you

I had mine at 35, 38 and 42. Exhausting, but gives you extra motivation to look after yourself.

Also, a lot of the risks for >40 mothers are over stated if it’s not your first child.

I’m 42 and expecting my first in March so have been wondering about this too and talking to lots of other mums to hear their perspectives... overall the sense I’ve got is that younger mums have a bit more energy and ability to deal with lack of sleep, but older mums are less likely to stress out at every little thing and therefore often get babies that are easier to deal with. So, what I’ve heard is that once you are 40+ then no, you’re not too old, you just need to keep calm and carry on... and don’t be shy to ask for help.

Thank you for all your input. I feel better about it all. Dr only said to think more about my pelvic floors muscles.

Oh I'd second the pelvic floor tip OP !

Pregnancy over 35 tends to be quite a heated subject on mumsnet so if you're already feeling 'overwhelmed' this may not go well. I'm not trying to be rude just trying to think of your side / how you might be feeling.

I’d be more concerned at already having 2 under 4, did you choose to have another so close? I had my first baby at 43, no problems (but I only had one ).

I was 40 January this year and I’m sat here holding my first, who is 12 weeks old.
I don’t feel to old, I had an awful pregnancy and ended up with section due to hip pain and having too much water. But my mum and nan had the same and they were in their 20’s.
I was expecting to be rough after the section but came out ready to run a marathon.
We are all different.

I had my children at 32, 34 and 42. My third pregnancy was uneventful and resulted in a healthy baby girl. I would have had more but never became pregnant again.

I'm 40 and have just had my 3rd child. I too was a little anxious about being an older mum and all that comes with it but I can honestly say it's been amazing! Baby is 3 weeks old and I feel pretty good already. My children are slightly older which probably helps a lot.

Congratulations to you it's a very exciting time.

Congratulations. You're definitely not too old but feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. How lovely for your currently two to have a new sibling now, and when they are older. Good luck!

I was 40 in July and had my 4th in August. My others are 19, 10 and 8.

I don't feel older, or tireder than with my first. Good luck

I'm almost 42 and have just had DC3. Others are 5 and 3. What are you overwhelmed by in particular? Was the pregnancy planned?

I also had Harmony test, wanted to get that worry out of the way (or deal with bad news) as early as possible.

I think I'm worried about physically carrying the baby and also about any problems with the baby. I have Harmony booked for two weeks time.

I’m 40 in 2 weeks, just found out I’m pregnant with no 3.

I had my first at 22 and my second at 35 I really felt a difference second time, much more tired. So we’ll see what this one brings.

I will also be having a harmony test this time.

It is not to old. I imagine you'll be tired with 3 under 5, the eye bags don't go as quick as your 30's though you'll manage.
They won't be small forever.
I am nearly 40 I'm tired already. My youngest is 4 and he is already at the easier stage.

I am 42, with a one year old and expecting no 2 in July.
I met my husband at 36 and got married at 40. That's the hand life dealt me. I am extremely grateful for all I have. Of course , the ideal is to have all your children younger, but it is what it is.
We are a very happy family and I wouldn't change it for the world. I am expecting a difficult 18 months, when I will have two littles at home full time, however I am convinced it will ease up a bit once they start nursery and school.

I had my only living DC at 42. She’s seriously disabled (genetic issues) so not because of my age BUT I’ve coped better than some other younger mums with lack of sleep (she has slept through the night less than twenty times and she’s 28 months) and I think (despite the sudden white hair appearing) that I look better than I did 15 years ago when I drank too much etc.
Long story short... I bet you can do this better than you think and you won’t feel much differently at all!