Is it possible to have large family later?

[Star844]

Hi. I’m 37 in two days. I’ve always dreamed of big family but have been single most of life. Anyone out there that started big family later in life?

I started at 29 and had 4 in 6 years, my cut off was 35 and I was extremely lucky to have had four. But it took its toll on me physically and my body has never been the same since, I don’t know how it would have been had I started having children much later at 37/38. It may have happened had I been 20 who knows.

Be mindful that your fertility and egg production is supposed to drop after 35 too. Good luck and I hope you get the babies you desire (I know what that yearning can feel like)

Thanks for being understanding.

I’m 37 and pregnant with my first.
At the moment we are okay with 1 but know we will need to move quickly if we want another 1 or more.
Do twins run in your families? Having twins or triplets would definitely speed things up.
You could also make your family bigger in other ways, fostering or adopting.

I got pregnant for the first time at 37. With twins. They don't run in my family, apparently you are more likely to have twins the older you are as you more often release 2 eggs at a time (closing down sale as my lovely husband likes to say 🙄)

LOL. Congrats. I’d love to have multiple births. Think they’re also more likely if your overweight.

I was just dreaming of having three sets of triplets. That’s defo speed things up. But no they don’t run in my family.

Of course it’s possible, I know plenty of women who’ve had 2+ kids after the age of 39. Depends on your fertility and your partners fertility

I’m not in your exact situation, but I have had my 3rd at 38, and I don’t feel any different to when I had my first at 25.
I am pretty fit and healthy though, so have bounced back. I definitely have same amount of energy etc. I think anyway 😆

My gran had her first at 32 and had 6

... Although she was basically pregnant for a decade

I’d love to be pregnant for a decade.

That’s inspirational. Are you planning to have more?

I know someone who had her first at 42. She then had her second at 44 and third (and last) at 46!

That offers some hope.

Wow that’s amazing. Is she enjoying motherhood?

Before I start I will day every woman is different.

I was a youngish mum with first, and had 4dc in 9yrs. My body couldn't take any more children.

Some women, like Mrs Radford successfully have huge families, but some if us the physical impact is different. My advice is have an open mind, and embrace the journey whether its one child or 20 children

I think two would be just right for you, op.

Good luck.

I'm 36 and hopefully having my first - only in first trimester atm. I want more than one also. I read It Starts With the Egg and really recommend- I took all the supplements and it shows all of the studies on how to have successful pregnancies later on. A lot of the focus is on improving egg health and sperm health, because let's face it, our partners are likely to be a similar-ish age to us also.
A fertility check is useful also I think, many of my friends have had one to see how urgent it is for them or whether they can take a bit more time

Are you in a relationship op or looking to do it alone? No idea what the rules around about implanting how many eggs if you go via IVF for example. Certainly you wouldn't want to risk more than 2

How many is a large family? You could in theory have one at 38 and one a year until you reach menopause but it's hard to know what toll each will take on you, how fertile you are and will be, or your partner, if you'll need C Sections etc which again will limit you

I had to have IUI as my DH is infertile so if was all stacked against us

Had first at 34, then 37 and then 39. Worked first time every time.

I don’t think it’s true that fertility plummets after age 35; it’s more gradual

I don’t smoke or drink, I don’t over exercise but stay pretty fit. Healthy diet; not vegan. There is a real sweet spot for fertility health.

I had DS at 33 and twins just before I turned 38. I guess I could just contemplate another pregnancy now (although we won't) so I'd be 40 when they came.

@twinnovice

I got pregnant for the first time at 37. With twins. They don't run in my family, apparently you are more likely to have twins the older you are as you more often release 2 eggs at a time (closing down sale as my lovely husband likes to say 🙄)

I have laughed out loud at this.... BOGOF in your late 30s... (same age so I can laugh)

A colleague of mine has just had #3 at 42 - her older kids are 1 and 2! Personally I couldn't handle such small age gaps but it seems entirely possible.

I struggled to get pregnant aged 33. Had first at 35 and second on it's way now- I'll be 38 - That's enough for me.

Depends how big you are thinking. Chances of getting pregnant lower the older you get and risks of problems rise. All you can do is try and see how it goes.

I'm 37 and pregnant with number 6 (had 1st at 21), many losses along the way. 3 singletons, twins, singleton due Aug. Not ready to say no more but then I don't know if I ever will be.

My sister had her 1st at 32ish. She was hoping to have a few and felt she'd be grateful for 3 in the time she had and the declining of fertility past 35. She had her 10th at 45.