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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Did you have a baby in your 40s?

8 replies

New2TheMNet · 19/06/2022 06:53

Hi,
My husband and I have had our first baby just as we both turned 40. We were trying for 3yrs beforehand and I had two miscarriages.

I've been thinking about trying for another baby but we would need to wait before trying again as out DD is just 3months old.

I just wanted to hear from other parents who have had a baby in their 40s. How old were you when you gave birth? What are your thoughts on being a slightly older parent.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Ablackcat · 19/06/2022 06:56

I was 40 years and 3 months when I had DS. I’m currently 3 months away from my 42nd birthday and am TTC now Smile

To be honest I don’t think of myself as an older parent except sometimes when joking with people. I honestly don’t think age impacts on how good a parent you are.

Londonnight · 19/06/2022 07:09

I was 42 when I had my son -- that baby is now 22! He was my 4th child with a very large age gap between 3-4. He has been a joy to bring up and I have very much enjoyed parenting as an older mum.

WarriorN · 19/06/2022 07:09

Congratulations!

36 and then 41. He's 4 now.

I did follow the ttc in your 40s threads here and the book "it starts with the egg." Which I really do think helped. It takes 3 months. Dh also followed all advice too - no drinking and took some supplements.

I now know I was peri menopausal in my late 30s as have fully plunged into it when periods resumed after number 2, and am now on hrt, but that could be me. the average age of meno is 51, with 45-54 being within the range of norm. So I've found it v hard but only had one small as the older one was at school. I also have hypothyroidism which has been an extra challenge as it seems to go a bit wonky in peri. I didn't know you could be on hrt and breastfeed which would have been helpful!

I was prepared to struggle though due to health conditions and made sure child care was there to enable me to cope with work load outside work. The pandemic sort of helped.

If both of you are very much on the same page, really work hard at it, future proof finances, time, careers etc for the 4-5 years before they go to school, you can do it. It goes in a flash. And I mean both - You both need to be honest about how work and rest for yourselves will fit with kids.

Dh could cut hours as much as you. The baby years can be v tough on relationships and giving yourselves the best opportunity to cope is v important.

Also the children. The terrible twos are nothing compared to the threenager years and then there's the fuckit fours. They do need us a lot. And they need us to be patient and able to be there for them.

How to talk to little kids so they listen and how to listen so they'll talk' book is an absolute must.

WarriorN · 19/06/2022 07:10

They're both amazing though!

WarriorN · 19/06/2022 07:12

My area is full of older parents so it doesn't feel out of the norm.

caffeinecokeandchocolate · 19/06/2022 17:30

At my IVF clinic I was considered very young at 36/37 as most women apparently were well into their 40s - I don't think it's so unusual these days. I'd like to try for a final one but personally for me 40 is my cut off. Being a parent in my late 30s is much more tiring than early 30s so the thought of being into my 40s is slightly terrifying although the last lot was twins 😂 and I agree the fuckit4s was horrendous with my eldest and can't imagine going through that with the twins and a younger baby in tow

TheFormidableMrsC · 19/06/2022 17:41

I was 42 when I had No 2 with a 13 year gap. He's now 11 and I've loved being an older parent even though it's been quite tough as he's autistic and his father left us. I say go for it 🤷🏻‍♀️

cloudjumper · 19/06/2022 17:45

I was 2 weeks shy of 44 when DD was born. Pregnancy was fine, no problems, but I had 4 miscarriages before it. I also recommend reading 'It starts with the egg', I took some of the supplements recommended in there.

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