Is 26 seen as ‘too young’ to be pregnant ?

[KellyM1998]

Hi all, I am 26 years of age and recently found out I am pregnant (I was on the pill but still happy about it)

Partner and I are engaged , brought a house 2 years ago, both have good jobs and have been together for 8 years.

We’ve had nice holidays together, done the house up how we want it for now and have a few things such as breaks away planned before baby arrives.

It is getting close to me having to tell my employer I am pregnant , I work for the NHS and none of my colleagues (who are all older than me) have not had children yet. I don’t know why and I know I am being stupid but I feel SO nervous about telling them. I feel like I will get judged for it.

I don’t know what the point of this post is really - has anyone been through these feelings before?

Thanks

I had my first baby at 27, but was 26 when I conceived. I have found that I am the first out of my friends and most of my mum friends are a little bit older, but I haven't experienced any judgement! It's your life and your timeline! In the same way I wouldn't care if someone was older than me - you're in a good position with the house and financially stable so GO FOR IT! Congrats <3

I had my first baby at 26 and have absolutely no regrets about the age me and my husband were when we decided to start a family. Congratulations xx

I was 28, I don’t think 26 is that young. I felt like that though telling everyone the first time. I just knew it was going to come as a surprise so I was so nervous about it. The second time people’s reactions have been a lot less shocked, as if it was almost expected. I think I’d rather have the first one relatively early then if you want another you can be done by the time you’re 30. My friends are over 30 now and some are just starting to think about trying soon. One friend would like to have four kids so even with short gaps she’d be having babies at 40. It’s everyone’s personal preference and what they want out of life before/after baby though

Well I hope not as I had my first at 24 and currently pregnant with my second at 25. You're in a stable relationship and can provide for your baby so why worry! I'm the youngest mum in my mum groups (next is 29) but some are mid 40s.

It's not too young and honestly no one else will really care x

Definitely not too young at all. Lots of women have babies around your age. Hopefully it’s partly anxiety about telling people and it’ll be better for you once it’s out there.

I think it's all relative. I'm 29 and pregnant and I'm the first one out of all my friends to be. And will be one of the youngest if not the youngest at work to have a kid too. And yes it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. At the same time there are loads of my classmates from school who had kids in their early to mid 20s. I spent way too much time worrying about what's 'normal' and what's not when it comes to age of having kids and realised ultimately it doesn't matter. As long as you and your partner feel ready, you will be able to make the rest of it work :)

So I’m in a very different situation, I’m 34 and pregnant BUT equality terrified of telling work. No one in my team has children and I feel like I’ll be judged too. I’m not sure woman can win at any age is the point I’m getting at!
I wouldn’t judge you at all, quite the opposite, I’d be impressed you’ve got your life together so young!

I had DC's at 23, 24 & 26. As someone already said, you're in a stable relationship & have a stable job by the sounds of it. I think you're overthinking it & once it is out you'll feel better. It's not for them to judge, if you are in the right position to bring a baby into a loving home then that's all that matters. Try to enjoy every moment as best you can.

This is the third post you’ve made about the same thing. There’s not really any other sort of replies you can get other than what you have already had. Have you thought about talking to a professional? Obviously it’s something you are fixating on and I posting on here isn’t helping if you’re having to do a new post every day. Please let your midwife know about your high levels of anxiety, they can ensure there is support systems in place for the rest of your pregnancy and after the birth.

Thought I'd seen this poster before!

I’m 27, will turn 28 just before baby is born.
Everyone is ready at different times, but certainly nothing wrong with having a baby at 26

Congratulations!
I don't think 26 is too young. We were trying to conceive since I was 28 and I'm finally pregnant at 43. There are advantages to being an older mum but I wouldn't wish what I've been through on anyone. 26 is a lovely age and you're in a stable relationship. People will always have their opinions but ignore them; they don't know your journey and circumstances. Enjoy your pregnancy and stuff what other people think x

Have you posted a few versions of this question? I don't think 26 is too young at all but your lack of confidence in your life choices comes off as quite immature.