Pregnant at 42

[heaven2013]

Hi everyone, I’ve had a bit of a shock finding out I’m pregnant at 42. I actually found out at my appointment to get my coil fitted! I’m taking some time to process things before making a decision. My husband and I tried for many years to get pregnant with a couple of miscarriages along the way. I do have two older children (16 and 14) from a previous relationship and I haven’t a clue how they will react.
Does anyone have any experience of being pregnant at this age? Im looking at it from both sides.

I had my first baby at 41 - so a little bit younger but not much. Pregnancy was pretty straightforward and I now have a smashing 3 year old. I love being a mum and don’t think I’m more tired than contemporaries who are younger.

I have been trying for number 2 for 2 years tho to no avail.

I conceived at 44, had ds at 45.

I had an easy pregnancy, no nausea etc, stopped work at 36 weeks, DS was born at 40+6, Slightly slow labour, Natural birth, No issues.

He's 15 now, still no issues. The only thing I was careful to do, when I was 48 I took up running to improve my general fitness so I was sure I'd be able to keep up. When ds was 6, he asked to learn karate but insisted I join in. So I've done 10 years karate as well. 😃

Congratulation. And good luck.

I'm 45 now 11 weeks, thought I was having perimenopause so only found out a couple of weeks ago. Shock is understatement! How many weeks are you?

I'm 41 and 14 weeks pregnant with number 5. Our eldest two are the same age as your teens. It's been a rough first trimester but this little surprise is such a wonderful gift. We thought we were well past the baby stage but are excited about doing it again. Our children are really pleased too.

Most of our NCT group were in their 40s. Doesn’t seem too uncommon these days!

42 and 18 weeks!! Tiredness has been my main symptom and extreme anxiety..
hsve one ds who at 10 was quite happy as an only child so wasn’t the easiest conversation! However now seems much more settled to idea 😀

It’s nice to see that I’m not alone and there’s a few of us out there. I’m only just five weeks so I’m just taking each day as it comes with us having had a couple of miscarriages in the past. I’m not sure how my teenagers will take it to be honest. I’m thinking of paying for an early scan so see if things are progressing as they should be.

i gave birth at 42

I had my second at this age. Happy to answer questions.

A tiny bit younger but I’ve just had dc 2 at 39 and finding it easier than dc 1 so far, apart from I’m a bit more anxious! Definitely less tired and finding the organisation easier. Congratulations!

Not been in the same boat, but my parents did have a surprise sibling when I was 10. Your kids will probably be shocked but they'll come around and get excited. Plus having a baby at home at that age will really drum into them how much hard work a baby is, you'll find it a very effective contraceptive for them 😂.

You tried for years so this baby is clearly wanted, and people do it all the time. It's fine to decide to keep the baby, it's also fine to decide that the childrearing portion of your life is over and decide not to continue. Due to your age you are unfortunately at a much higher risk of miscarriage and abnormalities but I hope everything progresses as you want them to and wish you all the best x

I had my 4th at 40 and 5th at a month off 42.

They're nearly 4 and 2 now and delights. My older kids are 22, 13 and 12.