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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Am I mad for wanting to try to conceive at 26?

84 replies

Blueseas98 · 07/08/2023 16:08

Hi all, but if a weird question I know as everyone feels ready at different times.

Just wondered if many of you starting trying to conceive in your mid twenties? It seems young but we feel ready…

Intrigued to know what people think. Been with my partner for years and we have recently renovated our house together.

Thanks in advance

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Mrsjayy · 07/08/2023 16:10

I had my last at 27, if you feel ready for a baby then why not.

YouBoggleMyMind · 07/08/2023 16:10

Yes, I started ttc at 26. Took me 3 years to conceive and my DS was born when I was 30.

RudsyFarmer · 07/08/2023 16:12

Nope. As long as you can afford it, do it.

ChloeN · 07/08/2023 16:12

@Blueseas98 I started ttc at 23, 24 now with a newborn! I personally don’t feel too young in the slightest, I was more than ready to be a mum! X

Crimsonbow · 07/08/2023 16:12

It's not too young imo. I had conceived my 2nd DC by then.

TeamLoganHuntzberger · 07/08/2023 16:13

I had mine at just turned 26 and 28. I’m 33 now and am pleased I had them younger. I’ve had the energy for their preschool days and am enjoying them at school too. It did feel earlier that my career was taking a hit- I could see friends and colleagues progressing while I was either on mat leave/part time but it’s levelling out now that those of a similar age are starting families whereas I’m back full time.

If you feel ready and settled then I really don’t see how your age should impact your decisions. Good luck OP!

mumtotwox · 07/08/2023 16:14

Definitely not 🥰 I had my first at 22 and now 25 expecting my third!

Mischance · 07/08/2023 16:17

You have already missed the best reproduction years from a biological point of view! Get stuck in if it is what you both want!

I am a fair bit older than you are (!!) and when I was at the beginning of my career I worked as a social worker in a maternity hospital. At that time any mother over 30 was considered "elderly" and adoption agencies would not consider you as adopters over 30!! How things change!

Kirstylvsya · 07/08/2023 17:15

I had my first at 22 and am 32 now. If I could turn back time I would have them one after another while I could. Have had secondary infertility for 10years x

LittleMoReturns · 07/08/2023 17:23

I had my first child at 27. It’s a great age in my opinion. Had my second at 30 and was done.

Crack on!

continentallentil · 07/08/2023 17:27

It sounds fine if you feel ready and have a home and enough financial stability.

My only question is why are you asking? 26 isn’t that young, so is it because there’s something you aren’t certain about ?

buckingmad · 07/08/2023 17:27

We started trying when I was 25, gave birth at 27, pregnant with our second at 29. As long as you’re financially ready then why not.

Dacadactyl · 07/08/2023 17:29

I'd want to be married first personally, but had my first at 21 and second at 26. Was married a couple of weeks after my 25th birthday.

AngelsWithSilverWings · 07/08/2023 17:32

Got married at 26 and started TTC the following year. Took 10 years and adoption for me to become a mother so no not too early in my opinion!

NeverMrsAgain · 07/08/2023 17:36

Do it. I had mine late and definitely reckon younger is better based on that! Have them early, get rid of them by you late 40’s / early 50’s ready for a fab new place of life. Plus, you’ll be less tired.

Olika · 07/08/2023 17:39

If you are ready then definitely start. You are still in your twenties so it should be quite straightforward to get pregnant but you never know if there are complications so don't leave it too late if you can afford/life situation now.

Runrabbitrun2 · 07/08/2023 17:39

I had my second and last at 26. Now they are 17 and 18 and about to go off to uni and I am still a spring chicken ready to enjoy life post children. Career did not suffer one jot either having them at that age so it was a total win win.

Robinbuildsbears · 07/08/2023 17:41

I had both my daughters in my mid twenties. They're still very young but they've both been able to meet their 99yo great-great-grannie, as well as many other grandparents and great-grandparents, which makes me very happy. There's definitely benefits to having children younger than the current average.

Tiredmum100 · 07/08/2023 17:42

I was 27 when I was pregnant with dc 1. I didn't think I was too Young at all. I had 2 children by the time I was 30.

FirstMondayInMay · 07/08/2023 17:43

I’m 26 and half way through my first pregnancy. I was speaking to my GP after I found out and she said it’s an ideal age to have a baby

WeightoftheWorld · 07/08/2023 17:45

No, I was 24 when I had my first (planned). 23 when we started ttc. And we weren't as set up as you, we've only recently bought a house a few years later after having DC2.

MujeresLibres · 07/08/2023 17:45

No. I had my one-and-only at 36 and often felt a bit lacking in energy and wished I was younger. If you feel ready, go for it.

MichaelAndEagle · 07/08/2023 17:49

I was 26 too. Its a good age imo.
But think about getting married especially if you will cut back at work.
It only needs to be a quick easy wedding.

Summer2424 · 07/08/2023 17:49

Hi @Blueseas98 no definitely not mad x
I wish i had my kids in my 20's!

Lwrenagain · 07/08/2023 17:50

Definitely do it if you're feeling ready.

I had first at 19, currently pregnant with last baby at 35 currently, I'll be 36 with a newborn and because I've a clue what to expect, (babies in between, plus minding babies for friends lots for long periods of time) I'm not too concerned by how tired I'll be, yet, but I do think I'd be in for one hell of a shock if this was my first.
There are lovely aspects to rearing children when you're younger, "the perfect age" and older.
It's not an easy thing to do at any age but it's been a joy for me.

I'd have loved smaller age gaps, but pregnancy isn't that kind to me, so it wasn't possible.

But again, so many positives with larger age gaps too 🥰

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