If you had another baby in your 40s

[Gingerbreadbutter]

How did you find pregnancy and delivery in comparison to when you were younger, mentally and physically? Would love to have another one (40) but terrified how I will cope as I had a rubbish postpartum period with the first one. Is there anything you wish you did differently before conceiving?

Physically, pregnancies in your 40s can come with higher risks, such as gestational diabetes or hypertension. Recovery might also take longer, and the postpartum period can be more challenging compared to when you were younger.

I had dc in my teen's, 20's, 30's and 1 at 43.. Pros and cons to having a dc at all ages.. People have comments to make at young and old!! I was even classed a geriatric pregnant woman at 37 apparently! Physically wasn't harder at 43 but the sleepless nights were tougher!!

As a mathematician there is something really pleasing to me about the fact that you had a baby in your teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. Do you have any grandchildren yet? I also really like the idea of having grandchildren in your 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s!

I dgc at 45!! 18 months younger than last dc!!
Looks very odd written down dc in 4 decades!!

I had mine at 39 and 42 so nothing to compare it to. Sleepless nights were tough, but I’m not sure any worse for being older. I was definitely more relaxed than some younger mums but was that personality or temperamentally easily children or just having seen so many of my friends tackling things with DC in different ways that I realised there was no right way and you had to just make the best decisions at the time. I don’t know. But ultimately although I can’t retire until I’m 65 because thy want to go to uni and my 50s are going to filled with arguments about skirt length and homework, I wouldn’t be without them and they bring joy every day. So if you want another don’t stress about your age and go for it.

FTM so nothing to compare to but I'm 40 (IVF took 12 years to be successful!) at first I was concerned being older and officially 'high risk' but I've had no issues or complications. 39 weeks now and very lucky to be feeling just a bit uncomfortable. I think your general health/fitness makes a difference, I'm not a super fit person but have always been very active and have remained so throughout my pregnancy.

I had first two DC in my late twenties, one late thirties and last one just before my 41st birthday. Personally, the last was the easiest. Delivery was a breeze, particularly compared to the 2nd birth and I had postpartum problems with my first. I was definitely much more relaxed about everything and really wanted to enjoy everything as it was the last time!
No regrets at all.