Pregnant at 44

[Clairebab44]

Hello, I'm 44 and found out I'm pregnant, conceived naturally, I'm in complete shock. Anyway after thinking long and hard about my situation my partner and I have decided to keep the baby. My question is am I too old? I had postnatal depression with my last child and now over thinking the worst, like when I go for my first scan next week 2 July I'm going to be told there's something wrong with my baby, has anyone had a healthy baby at this age?
Thank you 😊

It’s so common in London now for women to have babies in their 40’s. I don’t think 44 is too old at all, it depends very much on the individual. How old is your other DC?

24, 22 18 15 & 7

Personally I’d go for it! I feel pregnant with my first baby in October at 39, we weren’t trying but wanted to at some point soon as I’m now financially able and settled in our own home etc. I’m due to give birth a month before I turn 40 and we’ve already spoken about trying for one more early next year.
I was shocked when I went for my first appointment how many women were there that were my age or above. I’ve had a rough and hard pregnancy but that’s nothing to do with my age.
Finally there is so much support now and advice if you are struggling. I turned it all down this pregnancy and my anxiety has been awful but I think it’s because it’s my first baby.
Lastly, Congratulations 🥳 x

@Clairebab44 I'm 41, and found out last week that I'm unexpectedly pregnant. I'll be 42 when baby is due. I also have a scan on the 2nd and it will also be our 6th, though ours are younger than yours.

I found out too early, so I'm not having much in the way of symptoms which makes me wonder how the scan will go, so I get your anxieties around that. I'm also nervous of having a baby at this age, I find myself thinking gosh, I'll be 60 when it turns 18! I was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, so this will be a totally different, far more medicalised kind of pregnancy and birth than I've had with any of the others, which worries me. And obviously there's higher risks of various illnesses at this age too, which I'm trying to be positive about.

Apart from the PND, is there anything else specifically thay you're concerned about with regard to your age?

I'm worried about my children's reactions as I'm in a new relationship ( know my partner 12 years were friends for a long time before I separated from their dad, a year ago. Was with their father for 20 years.

Hi @Clairebab44 hope your scan went well ! I'm 43 and seriously considering one last try. We lost two in 2022 and my health physically and mentally took a nose dive. I'm very aware time is ticking and I need to make a decision. Like @Lidlisthebusiness I keep thinking I'll have a 16 year old at 60 and it stops me in my tracks. I don't know why 60 is the magic number 😂 had either of our losses not happened, I'd of had an 18 year old so then I think not much difference, just do it !! I go round and round in circles torturing myself !

Hi just wondering how both of you are getting on? Hope all is going well x

Your children will need lots of support with this news; I hope all works out well for you all