Pregnancy at 50

[Star974]

Has anybody had a child in their late 40s or early 50s? How have you found raising children? I’m due soon and pregnancy has been a breeze but the things people post on social media seem to be so negative and not what I’ve experienced so far.

Congratulations! And stop reading social media, other people's opinions are irrelevant. Just enjoy your time with your baby, it's not like you can send him/her back for a refund anyway, so live your best life and stop focussing on your age! There are plenty of women who have children in their mid forties these days, and you are only a few years older so if you are fit and healthy it's not a big deal :)

Congrats op i wish you the best.

I couldnt do it in my 40s no way i would do it in my 50s.

I had an unplanned pregnancy last year, ( was on the pill !) gave birth to my now 10 months old son in December I was 43, my husband 47. I really struggled for the first 4 months with lack of sleep, then I think my body adjusted because he still wakes up every 2 hours throughout the night. I also have a 14 and 18 year old and juggling things was quite stressful initially, but then you find your new routine. But other than that it's been amazing tbh, my son is the happiest baby ever, and he's been walking since 9 months and into everything. I'm fit and healthy and cope fine physically. My husband however has struggled quite a bit. I think as long as your reasonably fit and healthy you will be knackered but fine lol. But it's so worth it for the love and smiles you get in return.

Congratulations@Star974. I'm expecting my first at 41 and have stopped reading the comments under any story online about celebrities in their 40s having babies (Paloma Faith, Katherine Ryan, etc) as the negativity does no-one any good. Same with social media. And you know what? It's made for a much happier and calmer pregnancy bubble for me and my OH as a result. Enjoy every minute of expecting your little blessing.

Depends really….is this your first child? Planned/not planned as emotionally I guess that might effect how you feel about things….

Plenty of people of all ages find pregnancy and having a baby difficult and vice versa.

Congratulations OP.

I had ds at 45y2m. It's been a breeze. Age and confidence help a lot. My career was secure and I've been able to cope fine as a single mum. Ds was a healthy baby/child. Only one major scare in 17 years.

I took up running at 48 because I wanted to maintain my fitness so I could keep up, and then ds & I started learning martial arts together when he was 5 and I was 50. Absolutely brilliant for balance and flexibility.

I've worked full time from when he was 1 until now - he's 17, I'm 62. Still running and kick boxing. I haven't hit any problems yet. He'll head off to uni next September, and then I might go part time.

Doing it at 50 - pace yourself. Do as much as you possibly can, but accept that you aren't superwoman. I stopped skiing with ds when he was 14.

A friend of mine stopped getting periods aged 48. A few other random symptoms (some quite strong food aversions) but 100% believed it was menopause (having unsuccessfully tried to get pregnant throughout her 30s). It was a while before she discovered she was actually pregnant and had her first (and only) child aged 49. All well, healthy mother and child. She was blessed with a very thoughtful, calm, laid back child who slept, ate and generally behaved sweetly. She made it all appear fairly effortless.

I’ve just had my 4th baby this year and I’m 33 and I’ve struggled so much. Exauhsted. Tired. My body feels like glass. 50 there’s NO WAY I could do it and wouldn’t want to be on school run in my 60s

Each to their own. I had my fourth at 40 and have had no energy issues or problems with my body.

someone i know had her first and only child at 49, she really struggled to cope. Ended up getting a live in nanny as she couldnt keep up with the baby. Shes in her 60s now and regrets it massively.

What’s the point of this?

There’s so many pros and cons to all ages, in your 40s and 50s yes you will probably be more tired and have less energy but you will have more patience and more understanding. A baby is a blessing, enjoy!

Had my second at 45 & 4 months so slightly younger but not massively so. It was fine I don't feel that it was a struggle at all for the first 18 months or so. I'm struggling with my energy levels now that DC is an energetic 3 year old though if I'm honest - I get tired but that might have happened anyway, as ultimately as an adult you're juggling- dinner doesn't cook itself etc etc so it can feel a bit full on at times. It's definitely been worth it. You'll be fine OP, congratulations and enjoy your little one xx

No point we are all different.
I just said all the best congrats.
I couldnt do thats all.

Adopted at 44, I'm 61 now. I've loved it but I go to the gym 3 times a week, try to stay very fit

That’s not the norm. Most 49 year olds can keep up with a baby

Was it planned if you dont mind me asking? I stopped contraception a year ago at 48 and need to know if this could happen to me.

My mum had me at 47. She was an amazing mum. I was a total surprise as she already had a 22 year old son.

Im 39 and i know i wouldnt keep up with a baby.

My friend had her second set of twins at 47. Her first set were 17. She’s well off and doesn’t need to work. They’re now 7 and doing great.

My mother was pregnant with me at 41, and my brother at 43. She was born in 1930. I think you've got this ;)

Congrats OP!

best of luck to you.

I find the “I’m 33 no way would I do it in my 50s” type reply just so nonsensical. If you are not this age, how can you tell what you’ll think at that age. When I was 30 I probably thought sex at 50 was questionable, nevermind a baby. So who knows what you’ll think!

as a 50-something to two tweens, I believe fitness and financial security play a huge part in making this work. Mine is a happy home, I wish the same for you and you all the best!

congrats 🙌

Exactly what I was thinking. Don’t think I’ve ever heard a Mum say they regret having their children.

It honestly fills my heart with joy when I hear about older woman having that child that they longed for all their life ❤️

I had mine in my 30’s so I can’t comment from experience, but there are 50 year olds that look about 70 due to lifestyle and not taking care of themselves then there are 50 year olds I see at the gym with amazing physiques and strength that I would imagine would have no problems. We are biologically younger due to good nutrition etc. With the cost of childcare I would imagine there are many people in their 60’s looking after babies.

At 50, I would imagine you are financially secure and can outsource so you’ll probably be less tired than the younger ones with no money and no time.

Stay off SM. When some women have babies it’s like nobody has ever had a baby before and it sparks some kind of weird reaction in their brain. They reel off crap to other Mum’s seeking advice mostly from stuff seen from TikTok or regurgitate guidelines as gospel without any prior critical thinking.

Congrats and enjoy ❤️

I had 2 kids in quick succession in early 40'sand was surprised at how knackered and lethargic some parents who were in their 20's and 30's were. I think if you are an energetic person, even if you are 50, you will probably have more energy than a naturally lethargic person who is younger. I now hang out with a lot of women in their 50's who are into running, fitness, having a laugh and being optimistic. They are naturally energetic people who enjoy life and run about after their kids more than some Mums who are much younger. I think it just depends on how much energy you have, rather than biological age.