Just found out I'm pregnant. I don't know what to do...

[ImSpiralling]

I'm 42, have one DD aged five who I adore. I was desperate to have a second child years ago, but other half wasn't keen so it never happened. We've got a great life - relationship is good, he's an excellent dad, we have a house, financially stable etc.

I've just found out I'm pregnant, absolutely not expected (we took precautions, but obviously not failsafe). I would have been overjoyed at this news four years ago, but now all I feel is panic. I feel like I'm too old to go back to the start again. I'm going to be in my fifties when they are in primary school. What the hell do I do?!

I was in a similar situation at 38 with a six year age gap. I was just thinking how could get life back: it was total shock!

It’s all turned out really well, and I was totally stressed until I saw really reassuring obstetrician when I went for a private test. I then just relaxed and all was good

I have worked with women terminating pregnancy and a remarkable number reappear later on the maternity unit.
Please ask yourself not just how you feel about continuing the pregnancy but how you might feel afterwards if you end it.

It is very common for women to feel regret and to get pregnant fairly speedily as a "replacement."

The jump from one kid to two might be more difficult than you expect and many women over 40 report that having children at their age is hard

Respectfully @Mischance , the majority of women who have terminated do not regret it, as shown by research.
Regret is not the only reason for getting pregnant soon afterwards. It can be that the pregnancy has helped the family realised what they want, and they have done something to change their plans or their outlook so that this time they are in a place to welcome a baby.

Also, if around 35% of women have an abortion, and 84% become mothers at some point in their lives in the UK, then statistically there is some crossover!

Worth bearing in mind that if you go ahead, when this child turns 18 you'll be 60.

Personally I wouldn't rock the boat when everything sounds like it's really great right now.

Indeed - which is why the OP needs to take this into acount in her decision-making.

Yes, very good point.

Don't rush into any decision, give it a few days, talk to your partner.

I had a surprise pregnancy with a similar age gap at age 40. Our first child had started school and I had just been offered a job. We were happy with our child but it has been wonderful with the two of them. The second time round there was the advantage of having done it before and our first child really enjoyed having a younger sibling.