SURPRISED TO BE PREGNANT AT 43

[Vinbim]

I've recently discovered that I'm pregnant for the fourth time at 43. This was not planned and a complete shock. I've been through a tough time with my husband deciding what to do for the best, and after having all the tests have discovered that the baby is healthy and so now want to try and embrace it all. However, my age bothers me hugely. All of my friends have finished having children now and I feel as though I'm going to be be so much older than all the other mums. Is there anyone out there in a similar position? My baby will be due at the end of May. My other children are 10, 8 and 5. I'd love to hear from you and how you feel. All the best Vinbim

I'm not in your situation, but congratulations! I'm sure that those age gaps will work really well.

Someone much more qualified than me to comment will be along in a minute

Congratulations! I have three and my big two were 9 and 6 when dd3 was born. It's a lovely age gap so I don't think you should have any worries on that score at least. You are not going to be the only older mum - this is actually an opportunity for you to meet loads of new friends and I'm sure some of them will be in the forties and expecting thie first child. with all the experience you've got you will be well ahead of the game - good luck!

Come and join uson the thread entitled : The sequel - Fab, Sparkly & often Moany 40 + : Preggie or New Mums - come say Hi!
sorry I can't do links.

Everyone on there is 40 or over and many have huge age gaps between our latest and older children. Some have recently given birth and others are pregannt - including a couple due around the same time as you. We all love it though and are delighted to be fab forty plus mummies. Come for a chat!

Thanks for posting everyone. I have had trouble negotiating my way around the site and have only just found the answers you all so kindly sent today - all this time later. I thought nobody had replied! I can't work out how to send emails individually. If anyone can tell me, that would be great. Anyway, pregnancy going along OK and I'm feeling much better about it now. Thanks again for replying and all the best. Vinbim

Congrats, lovely news. My aunty had her 4th child at the age of 44 (when her older 3 were 20, 17 & 16!) and my mum had several close friends when we were growing up who didn't start having babies until 40 and went on into their mid-forties. Considering none of the girls I grew up with have got babies yet (in their mid 30s) I doubt you will be alone! Good luck and enjoy! xxx

Fabulous news. I hope you have great pregnancy.

Forget about your age. You're the only one worrying about it. It's a waste of time.

You're very lucky!

I had DS at 44 (I am now 47). I was in a completely different position from you (I had DD after many attempts at IVF, when I was 41, then I got pregnant naturally), so did not feel the same amibivalence. I'm glad you feel better now.

I have really enjoyed DS, though, even after only a 3.5 year gap, it does sometimes feel strange to be going through the same things again (potty-training at the moment). However, I think there are lots of advantages to being older - maybe more patience and a greater sense of proportion than my younger self would have had. I do get tired and probably am a bit less physically energetic than I would have been with a child 20 years ago. I just think he is benefiting from the greater wisdom I have now than I had then.

I am probably the oldest mother at his nursery, but I just try to be philosophical about that.

He is such a joy that I can't imagine things being otherwise.

Good luck.

Congratulations!

I will be 43 in July and am 8 weeks pregnant. My DS was born when I was 40 and I felt like I was old then but now realize it is much more of a problem for other people