Is 37 too old to have another baby?...

[itscomplicatedlife]

Hopefully parked this in the right area, but would you say 37 is a normal and ok age for a second baby, is that considered normal or not to you nowadays?

Had my first at 34 had a rough few years we still kind of are on the sleep front but I don't think I should leave it longer & wonder if I left it too late... thank you

37 for the first, 40 for the second. Was bemoaning my ancient-ness to the midwife at an appointment during 2nd pregnancy. She pretty much snorted and told me that I wasn't even the oldest that day ( it was only mid morning) and briskly got on with the exam. I got the impression that being 40 was Not Very Special and was quite cheered up.

Thank you poppypip. I am also more terrified this time around and lots of anxiety even though I'm in a better position than I was at 17 but I was lucky to have the best well behaved child ever and I really didn't struggle with him. I wish you good luck with your pregnancy too.

my mum had me at 36 and she was always tired. But depends on your energy levels and ability to cope. you'll probably be fine if you are in good health and managing well with the 1 dc you already have.

@Jamaisy82

Thank you poppypip. I am also more terrified this time around and lots of anxiety even though I'm in a better position than I was at 17 but I was lucky to have the best well behaved child ever and I really didn't struggle with him. I wish you good luck with your pregnancy too.

Honestly my first is exactly the same! They say you never get two alike so I'm a bit worried what I'm in for haha! I'm sure we can do this like you say if we managed in our teens we can manage now :) how does your first feel about it? Mine seemed quite chuffed which I was pleased about, but off living their own lives so not sure how much they'll see each other which I find a bit sad but they're still always be siblings

Had my third at 38 and the other two in my twenties. I can’t lie I was more tired at 38.

Yes but if you are sure you want a second I would do it now. Fertility can drop off after mid 30s so you may not find it so easy to fall pregnant, and it gives you time to if it does take a little while this time

Poppypip I know I've heard that if you get one good child the other is a nightmare, I do hope this isn't the case ha but at least I have no other little ones to run around after at same time. When I told my son he was just like oh right, he didn't say much and didn't seem upset nor did he seem happy but I know small kids annoy him ha. Never thought I'd be in this situation again but must be meant to be and a final chance. I'm sure it will all work out great for you and me.

First at 34, second/third (DTs) at 37 fourth at 39 (almost 40)
Don't see any issue personally.
Good luck TTC

So if your child does the same you'll be 84 when/if you become a grandparent!!

And so what

@SoyMarina

So if your child does the same you'll be 84 when/if you become a grandparent!!!

Yeah, as PP said.. so what? I didn't have a child to have grandchildren (bonus if I do though!). My son won't feel pressured to 'provide me grandchildren' like I think so many young people do! My dad passed away young from cancer so he didn't meet my son regardless. On the other hand, my son met 3 of his great-grandparents (I didn't meet any of mine!)

Not too late at all but everybody is different when it comes to fertility so a good time not to wait

It's a pity to dismiss Grandparents. They can play an invaluable in childrens lives and be very helpful in yours.
Not all, of course, my own Mum wasn't much help but I watched many in my (mixed ages at becoming a first time parent) circle benefit hughly from having parents around to help.

@Trinacham

Not all teens are a nightmare either. My siblings and I never gave my parents much grief.

I can’t believe my two teens. Thought they’d be difficult, they’re really not.

One left to go to see if she’s the same

@SoyMarina nobody is dismissing grandparents though. And I agree - my grandparents, one in particular, played a huge part in my life, and still does now I'm 31. My son is also blessed to still have 3 who 'spoil' him. Nobody should feel they can't have children over a certain age because of grandparents not being around though.

It's a pity to dismiss Grandparents. They can play an invaluable in childrens lives and be very helpful in yours.

Nobody is dissing grandparents, I had a better relationship with mine than I did my DPs, they were wonderful. Unfortunately not all GPS are & many have little interest in helping out with DGC. Non of DDs GPS were particularly interested in her & it had absolutely nothing to do with age

My teen was/is at times still a nightmare however. I think I'm a lot calmer & far better equipped to deal with her nonsense now, than I ever would have been 20 years ago

@RockinHorseShit so true. My Nieces still have 3 grandparents left. Only 1 of them (my mum) bothers to be a part of their lives. The other 2 can barely be described as grandparents.

Absolutely not. I was 36, 38 and 40

DDs were only really interested in her for bragging rights, but could barely be arsed otherwise. I kind of get it, they've done their bit, sad for DD though that she couldn't have my experience. She got me instead though

Yeah, it's fine I know plenty of people who've had babies in late 30s to early 40s.

Yes but OP isn’t saying should I have a baby now or ten years ago is she? So all this talk of “Such a shame to have old grandparents” is moot if the baby never exists in the first place.

@CantStandMeCow I think it was in reply to someone who had a baby at 42.. but yes, has got a bit off topic!

Not too old but can take longer to conceive, but everyone is different! Get them baby making dances going ;)

I had a friend/colleague whose mother was a doctor in fertility area and friend had been married and divorced in early 30s and was panicking about meeting someone/having kids. She met someone who was 7 years younger and I think she didn't want to rush the kids bit with him.

Her mum told her that provided everything was ok fertility wise (friend had all the tests etc) that 37 was fine. Friend got pregnant at 37 and then 38 with her sons.

Another friend, moved abroad for first marriage but already had 1 DD in her 30s. Had her first son at 36 but second one at 37.

My own SIL is going to be 37 this month and has started IVF again, already has a DS. Yes, the odds of success are less, but she still has a good chance of conceiving.

No. I was 40 when I had my first one.