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Original poster

Is 38 too old to have a baby?

79 replies

TheFunk · 19/08/2015 14:36

A bit of background...currently 38 and so is my current partner. Neither of us already have children, both of us would like to have them, if possible.

Is 38 too old to try and conceive or have a baby?

OP posts:
Scorchio83 · 19/08/2015 16:28

Thanks SuperFlyHigh that article is very reassuring, I'm in my 30s & definitely feeling the pressure!

schlong · 19/08/2015 17:35

No way! Had DS at 39 and DD at 43 last year. But don't be procrastinating and dilly dallying if that's what you both want. Time IS running out. Hope you're generally fit n healthy as that's more important at your age.

mandi73 · 19/08/2015 17:38

God no, I had DD3 at 40 and DS2 at 42......if you're fit, healthy and fertile no reason why not :)

JessAndDrake · 19/08/2015 19:01

It's still possible, but it could take longer, before you get pregnant. Starting from the age of 35, you become less fertile.

HesterThrale · 19/08/2015 19:30

It's not too late at all. I had my DCs at 32 and 38. Didn't find it a problem, and loving having a teenager now in my 50s!

loveyoutothemoon · 19/08/2015 19:47

I wouldn't leave it. I'm 38 and just been told I'm heading for menopause. But everyone is different.

Glittery7 · 19/08/2015 20:12

Had my first just turned 38 and second just before my 40th. Conceived first month both times.

Topseyt · 19/08/2015 20:40

Not too late at all if a child is what you both really want.

I think I would just get trying sooner rather than later though.

I know a number of people who have had babies in their late 30s or early 40s. No problems that I am aware of.

I had my DD3 at 36.

ChilliAndMint · 19/08/2015 20:43

No, but it isn't always plain sailing. I'd say go for it. I had mine late ( 39)

JanineMelnitzGlasses · 19/08/2015 20:49

Had my DS at 36, and will have dc2 (fingers xd) in Mar 26, I'll be 37.5. Both conceived within the first month.

In terms of fertility anything over 35 is considered geriatric. It puts you at a higher risk of miscarriage, problems conceiving and during pregnancy. BUT these are stats, it doesn't mean it's guaranteed to happen.

I've had two miscarriages, it could be age, it could be something else but I'm aware I'm higher risk. Be aware of the stats and if I were you I'd probably get trying sooner rather than later (if it's what you want).

JanineMelnitzGlasses · 19/08/2015 20:54

Mar 16!

Tickory · 19/08/2015 20:59

If you want children, then just get on with it, do it as much as possible at every opportunity.
Met DH at age 39, took about 9 mths or so to conceive No. 1 and hardly any time for No. 2 who I had age 42.

Bohemond · 19/08/2015 21:00

I had my first at 42. We are only having one and one of the many reasons for that is I don't want to have two very small ones at the same time. Obviously I would need to do this if I didn't want to be too old (in my view) when I had a second.
So, don't just think about the first; think about if you want a second and when that would be. You might want to get cracking.
Good luck.

RiverTam · 19/08/2015 21:02

No it isn't, I was 38 as were 2 others in my NCT classes. One thing I have found, though, is that I'm not terribly fit and I do feel that I would have been a more energetic and agile parent at a younger age. I'm now 44 and really starting to feel like a bit if an old crock which isn't great with a 5 year old!

ARV1981 · 19/08/2015 21:05

38 isn't too old at all.

I have friends in their 40s having their first babies.

I imagine it might be harder to conceive, but other people do so have fun trying!!!

If you and your partner want a baby and can offer it a stable and loving home (which it sounds like you do and can) then I see absolutely no reason for you to worry about being too old. You're really not!

I'm 34 and pregnant with my first. I want more, and plan on having a 3-4 year age gap so I'll be around 37-38 when I (hopefully) have dc2. So, I certainly don't think it's too old!

Good luck with your journey! Grin

DrDiva · 19/08/2015 21:16

Had DS at 42 - should have been 43, but he decided to turn up early. We were lucky and I fell pregnant within 3 months. I did have preeclampsia and HELLP, but this is genetic for me. (Thanks mum for not thinking to let me know before the birth Hmm )
In 2012 there were more than 28,000 births to women over 40, so 38 is getting younger.

PattyPenguin · 19/08/2015 21:22

My 1st was born when I'd just turned 38 and my 2nd when I was nearly 40. Got pregnant first attempt with both - not saying you would if you tried, but it is perfectly possible.

The 1st birth was rather long-drawn-out, but no more so than those of other first-time mothers 10 years younger than me.

Oh, and my grandmother had her 1st at 38, in 1918, and went on to have two more.

HelenF35 · 19/08/2015 21:29

Nope, I'm 36 and just had my first DC and I was the second youngest at my antenatal classes. Perfectly normal nowadays.

SaskiaRembrandtWasFramed · 19/08/2015 21:35

38 is no age. One of my friends has just had a little boy, she's 46.

Lagoonablue · 19/08/2015 21:40

Had my second at 47!

NewLife4Me · 19/08/2015 21:44

I had dd at 38 and by 40 had completed menopause, so whilst some women are fortunate to have babies in their forties it's not possible for a good many.
If you feel you want children, go for it, sooner rather than later.

sleeponeday · 19/08/2015 21:49

I do hope not, because I'm 41 with a 17 month old. Grin

PrancingQueen · 19/08/2015 22:03

I was 44 when I had DS, but I was fit as a flea at the time! less so now
Go for it! You're young to me Wink
Now DS is a toddler I'm finding I get very tired, but then I'm also a single parent too which doesn't help, but I don't regret him for a second Smile

ChilliAndMint · 19/08/2015 22:08

It's a case of now or never, we only ever hear about the successful ones. Don't piss about ,go for it..

Dismalfuckers · 19/08/2015 22:14

No, but crack on!

I had ds at 38, wouldn't want to have been any older.