How old is too old to have a baby??

basilcat7

I am 35 in a couple of weeks, living with my boyfriend and feel no where near ready to have a baby. However, I am conscious of my age and don't want to leave it until it's too late.

I know these doctors scare monger people- but how late is too late???

Stories please !!!:T

Fliss_Harper

You can never be too old if the Bible is anything to go on.

hannahsmummy1

I know its different for blokes (biologically anyways!) But my hubby is 46 (47 this year) And we have a 3 year old, i am only 26 though, but he is active and has no probs running around after her (she keeps him fit)

MrsE_2

I think for a woman 40 is getting a bit old for your body to cope with it & be healthy for both mother & baby (because eggs get less good with age).

I'm 40!

liney

Some women go through the menopause early, some late. Your body will tell you when you are technically too old; my mom began her menopause at 38 so i had no desire to wait until i was 30 plus just in case.

Personally i wouldn't consider having a baby once i was past 40. Nan was 42 when she had my mom (a little suprise), but she was always embarassed that people thought she was the grandmother as was my mom.

Then of course there are the increased medical risks (downs etc) and the fact you don't know if you have fertility problems until you try to become pregnant.

Sorry to sound negative, but these are my experiences of later motherhood.

basilcat7

Thanks all- I just don't feel ready for all of the responsibility ! I look a lot younger and my boyfriends only 26 and quite like my life the way it is. I keep fairly fit too.

Just don't want to miss out though.....

skintbutsmiling01

At some point you have to consider the child- is it fair for them to have the increased risk of losing a parent early? I think up to 45 is ok if you're healthy and still up for sleepless nights, endless questions, mess etc! its a personal choice.

daphne_descends

Hi basilcat

If you go private I believe you could pay for tests to check you are ovulating etc now, so if there is a problem it is highlighted sooner rather than later - although obviously that would only give a picture of how things are now and not in 2/3/4 years etc.

You are not old by any means!

basilcat7

skintbutsmiling01 wrote: »

At some point you have to consider the child- is it fair for them to have the increased risk of losing a parent early? I think up to 45 is ok if you're healthy and still up for sleepless nights, endless questions, mess etc! its a personal choice.

Thanks Skinty.. now get back to the DFW board...:rotfl:

pinkshoes

My aunt had her first at 18, second at 42, and third at 44! The youngest is now 10, and she's had no problems whatsoever.

On the other hand, two of my other aunts left it until their mid-late 30s, and couldn't conceive. Once eventually conceived through many courses of expensive IVF (aged 39), but the other failed with IVF, although are hoping to adopt.

I'd research your family history, and find out when your mum and gran had their menopause!

basilcat7

pinkshoes wrote: »

I'd research your family history, and find out when your mum and gran had their menopause!

No problem there- Mum was about 55 and nan the same. Mum had my sister at 37 too (12 years after me).
Anyhoo- kind of want to be married first too. Better start laying some more hints to blokey !