What is it like getting pregnant at 40?

I lost my mom recently, and it’s really made me think a lot about family. I thought I was done having children, but I have major baby fever now. Hubby is excited about it, but we’re nearly 40, so I am worried. I really want this and even picked names already. I just got my nexplanon removed today, and I’m very emotional because I feel like I am too old, but I also feel like this is my last chance. I might regret not trying at least, but I fear the disappointment or possible complications. What are other moms’ experiences at age 38 conceiving and giving birth?

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Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. What is it like getting pregnant at 40?

Your not too old have that baby :wink:

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I have a relative who gave birth at 49. Perfect health for both. But this was 30 years ago.

You’re not too old. I just had mine right before I turned 37 and she has been blessing. She’s a lot of work but I wouldn’t trade her for the world. No health problems. No terrible birth experience

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To each their own but my last pregnancy was 10 years ago at 33 and that was enough for me.

I had a little girl at 41 and I wouldn’t change her for the world :purple_heart:
Ofcourse i don’t have as much energy as when I did with my other kids at a younger age but she is a true blessing.
I wish you all the best :sparkling_heart:

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Became a mama a lot younger that so no advice on that but what I will say you aren’t deft not to old do what’s best for you and what makes you guy’s the happiest good luck with whatever you decide to do

Sheridan can you please tell this mumma 40 is not too old…

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First at 35, 2nd at 39 …you are fine …also have a friend whos 41 and pregnant

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43 with an 11 month old. As long as you don’t have any pre-existing issues that would greatly harm yourself or baby, have one!! My little one is full of energy and into everything and I am EXHAUSTED. But my heart and home have never been Fuller and I can’t imagine life without her. Best of luck whichever you decide. :blush:

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You’re good :+1:t2: I thought I was done having kids. I got pregnant at 39, gave birth at 40, with my fourth child after a seventeen year hiatus :joy: and had ANOTHER ONE at 41 :face_exhaling: it’s possible :two_hearts:

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Go for it I’m done at 30 but I have pre exsisting conditions so I had to be done early. But you’re not to old many of moms I know are in mid to late 30s having children.

I had my first at 39 and second at 40. I’m 46 now and they are almost 7 and 5. I had good pregnancies and deliveries (csections). I don’t know why people think being 40 is old. The amount of things I do with caring for my kids, working a stressful job, the house and daily routines… I feel like a super mom lol.

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I was 39 with my last, I will be 46 this year…my kids now are 6,21 and 25
Grandkids are 5 and 4!!
You go girl!!

Im 42 and have a healthy baby girl, i do it again in a heartbeat. I love her. My oldest is 21.

I was 38 when I gave birth to my last(#5), only complication I had and still have is HBP but that might just be my genes. I am almost 42 now and they grow up so fast.

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My mom had me when she was 38 and I’m awesome

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Such a blessing you to agree. I believe I’m way more patient and have learned so much I could be a better mother at you’re age then I was at 19/ 23.

Had my first at 19. My second at 38
And my third at 42

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Had my 4th at 40. It doesn’t seem as easy this time as I get tired more but other than that I’d do it again in a heartbeat x

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My mum passed away in 2005 and i had my son at age 42 in 2006…

I just had my recent baby at 38. Close to 40. And it was a good experience. :heart: I have a 19, 12, 8, 7, 5, 4, 22mth old and a 10 mth old. The 8 and 4 yr olds are my niece and nephew who I also raise. :blush:

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I would suggest looking into grief counseling to make sure you aren’t just trying to fill the void left from losing your mother
If she was still around would you be having this baby fever?

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I just personally decided I stop at 2. Works out great I’ll be less than 50 with both graduate. And probably not too feeble to be a grandma when they have their own.

If it makes you happy go for it.

Sarah in the bible was 100 something when she had hers. Definitely not too old.

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Please talk to your doctor about the risks, and start taking vitamins. I hope if you get pregnant it’s a safe pregnancy and delivery

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Have the baby & enjoy life.

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I had my last child at 39 and damn near died…I always had rough pregnancies and always had to be induced, but with him, at 29 weeks and 1 day I got rushed to the hospital and put on bed rest and magnesium due to pre eclampsia and 5 days later he was born by emergency c section…out of 8 kids he was my only cesarean…he did good, he spent 41 days in the NICU. I had appojntments every week and saw 2 dr’s twice a week and I was also diagnosed with gestational diabetes early on and put on insulin, it has been very differnt raising him as well, it was diffetnt having my first at 20 when I was young and full of energy, and I dont have that same energy with him. You should talk to your doctor and start taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid.

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My Mom had my little brother at 45 :slight_smile:

I had my last son at almost 43 and it was such a blessing!!! He’s still such a gift (I had 8 children) and he’s going to be 28 next month :heart::heart:

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A few of my friends just had babies. They’re 38-40 and they’re beyond happy with their decisions. If it’s what you and your husband want then do it :heart:

I conceived my youngest at 38. I was 39 when he was born and I wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world, he is just perfect and now going on 12 years old​:hugs::heart:

My aunt was pregnant the same time I was pregnant with my first daughter. She was 42 I believe. So I it’s possible. Don’t feel discouraged. If you pray for it and wish for it, its a high possiblity. Anything is possible

my mom haf me at 40…that was 63 years ago

Well the way I look at it age is just a number and there really isn’t an age on when you should or shouldn’t get pregnant girl if you want another baby this is you body you go for it

I found out that I was pregnant at a day after Christmas and this pregnancy became a shock lol because this will be my fourth child and at first I was like I’m 32 almost 33 and I started looking at the age difference but then I realized that age is just a number and I’m sure you will do just fine I will go with it

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You might want to think about it because you are going to be in your late 50s the baby graduates from school

I fell pregnant at 43 and had a late miscarriage. You are ar a higher risk of miscarriage and something being wrong with bugs. Never had a miscarriage before and they don’t know what caused me to lose my son

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I was 41 when I had my daughter, she’s a perfectly healthy 9yr old now.
Go for it :smiling_face:

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I have many friends that waited late in life… my best friend was 42 having her last. He’s 2 now and she’s so happy said she wouldn’t trade it for the world. She has a 23 year old and 12 year old and now the baby lol I have 23,19 and 13…. Once I became a grandma I was like nope I can’t have more kids that be weird lol

I’m almost 38. My kids are 18, 12, and 7 months. I got tired more easily but physically I was okay. Got gestational diabetes this last time too…but due to “advanced maternal age” the OB will keep a closer eye on you, which is nice in my opinion. You’re not too old, mama. Good luck.

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I was 39 when I had my youngest. Easiest of the 3 pregnancies I had and he’s been the most chill baby. My oldest is 20, then I have an 11 year old and the one year old.

I was 35 when I had my last (of 4), my oldest and youngest are 20 yrs apart… crazy? I’ve been called worst :joy: … I definitely had more energy when I was younger, I’m way more lenient now( not always good thing :face_with_spiral_eyes:) my kids are 28,24,16,8 ( this yrs age, ending in August) I’ll be 43 in April, I also have a 2 yr old granddaughter…I don’t regret anything, and will never have empty nest syndrome :joy:

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Keep yourself healthy and you will be absolutely fine. I had my third child at 39, and he is totally gorgeous. If you want this, you can do this. Good luck :cherry_blossom:

I think that is a great age. Try for that baby and hopefully you will have that baby. I am 39 I have a 14 year old and a 4 year old and they are both the greatest blessing ever… Good luck mama what ever you decide and many many prayers for you and your family…

I was 40 when I had my youngest who’s now turning ,4. I had the same concerns and feelings but give it a try coz having her overcame all anxieties. At this age you will be considered high risk so expect to have more tests than previous ones. I was even offered to do a genealogy and test to find out of my baby will have down syndrome becaise initial test resulted there’s possibility but I declined since the initial test was mainly based on age. Other than that it was similar to my older kid. I had to be induced for 2 days coz they saw a breathing stoppage of some period can’t remember what and it was due to two umbilical cord wrapped around her neck but very grateful that I had more tests than normal coz they caught it right on time. This.is not due to my age since with my first one similar thing happened I didn’t know my water broke already but waited the next day to see my doctor so had to be induced faster coz he needs to be out soon. Give it a try especially if your heart yearns for it. Will be worth it. Good luck!

Had my daughter at 41 healthy beautiful babygirl who his now 3 alot of work lol but worth it…My other 2 kids are grown

I lost my mom recently too, it was not expected, so… I feel your pain… I’m sorry for what your going through.

However my mom had me at 38, of course my upbringing was a bit “older” then other kids, my mom grew up in the 50s early 60s, so my upbringing was a bit different then my friends in regards to the music my mom listened to, etc. But I didn’t feel much different then other kids. I enjoyed my childhood, and feel that maybe my mom was wiser and settled in her life and I had more stability because of it. I don’t know if I’m explaining this well, but there was alot of pros to having a older mom. I’m telling you this as the child of a mother who was your age and what I experienced if your wondering how your child may feel. And honestly, if I could choose my mom having me at 20 or having me at 38, I wouldn’t change a thing. Go for it!

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I had my first 2 children at 18 & 20.
Then at 33 had my last baby.
I won’t lie, it was hard physically.
She is the absolute light of my life but it’s like having 2 families with such an age gap.
I was just beginning to have my freedom back with both kids being teens, when I had my baby.

My aunt gave birth at 39 when she stopped taking her birth control. Very possible for some!

Go ahead if that’s what u want.

I’m 36 and 21 weeks along.:blush:. My older children are 20, 19, 15 & 14. Plus I have two grandsons.:heart:. Did have two losses in 2021 but so far so good.:heart:

I’m 40 had a baby girl in August…. So now I have a 20yr old daughter-18yr old daughter and 5 1/2 month old… In my case she was definitely a surprise and a blessing all in one…I wouldn’t trade it for the world!!! Only complications I had was I got diabetes that went away after I delivered at 37 weeks and blood pressure ran high… The baby weight does not come off as easy as in ur 20s😭 So if ur heart desires that baby make ur heart happy!!! And good luck

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We Had my daughter at age 41. Best thing we ever did. First son was at age 31, another son at age 33 - then we just waited. Love all 3 of them. Age made me a much more relaxed parent.

I’m almost 38 I had a baby 2/14/20 and I also have a 13 yr old.

I had my children ‘young’ (I’m 30 and have 4 under 9) BUT my mother was 37 when she had me and 41 when she had my brother. She did have a miscarriage before me and one after (before my brother) and my brothers pregnancy was extremely hard on her but they came out fine in the end. That’s also completely person based and nothing to do with age. I say go for it if that’s what you want.

I had my son at 42, he’s almost 5 now. It’s been the most awesome experience, he keeps me young…I have a higher level of patience and it makes all the difference. I enjoy every bit of everything…I always think to myself damn….I did something so right to have been given this kid at this time in life. It’s everything. Seriously don’t have doubts or worries. It’s so freakin awesome.

I had my 5th and last baby last year aged 44, no major issues , if you want another baby go for it xx

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Follow your heart mummabear xoxo

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Everyone is different but for me…it was the hardest she was big baby almost 10 lbs and I had a c section…I was miserable because she was always soooo big and my body wasn’t young anymore but I still wouldn’t change but for the world

I had # 7 at 39 and #8 at 41…both were ok pregnancies…I was high risk at 41 only due to my age.I opted for epidurals with both as I was over the pushing haha and loved it.Home after 4 hours…I did struggle with the both at times at the beginning at the #7 was half deaf I’m both ears and showing signs of ADHD(now 7 and medicated)I couldn’t leave them with each other as he don’t know his own strength when it came to the newborn.Mow she’s 5 and in process of being diagnosed ADHD as well…so I’m flat out…I was pregnant at 43 but new my body and sanity couldn t deal so chose not to have more and now dad and I are separated.You know your owns strengths and weaknesses to know whether your in a good position or not to have another :blush:

I loved been pregnant at 40 ,my boys are 29,25,20,and my rainbow daughter is 9 this year heaps more patience I think x

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I’m almost 39 with a 3 year old. My son is 20 and he has a 1.5 year old. It’s honestly funny to see us trying to talk on the phone to each other lol. My 3 yr old was born with a terminal genetic disease that was so unexpected. We’ve spent 2 years in the hospital for 2 transplants to prolong her life. It has been hard but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m definitely a different Mom this time around but my silly side came back out and I enjoy it. My Son jokes about how his sister is stuck with me :joy:. I say your heart is speaking and follow it. Just be prepared for anything unexpected. That’s life anyway though. Best wishes and hugs

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I had my last child at 39. IMO your age shouldn’t matter as long as you’re healthy and feel up to it. :woman_shrugging:t4:

I was 37 when I had my last child. My others were 17,16 and 12. I am glad I did. Now she is the only child left at home. The only issue I had was I needed to have a C-section.

I’d make sure this isn’t something just you want as part of grieving to kind if fill the void.

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I’m 40 next week and have a 7 week old, we also have a 3 7 and 16 year old. We tried for years in our 20s, inch towards 40 and get a suprise lol

Definitely do it! I can’t speak from experience but it’s very common for women to have babies older.

I had my youngest at 40

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my mom had a surprise baby at 42 and she’s a beautiful healthy girl :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

I had my daughter at 23 and my son at 42. (He was on purpose) BEST decision I ever made! :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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I gave birth at 40. A few complications. Had to induce and take her out early she was 4 lbs. But healthy now shes a rambunctious 6 year old. It was a little harder but wouldnt trade it for anything. My oldest is 29 so quite an age gap

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My mom had me at 40 with little complications, and we are still closer than ever.

Im 37 turning 38 in April and currently 16 weeks pregnant. I say go for it!!
Our bodies can evolve and do what it needs to be done :kissing_heart:

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I was 39 when I conceived, i didn’t have to many problems. I was seeing mfm for my advanced age and I had a transplant when I was 38. I had high blood pressure but, they kept a close eye on me. Every 4weeks I had a appointment with my ob and also mfm which they did an ultrasound every time.

I was exhausted and miserable but it was 100000% worth it :blue_heart:

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I had my last at 40 . Was it easy. No. I had 6 other kids to care for and was exhausted. I got gestational diabetes and needed insulin. My little peanut was born by emergency c section. And I’d do it all again. The second I saw him none of that mattered . He was and is perfect. Couldn’t imagine life without him.

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I thought raising a baby in my mid 30’s was way easier then it was in my mid 20’s.

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Not to old enjoy it all

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I had my last baby at 39. My husband was 41. I definitely feel older than when I started having kids at 22, but mainly because I have several chronic illnesses and I’m not as healthy as I was back then.
I never felt too old to be having a baby at that age. In fact, if my body would have allowed it, I would have had a few more.
I’m a strong believer that you’re only as old as you believe you are. You can be a young , active mom at 40 and be more involved and fun than a younger mom who feels differently.

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I was 40 when I had my daughter. She’s 6 months old. It was much harder physically but shes amazing, definitely worth it. I did not suffer post partum depression with her like i did my son.

I had my last baby at 40 by c-section with no problems

I had my daughter at 21 and had my son at 37 . I have a soon to be 21 year old and a 4 year old and it’s cool . I did have a high risk pregnancy but they monitored me and he was fine other than being a huge baby

I read an article that it’s a myth women can’t have babies or have a healthy pregnancy at that age. Or more it was based on old medical facts from centuries ago when giving birth was very dangerous and no medical help were available or researched. It’s actually very normal to give birth late 30’s to 40’s.

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Im 37 and just had a baby other then being more tired I was ok

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Go for it! If it’s meant to be, it will be

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Mumma to 8 here ive experienced pregnancy at 16 17 20 21 32 33 35 39 so experienced both young and a lil older you are definitely NOT too old if i could i would definitely have more but this nana may get in trouble for my daughter lol im a nana to 4 gbabies 2 of which are older than my number 8
If thats what your heart desires then go for it!! But just a warning the urge never goes away we never really know when were done if you have any questions hit me up thanks for the tagg Jess Bell xx

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I have birth to twins at 38 it was hard work at the time as had 2 others under 5 at the time but worth every penny so rewarding x

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I was mid and late 30’s when I had 1st and 2nd and both sections. It wasn’t the easiest but I’d had major surgery. Nothings easy after major surgery! Don’t let those saying how hard they had it put you off. Some sail through it some dont. And that’s not just an age thing either. If you both want it and you both clearly do, there’s nothing stopping you no matter what anyone else says. There are women older still having children. Sue radford is in ger 40’s and shes had 23!!! :rofl::rofl::rofl: do it! Enjoy :laughing:

I had my last child at 35 i had lots of complications and my son was born extremely ill I nearly lost him so many times I was also induced and he also wasent growing in my stomach and stopped moving so I had to be induced and nothing worked until hormone drip highest level which got me going was very painful and a long stay in hospital after but he was worth all the pain and tears you are a higher risk of complications but all I would say is take folic acid be as healthy as you can drink lots of water light exercise so your giving your self the best chance and your baby but your not to old age is just a number as long as your baby is loved thays what matters and your as young as you feel so again age is just a number lots of people have babies wen their abit older so don’t be put of the only thing I really found harder was the tiredness but it was a difficult pregnancie I have 4 kids and my last was way harder the birth was harder as well my baby was really really small and induction makes it more painful and smaller babies can as well so I wouldn’t say it was all down to my age it was just the pregnancie I was having you could be absoloutly fine with no complications or scares ect so follow your heart and best of luck to you

Go for it my mum had my 2 sisters aged 38 and 46 leaving a 13 and 21 age gap with me lol she had good pregnancies just not so much an easy birth with the last one

My kids got to 18 and one 19 then I decided I wanted more I had one at 40 one at 41 and one at 42 all 10 months apart…all with same man…18 years after 2 kids I had 3 more…it was different more patients but u get tired easier…but love them all …best of luck

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It’s just harder at succession. Getting pregnant isn’t my issue, but 3 losses in 2 years…risks increase. So…there’s that. Best.

I had 2 kids 18 years later had 3 more at age 41 42 43…no complications except haveing c sections …

My mom is 46 almost 47 and we were both pregnant at the same time 4 years ago. She had to be induced at 35 weeks but that was related to her cancer history if I remember correctly. Her and my brother were both fine and perfectly healthy, left the hospital the day after he was born. Now he’s a healthy, smart, crazy 4 year old. I wouldn’t be super worried honestly. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns. But it’s definitely not weird/abnormal for women to have a baby at 40.

Fell pregnant at 38, had her before my 39th bday, I had no issues, I found that my patience is alot more chilled then I was in my 20’s with 4 young kids. Honestly. She’s changed my life. I make different life choices now. Better health and understanding. I find all the little moments I take notice of alot more. Love love love it

I had twins at 40 good pregnancy but ended up having a c.section but all ok after.My consultant told me that I was fitter than some people a lot younger

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My mom had me when she was 38 and she had gestational diabetes and her stress from work took a toll on her, but honestly young women have the same issues… all should be monitored by your OB and any specialist needed.
Although, unpopular opinion and probably never heard of, but as a child from someone who was almost 40 when I was born. I’m high key sad that I don’t get a “full” lifetime with my parents like my older siblings do. Call me selfish, I guess. But my grandmother passed when my mom was 60. My mom had 60 years with her mom. I feel cheated out of 20 years with my parents. I want more time. I love them and I spend A LOT of time with them, but I’m sad that I’m so young and they aren’t.

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40 is not old. Your More wiser and prepared. You’ll have more patience, which will be your best self. You’ll love it much more. Motherhood is better at 40. Just don’t forget to love yourself from time to time too.

I didn’t have my 2 children until I was 36 and 42. Now 12 & 6. It is the best thing we ever did

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I’m 37 turn 38 this year and just had a baby! Couldn’t be happier. My biggest complaint was I puked everyday lol :joy: a lot. Nothing besides that !