To Old To Have A Baby?

Question

I am 36 and getting re-married. I have 2 girls from a previous marriage (14 and 10) and I have this over whelming desire at times to have another baby. I find my self watching all the baby birthing shows on the discovery channel, I find EVERY baby in a store and talk to them and to top it off the man I am marrying does not have any children of his own. On the other hand, I look at how our lives are now and it is soooo easy with the girls being older and it would dratically change everything and that is when I think it is just my biological clock ticking and I am crazy for thinking of another baby. I also think of my age and his age (he is 40) and think we are just too old to bring another child into the world. What do you think?

Answer 1

No, you are not too old to have another baby. There are certain risks when you are older...but I thought that was when you are closer to 40. If your husband is open to the idea, I think it would be great for you both. Yes, it would make life different...but now that your two daughters are older, they could help out a lot. Go with what your heart tells you. Good luck!

Answer 2

I had my first beautiful healthy son at 37 last New Year's Eve! My fiance' (46) has two older boys, 25 and 17. My stepson Chris, (25) has a 5 yr old son, Cole----my soon-to-be step-grandson and nephew of my son Connor.

I am desperately in love with my fiance' and am sooooooo grateful that he wanted to start a second family with me. He makes beautiful babies! My step-sons and my son are so handsome--they all look exactly alike--blonde haired and blu-eyed. I never wanted to have kids before I met him--I was a career person and workaholic. Now I'm a stay-at-home Mom and I couldn't be happier. (well, I do work from home now--but it is so much more relaxed now and not my top priority anymore).

My pregnancy was wonderful (though I was considered high-risk due to "advanced maternal age") and I delivered in just 8 hours--induced, but all natural labor after that, with a midwife. Best experience of my life. I want another one, too--but I think it will take some convincing--my fiance' is feeling his age somewhat now--with an almost 1 year old running around the house. Me? It makes me feel young again!

My 17 year old stepson lives at home still and is such a huge help with his little brother. He is a good and very loving teenager. I can't imagine how much better it would be with an older girl around to help.

I say go for it! Good luck!

Answer 3

I do not think it's too old at all. I currently have 2 boys... my oldest is 12 turning 13 in May, and my other one just turned 5. I am also 41 weeks pregnant and being induced tmrw with a little girl.♥

I am 34. I think if you both want to have a child together than go for it. Perhaps speak with your doctor if you are worried about your age. But personally I don't think your age is a problem, lots of women now-a-days have children even much later. It will definately change you schedules obviously, but like someone else mentioned your other children are older and able to help out.

When I had my 5 yr old, my older one was so thrilled and was the BIGGEST help to me! My older one was 7 when my 2nd was born.

And now both children are so excited to meet their new sister. When I told them I was being induced tmrw they were all excited and my little one said "I have to be the luckiest boy alive"!

I'm sure whatever you decide will be wonderful either way. Congrats on your up-coming marriage!!

Answer 4

I just had my first at 40. I don't think you are too old although I think there are considerations. Our bodies are slower to get back for sure. There are increased risk factors but as I discovered not by much! It's the way everyone talks about it-including doctors. When I had this discussion with my OB he said it's true, instead of saying you now have a 96% chance of having a perfectly healthy baby they tell you your odds for downs syndrom etc have doubled. After freaking out for about 6 weeks I heard the 96% chance of normal and I totally changed my opinion. In addition, since I was older I got all the cool new tests and actually feel sorry for the younger moms who miss out on the long ultra sounds, extra testing, etc. It was a magical experience and a wonderful gift just for us older moms!
I couldn't be happier that I'm older, I have soooo much more patience and an incredible appreciation for everything. I'm calmer, my priorities are where they should be. Frankly I'm convinced that there are some very great benefits to being the child of an older mom!!
I'd talk to you family. I'd love to have live in baby sitters/helpers myself. If the girls are into it then go for it! The experience will likely give your husband more of an appreciation for his step daughters as well.
Good luck!!

Answer 5

I definitely don't think you're too old! There are some increased health risks, but there are lots of women who have children at your age or older and their kids turn out fine. In fact, my mom was 45 when she had me, and I'm fine! And even though some parts might be harder with a baby now, some things will probably be easier. Chances are your life has calmed down a little since you were younger, you're probably more secure financially, and with older kids you'll have more help with the baby and household stuff if you do decide to have one. So if that's what you and your partner really want, I say go for it and good luck!

Answer 6

I think you have an attack of "babyitis" - is really common when getting up to the 40 year old mark. This is really up to you if you want to go down this road again - it also depends on what the new hubby thinks - just keep in mind that it won't be as easy as it was 10 years ago (you'll be a lot more tired...), the sleeplessness, potty training, expense, daycare, terrible twos...
And at 36 you are at an age that puts you at a higher risk for problems.

I don't want to discourage you from having another baby - I'm 37 and having my second - but there are lots of things to think about and your excitement over the idea of another may preclude your logic.

Answer 7

I am 38 and my baby is 10 months old. I have a 14 and 9 yo. My husband also hadn't had any kids and he is thrilled to be a father.
My husband just turned 40, too. Believe in God and let Him handle it. We did. We didn't have amnio or any extra tests and she is healthy and normal. I am enjoying being a mother more now than ever. I have more patience and appreciate the time with my kids more. If you both want it, go for it!

Answer 8

I had my daughter who is now six years old, when I was 41. She is a healthy little girl who is intellectually gifted.

I know many people who have put off having children in pursuit of their careers or because they waited for the right partner and have children in the later years of childbearing.

As long as you are healthy, I see no reason why not. Just check with your doctor first before you get pregnant to see if you have any health issues that may create problems. Then go for it.
Eat healthily while you are trying to get pregnant and while you are pregnant. Do not drink or smoke or use drugs and get prenatal care throughout your pregnancy. Good Luck.

Answer 9

I just had my first child 3 months ago and I am 33, so by the time I give birth to my second I will be about 36 or so. Hmmmm, nope! you are not too old to have a baby and besides, your hubby doesnt know how it feels to see someone that he actually created. I say go for it!!!

Answer 10

I am the oldest of the kids (20,17, and 14) my mother is 39, got remarried at 37 and had another baby at 38, her husband (41) also had no children. I will tell you i think that baby has brought us so much closer as a family, having that one common love. My mom said it is so much easier having us all older to help out. She hardly ever has my baby sister alone because we all want to hold her and play with her, feed her, bathe her. It has been an awesome experience, and i hope you and your family get to experience that also!