Any Late Bloomers? Moms Having Babies After 35 - Cherryville,MO

Updated on May 18, 2013
S.J. asks from Cherryville, MO
31 answers

Any moms here who had babies well into their late 30's? Any thoughts or advice? Hubby does NOT want another baby.....right now. But he refuses a vasectomy because he may change his mind in a few years. I am 34. And I am tired. =)

I am fine either way, I have always wanted another, but our last pregnancy was very difficult to say the least, so I am also a little scared. Just looking to hear from moms who have had babies in late 30's, early 40's and what you think! Of course you love your little ones, but would you do it over again?

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K.N.

answers from Boston on

I had my first biological child at 34 & second at 36. My husband was 47 & 49. I've never had an energy level problem in keeping up with the kids. I find I take things less seriously than moms who had kids at a young age and I work hard to find a balance. Before having my girls I'd done a great deal professionally, travelled a bit and basically grew up so I knew who I was and what I wanted. I think that gave me great confidence as a mom.

4 moms found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Washington DC on

By choice, had my first at 38, second at 42 (almost 43) after a decade of marriage. Chronic back pain causes exhaustion for me, so without that I'd be more energetic (am 46 now). Would definitely do it over, but would still stop at two. Pregnancies were difficult but tolerable. 34 sounds so young to me! You have several years to think about it. I think generally we get more tired as we age, but with age comes wisdom as well. Once you both are on the same page, be content either way. Best to you, and hugs!

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K.A.

answers from San Diego on

I was 30, 33 and 38 nearing 39 when my 3 were born.
I am completely happy with the timing! I am glad we didn't start any earlier then we did and I did not want them close together in age.
For us it was perfect. I wouldn't chance a thing!

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

I had our second child at 36. You're labeled Advanced Maternal Age, which is a bit of a jolt. Felt like I should go to my appts. using a walker. You're also asked if you want an amnio. We passed on that because we'd love our child no matter what and didn't want to risk miscarrying. Otherwise, I can't say the experience was that different than having a baby at 32.

I would definitely do it over again (although I'd arm myself with more Preggie Pops ... wow, a lot of morning sickness having a girl!).

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P.G.

answers from Dallas on

Pregnant at 38, gave birth at 39. Pregnancy was pretty easy. I think your tired no matter how old you are.

3 moms found this helpful
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J.S.

answers from Topeka on

I had my first and only child at 40. We had kind of given up on the idea of children because nothing had happened and I didn't want to do fertility drugs or in vitro. I was happily surprised when I found out I was pregnant shortly after my 40th birthday. Luckily I had an easy pregnancy with no complications. My son just turned 3 and I'm so happy he came along. Your situation is different than mine, but it's worked out great for me.

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H.W.

answers from Portland on

I had my one and only when I was 36. Loved my pregnancy, loved birthing, and we knew we were a one-child family so we've taken our precautions!

2 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

We had our son when I was 36.
We started TTC when I was 32 but it took 4 years and a fertility specialist to make it happen.
My pregnancy was perfect, birth was great, and with one child (and a very easy going child at that) - it was exhausting but a wonderful experience.
Having a 2nd child and being a little older with a toddler to chase after - there's no way I could have managed that.
Other women have no difficulties with it at all.

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M.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

I think you have time to think about it. I had my first at 33 and my second at 36. Although you are labeled "advanced maternal age" by the medical community at 35 and up (which can be a little startling), it is very common to have babies in your mid to late 30s and beyond in my circle. A former work colleague of mine had her first and only at age 43. I had pre-term labor with both of my pregnancies, but I think it was just me and not age-related. There are advantages to being an "older" parent (I don't really think of myself as that), including that kids allow you to revisit your youth and keep you young. I love attending youth sporting events, concerts and going to "kid" movies. Re-evaluate in a year or two. Good luck.

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D.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I had DS when I was 40. Completely uneventful pregnancy and delivery. I would NEVER have had him earlier - I am well established in my career, we own a home and a business and I would not change that for the world. We didn't start trying until about 42 weeks before he was born. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I knew before we started that I would have an amnio and would not continue the pregnancy if there were any anomalies. If DH and I were not both completely certain of this I never would have tried at that age.

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A.L.

answers from Atlanta on

Child #1 was born when I was 37 and child #2 was born when I was 40. So yeah, I was 'advanced maternal age' for both of them, however I didn't have any major complications or problems with delivery. Heck, the #2 was nearly born in the car--under 2 1/2 hours from onset of labor to baby-in-arms. I do think it took us a bit longer to conceive ( 9 months and 5 months respectively), however we probably aren't the most fertile of folks anyway. I certainly would do it over--I feel like my head is so much more together than in my 20s. Sure, I get tired, however as another poster said, that probably has more to do with our busy lifestyle of fulltime work, 2 activities per kid, etc. Good luck with everything!

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D.S.

answers from Columbus on

I was 33 with my 1st and 38 with my 2nd and most of my friends where just as old. We all had great pregnancies (I loved mine) but it has been harder to keep up with my youngest; he's either more active or my patience/energy is not the same as with my eldest (or both).
What ever you decide, good luck to you!!!

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N.N.

answers from Detroit on

I had my first daughter at 38 (turned 39 about 5 weeks after she was born) and a second daughter at 40 (turned 41 about 3 months after). I had no issues with the pregnancies at all.

I was taking prenatal vitamins for about two years before having the first one and have never been on the pill. I kept stalling having a baby because I wanted to finish as much of my masters as possible. Finished that when the first born was 6 months old...yeah!

12 years on...I sometimes feel that I am a little more tired then a lot of my friends who had their kids around 30. But then at other times they also complain of being tired and over worked so I am not sure if it is the age issue or just the lifestyle we seem to live now....you know work, home, kids in quite a few activities, volunteering at school as much as possible, coaching etc...

I would do it all over again :)

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A.L.

answers from Las Vegas on

I had my son at 37... Although, I am usually the "older mom" around.. Doesn't matter. I look younger than some but moreover have way more energy than most younger than me.. I go on hikes with my son walk all over our city (for hours) and do other things. Whereas, some of the "youngins" drive everywhere.... are shocked when we walk to my son's school (a 30 min walk) ... really ,it's all about attitude..
However... the only thing I didn't expect was......... when I had my son 11 years ago, there weren't a lot of women (or that I knew) who had little ones.. therefore, I didn't know any moms my age with younger children. Nor did I have friends at the time who even had kids.. In that respect , it was kinda lonely.. Although.... had I had my son at a younger age, I don't think I'd have been as good of a mom as I am now... Being older has definitely given me a perspective of knowing when to choose my battles when and not freak out over little things..

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S.G.

answers from Grand Forks on

I had my boys at 32 and 35. That is kind of the average age around here. I had easy pregnancies and deliveries. My mom was 46 when she had me. She never complained.

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J.Y.

answers from Washington DC on

I had my first boy when I was 39 and then my second son when I was 41. We needed fertility help to have both...luckily only had to do IUI. Pregnancies were fine - no complications! My hubby and I travelled a lot before the boys were born, both of our careers were better established and I'm glad we waited! We are having so much fun with our boys...I love being busy so we do lots of fun trips and the boys are involved in lots of fun activities! Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful
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K.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I agree with an earlier response, you have time to think about it. I had my first daughter when I was 25. I remarried after being divorced for 10 years. My husband and I decided to add to our family when we were older in terms of child rearing age. I was 39 when I had my 2nd child and 41 when I had my third. There is such a difference between the type of mother I was to my first versus the last two. I am so much more relaxed now therefore I am able to really enjoy motherhood. It is so much fun!! The older kids (my step-son and my daughter) help a bit but not a lot. A lot of people comment that they would not have the energy to do what we are doing. My husband and I refuse to grow old mentally. We do not and will not think of ourselves as "old". We feel you are as young as you tell yourself you are and as old as you live. Yes, I am tired but who would not be tired after having two children in less than two years, that is not age specific that is the "job" of motherhood. Give yourself time to think about it. You might be tired from all the "work" of motherhood. Depending on the ages of your children now, some time to get them more independent will help you in your decision. If you are a woman of faith...your answer will be in your prayers. Pray!!

2 moms found this helpful
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F.B.

answers from New York on

Had my first and thus far only at 35. Many in these parts have children well into their 40s, and both they and their kids thrive.

Looking back on it, 29 was probably my turning point. i.e. I could no longer do happy hour, and kareoke, and close a place down at 4am, then bounce back and be fit to leave for work at 7 the next morning, and productive the next day. If I had that kind of energy now, or, a fraction of that which my toddler has, it would be a whole different kettle of fish.

good luck to you and yours,
F. B.

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K.B.

answers from Detroit on

I got pregnant with our only child at 34, and turned 35 a month after she was born. We figured on only have one, and some complications I had post-partum (blood clots and a pulmonary embolism not being the least of them) sealed the deal for us.

It sounds like you have at least a couple more years to think about it, but also think about your reasons for wanting another. You did not mention how many kids you have now, or their ages, but depending on where they are at, once they are old enough to be out of diapers and in preschool part-time, or regular school full-time, you might not want to start all over again with a newborn. I don't know, everyone is different. But for me and my husband, 1 was good enough for us and we decided to "quit while we were ahead."

One mom I know had her first child at 36, her 2nd at 40, and her 3rd at 43. So it is possible, but one thing she didn't count on was how tired she felt at 47 having to deal with a 4 year old, a 7 year old and an 11 year old. Another thing to consider.

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A.J.

answers from Williamsport on

I had my three at 35, 37, and 39. I was wanting a couple more and entertained some after 40 babies, but my marriage fell apart and now I'm glad I just have three as they get older. Would I do it again at these ages? Absolutely!

I've always been young at heart and fitness conscious. People are shocked to know my age and think I'm a 30-something mom not a 40-something one. I had a tough time recovering from #3-an emergency c-section etc. I wasn't myself again for about a year, but then I felt good as new and could have had more physically I think. I love having lots of life experience AND young kids. Especially since I have the same energy as the younger parents I know.

If you're feeling tired though, Give it a year or so and re-consider. You're still younger than I was for my first. You'd be fine having one any time in the next 5 years so no need for drastic measures just yet. Most of my closest friends my age had one-and-dones around age 40. It's common especially in big cities. Here in the country where I live now the parents are very young, but late 30's is totally doable.

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K.K.

answers from Chicago on

I just had my second 4weeks ago at 38 pregancy was perfect I had no complaints!! Best of luck

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J.W.

answers from Detroit on

Had my first at 28 and my second 7 days after my 36th birthday. In a perfect world, i would have had one more between the two and be getting ready to have another. Sadly, I have come to terms that this is not in the game plan. So yep - even though I am exhausted most days (from work, not my kids) I would do it all over again! :)

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P.P.

answers from San Diego on

I had my first at 30 and second at 38. I'm 39 now and I feel certain we could do at least 1more. :)

and this even with plenty of stress and financial strain. I just love being a mommy!

1 mom found this helpful

I.W.

answers from Portland on

I'm 36 & currently pregnant. I'll be 37 right after she's born.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Boston on

I was 38 when my son was born and we adopted him when I was 39. My friend had her first at 44. It is what it is...I would do it all over again

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E.N.

answers from Knoxville on

I was preggo with twins at 38 (firsts and onlys). I think that I appreciate my girls more than I would have if I had them in my 20's. BUT, I developed diabetes, hypothyroidism and some other lovelys in my 30's and because of them mixed with the age it was a very high risk pregnancy.
I think my age and health have a lot to do with feeling like I don't have the energy to keep up with them and now as a single mom, it's worse!
I love them deeply and would do it again in a minute, but would like to have started earlier.
I wish I could try for a little boy, but I cant risk my life on it. My girls need their mommy! (my pre-eclampsia did NOT go away after they were born. I spent over a week in the hospital and was still BP 160/96 when they sent me home)

1 mom found this helpful

C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

I was 33 when I had my son and 38 when I had my daughter. Both pregnancies went just fine and since I am around people who had kids about the same age as me I do not feel like an "older mom". Yes I would do it again!

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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I would do it again in a heartbeat! I had my only baby at (4 days before) 41. I was in excellent physical, financial, and emotional health. I enjoyed being pregnant and had an uneventful and natural labor and delivery with a midwife. I had raised two stepkids who were 20 & 17 at the time. Later in life parenting is not for everyone, but it's worked for us. Her dad was 48 when she was born. No fertility treatments needed, either.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.L.

answers from Kansas City on

I had my first child (daughter) when I was 37. Definitely thought I would not ever have kids but oops I'm pregnant. Did not have any health issues at all and she is perfect. The only thing that bothers me is that I have been called grandma around my child on way more than one occasion !! Good luck in what you decide to do. My daughter is 41/2 years old and enjoy every minute

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O.O.

answers from Kansas City on

Yes I would.
I had my son at 39.
Textbook perfect pregnancy & delivery.
No complications.
He's 10 now. It's all cool (age/energy wise).
I ENJOY my child!
Btw, we planned it this way. Did what WE wanted first, lived great DINK lives. We were ready when we had him. No regrets.

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C.C.

answers from Orlando on

Yes. I would! Had baby #1 at 35, #2 at 43. Didn't plan it that way, it just happened. Some things you cannot control. I was told I could not get pregnant a second time as I had premature ovarian failure and my eggs were gone. I wish I had known as I would have frozen some eggs or something.I urge you to get a fertility workup around age 35 so you will know if there may be hurdles. However, a higher power had other plans for me and we were able to conceive baby #2 naturally. What a happy, emotional, crazy surprise that was!

1 mom found this helpful
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