Okay to Try for 2Nd Child at 41 Years Old . . .?

My sister is 46 and just had her 4th child. Both of younger ones were born after she was 41. Obviously there are a lot of reasons to not have a child at this age, but if you are healthy there is no reason to not. You daughter deserves a sibling, especially having older parents. She'll want someone around when you can no longer be there for her. Please don't think I'm calling you old though. I am about to be 38. You're not old at all. :) Good luck having another baby!!

Hi T.!
Good for you! I had my first (and only) child at 42 and it was the best thing I'd ever done. I had always wanted a child but when I was still single in my late 30s I had just about given up. I met my husband (who is 8 years younger than me) and realized that I could still have a child.

I was worried that I would be the oldest mom but to my surprise there are lots of women in their 40s with small children. It also makes me proud that I can "handle" the pressure of parenthood as an older mom. In fact, I think having a young child (my daughter is now 4) keeps me young! Some of my same age friends who have older children seem so old to me (one even just became a grandma). Don't worry about what anyone else is doing or not doing. If its right for your family, that's what is important.

Hi T.,

I regularly care for women in their 40s having babies. My own mom had my baby brother (a surprise!) in her 40s.

Yes, it's often harder on the mom's body and your risk for complications does go up with age. Definitely do your research, talk to your doctor and go over your finances. However, know that you're definitely not alone and lots of women your age have beautiful, healthy babies!

I had my first child two weeks before my 40th birthday. She is now 2 years old and I am expecting a boy in a month. I have to say that I probably do not have as much energy as maybe a younger mom might, but my daughter is very active and I work full time as a teacher so I am on my feet all day. We did not try for the second, it was actually a suprise and I have had more anxiety over this pregnancy than my partner, but I think that is because they keep telling you about "high risk" not to mention all of the tests and things you need to do at this age, but if you are up for it and in good health then go for it. It sounds like your doctor's office is supportive. My ob/gyn tells me he has many patients my age who are having children. I know how your husband feels about age when they are in college because I think about that too. Not to mention the fact that most friends my age are well beyond the finding a sitter years, but if you want to do it then go for it. My only "serious" complication with either pregnancy has been exhaustion :)

I think that having kids at 41 is not old, me and my wife had our little girl at, lets say I was 46 and she was 37, we always wanted a girl, the first two were boys, 17 and 12, but due to eh fact that we both were Military kept us on different schedule, go ahead andhave fun, tell your hubby to relax, and look at it this way he will always have a little one to play with, which might make him feel young sometimes.

When my oldest daughter started kindergarden I remember walking into the room at age 29 and being the youngest mom there. All the other moms were 35-47. I think there are plenty of other issues that matter much more than your age. You can have a child at 25 and get hit my a bus. You can't know what the future holds.

I'd say to look at your family history to see what age everyone seems to live to. Were they healthy? If so them go for it. You definately won't be the oldest parent at graduation.

Hi T.

I am 46 years old and have a beautiful 15 month old daughter. She was a surpirse for us as we had been married for 13 years and never were able to concieve.
I think it is great that you want to try again.
I wish I could, but I tied my tubes with my c-section having NO IDEA how incredibly wonderful it would be once I was a Mom. I would be pregnant already if I could be.
My grandmother had my Mom when she was 47!! And she and my Grandfather lived well into my Mom's late 30's and early 40's. I have a cousin who lives in Florida who is 6 months older than I am. She found herself surprised and pregnant at the same time I was and now she is pregnant with her 2nd. I see that you have gotten many responses that are all encouraging. I think that is great!
God Bless you both! I hope all your dreams come true!
Best wishes,
P.