Is 45 too old to have a baby??

I had a surprise pregnancy at 44. It was agonising deciding what to do. We have two children 10 and 13. One has a learning disability and needs lots of extra help. I have a career and am the primary income earner. I was very sick straight away (as with my other pregnancies) and had post-natal depression with both pregnancies. At the end of the day I realised the main reason I would even consider going ahead with the pregnancy was guilt. I don't think good decisions are motivated by guilt. I really didn't relish the prospect of being 60 with a 15 year old. As my Dr said, at my age the risks were high and there is a much higher chance of having a baby with a disability. Children are a big commitment and I think you need to be 100% sure that you are prepared to do all that is needed. I have friends in their 50's with 10 year olds and they feel restricted, and after 25 years of parenting want some freedom. After taking all these factors into account we decided to end the pregnancy and enjoy the children we have. It was sad but also a relief. Maybe not the sentimental, romantic or christian decision but it is the best decision for us as middle aged parents who want to enjoy the kids we have, and be delighted when grandchildren come along, rather than feeling like "were so over this child rearing thing".

I am turning 45 on November and my husband is coming over. He wanted to have a baby (we just got married). I have a child who is 20 years old now (different father) . My husband is 10 years younger than me. I'd love to hear more.. I wanted to have a baby, but i am so scared.

this is all so encouraging and exciting to hear. My husband and I have two teenage boys and he and I want to have another child. I am scared and concerned about my age and what others think as well as feel like I should be ready to begin my life traveling and all but everything inside me tells me that a family member is missing from our lives. We had a vasectomy reversal in July 2010 and have waited patiently to get pregnant. I know that deep down inside I want this but the older I get the more afraid I become and not because of just my age but because also two of selfish reasons... please pray for me to either become pregnant soon or take away the desire of the lost family member...Jds age 44

45 yeas old (3 months/0. previous history of preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. Lost seven pregnancies (to my knowledge). I am desperate and looking for services.My sister is willing to carry for me, but money is an issue . Does anyone have any history of preeclamptics and surrogates host carrying their eggs.
Thank you

I haven't read any of the comments yet. I am 45. I have tried for 7 years to get pregnant. I don't think it is realistic for most women to think they can get pregnant after 40. My OB/GYN pretty much laughed at me when I told her I wanted to get pregnant. If you have piles of money, than GO FOR IT!! It will take science and lots of cash.

Im experiencing the same thing. Im 44 now and Im dating a man 15 years younger than me. I had a problem with the age difference at first but now Im adjusting. If we decide to marry, Im considering getting my tubes untied and having at least one more child. I would feel quilty if I didnt have at least one for him and I dont want to look back years from now and regret not trying. I have a 20 year old and a 3 year old now and it is very different raising a child at 44 than it was at 24, my patients is very short. I feel more comfortable knowing other women are in the same situation Im in. I was feeling embarrassed to talk to a doctor about it because I felt I was to old.

I had my first in my mid-30s and my second at 43. WONDERFUL experiences, both of them. I would absolutely say YES to having a child in your 40s. If you're healthy, stable, happy...why on earth not? You'll see the OB/GYN more because of your "advanced maternal age" (35+), you have more sonograms/ultrasounds, you'll probably have to make a decision to go with genetic testing (amnio or CVS) or not (we did, everything was fine).

For me, there were no differences in how I felt (tired more, etc.) in either pregnancy. Both deliveries were similar. I was just as tired with the 2nd as I was with the 1st as a newborn. ;)

We're contemplating another...but I dunno. Two is great; three might be a circus. ;) Best of luck to any women here considering a baby in their 40s. If the circumstances are right and your health is good, then my vote is go for it...it's fantastic!

I can answer this question easily. I just turned 54, I am in menopause and I have a wonderful 6 year old son who lights up my life. My husband and I have other friends who also ahd children late. I also have 3 grown step-children. This was my first child. I feel blessed. It took some extra help to get pregnant, but I loved being pregnant and everything about motherhood.

I am a pediatric occupational therapist, so I was more or less prepared for what to expect. My son was recently diagnosed aDHD combined type, so he is not the easiest child to raise. But he is a blessing to my life. His presence is a gift. Having him was the easiest and best decision I ever made.

By the way, our neighbors are 63 and have 2 teenagers. She had grown children when she met her husband and he wanted kids. They feel the same way that we do.

What a good question...one that is also on my mind. I had my daughter at 42 after failed IVF then finally another fertility treatment that worked. We are just so happy to have our daughter in our lives. Now I wonder if we should try to have another child since my daughter is the only grandchild and I worry that she will be alone in this world once we are gone. Funny though, my husband is so not cercerned about this. My worry is having a healthy child, not about me or the pregnancy since my first one was flawless (no morning sickness, only gained 25 pounds). I had a C-section and a minor complication following the C-section, but I would do it all again, I just worry about possible birth defects for this new child...I hope you had a wonderful healthy baby and that you are enjoying every minute with the little one.