At what age..

[~charlie-lou~]

Would you say a woman becomes too old to have a baby? Just want to know what you all think, and why. :)

[Siobhan]

There should be no age limit. Menopause decides that for women. I think the older the person, the better the parent as they have experinced so much and can share that with a child

[Trinity]

I agree that some older parents are fantastic, however like parents of all ages some are awful.

My mother in law was 42 when she had my husband. She seems to have put a lot of responsibility for child rearing on her older children - she had 7 and he was the youngest.

I have a friend who was 43 when she had her youngest child and she is a fantastic parent who still has enough energy and time to give her child her best.

I am 41 - and looking after my niece and nephew is a pleasure (they are both around 1) but I would really struggle to have them full time.

There was a woman in California the other week who has just had a baby at 67. I think that is really selfish. The child is unlikely to know its parents in adulthood. I think parents should at least aim to be around for their kids into their 20s.

I have a brother in law who was 53 when his youngest was born. Heavan help that child, his dad is a grumpy old sod!

[pookie1968uk]

i think the menopause should decide it and then thats that.

[Jojo]

Seme older parents are fantastic, yes. They have more experience, patience etc.....but.....my hubbys parents had him "late" and he lost his mum at 20 and his dad a year later at 21, which nearly destroyed him. If he hadn't had 4 brothers and sisters to be there for him, he would have had no family to speak of, which is the huge downside.

I don't think there is a particular age that I feel you should stop having children, as everyone ages differently, health, fitness etc but I think you need to look at whether you can go to the park and play footie etc with your kids and if you are going to see them grow and nuture into married adults with their own children....

[willsmummy]

I was 34 when I had Will and will be 36 when this baby's born. I worry that I'm too old

I don't have half the energy I did 20 years ago.

[nicole28]

I don't think there should be any age limit!

[JustJodi]

I don't think there should be any age limit!


There should be a cut off point if the mom can not deliver a healthy child.My 36 year old friend just found out she is preg with her first child, and had to go thru alot of tests to make sure that the baby did not have downs syndrome.. so the health of the mom should take into consideration ..But like some people would say " it ain't over till its over"

[snapper]

My sister has a child of 19. She is now pregnant again at the age of 47. Everything is going well with the pregnancy and Jasmine should arrive in May, all being well.

There are pros and cons to having your children at a young or older age - I think its down to personal choice and as long as the lady goes to all their antenatal clinics I dont see there being a problem. As someone that cant have children of my own, I say good luck to all mums (and dads) out there whatever their age! :D

[shannisrules]

there shouldnt be an age limit but i do think it would be unfair too the child if you gave birth at around 50 or something , as the mum would die when the child is only just starting adulthood

[feelingyellow]

I don't think their is an age limit really, it depends on what type of person you are.

[~charlie-lou~]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I do agree that it entirely depends on the person and that the menopause should really decide it. I do however think it is rather selfish to have a baby when you are more than a little bit into your 50s, even if it is physically possible.

[*-Rooney-*]

mygran had my aunt when she was 34 (quite old for her first) then went to the doc when she was 43 because she thought the menopause was kicking in only to find out she was pregnant, they were over the moon and they made great parents and went on to make brill granparents

then again my pal was preg when she was 17 then had her 2nd 7 yr later and she is a fantastic mum the kids never do without

its not the age its the person