Having baby at 42...what will it be like later?

[Anonymous]

Not a big deal. I am 52 with a 9 year old and 11 year old. I do more with my kids than moms significantly younger than me. We have a lot of fun together not to mention I am much more patient and wise than I was in my 20s and 30s.

[Anonymous]

I'm 50 and I have a 12 year old which is wonderful. I'm sure I would do fine with an 8 year old at this age too.

[Anonymous]

I had my first at 40, second at 42. I'm in better shape and more energy than lots of their friends moms. I also take care of myself (watch what I eat and exercise). My only question is your DH. Mine is older and he is somewhat limiting.

[Anonymous]

Adopted my one and only at age 47 and single....it has been great....

[Anonymous]

I am 52 and still fat from pregnancy - it whacked out my hormones badly - but very good with 12 and 14 year olds. I am more patient than when younger. And very stable with income etc. And we have a great time together. Sure beats the alternative of no kids at 52. Didn't realize how great it would be and thought I would never have kids. It has been the best surprise ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My MIL had two kids in her 40s.

She is now 65 and has a 22 year old and a 19 year old.

Which one is your spouse? the 22 yo or the 19 yo?

Not PP, but I assume her husband is the much older son from her first marriage. That is the more logical supposition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am 52 and still fat from pregnancy - it whacked out my hormones badly - but very good with 12 and 14 year olds. I am more patient than when younger. And very stable with income etc. And we have a great time together. Sure beats the alternative of no kids at 52. Didn't realize how great it would be and thought I would never have kids. It has been the best surprise ever.

My kids are close in age to your kids (I'm 50). I never thought that having kids could be so much fun.

[Anonymous]

I'm 51 and have a 9 year old.

I'm doing fine. It's nice to get the senior discount.

My MIL had kids from age 19 to age 43, the last one being my husband. I think this was actually quite common for her generation.

[Anonymous]

Interesting thread! Thanks OP. I had 1 at 41 and my second at 43, and I can't provide the long term perspective but am loving it so far. Looking forward to additional responses.

[Anonymous]

It will be the hardest thing you have ever done. Getting sleep is more important at 42 than at 22. But you (hopefully) will be more financially secure and can get some help, too.

If you want to have a child, DON"T let age dissuade you.

Having kids at an older age is tough, but in the long run -- they keep you younger and more connected to the joys in life, too.

Good luck, OP! You're going to need it (not because of your age -- just that every parent needs a little luck!).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had my first at 40 and my second at 42. They keep me young. Not only do I physically look younger than my age mates at 55, physically, I am much more active and athletic from doing activities (hiking, biking, running, etc.) with the kids. I don't regret waiting for a single minute. I am a much better mom than I would have been in my younger days and I have the benefit of physically feeling younger than my years.

You are one lucky lady! I'm only mid-30s but I feel like my kids aged me overnight. When I look at pictures of myself at 30 (right before I got pregnant with #1) I look like a girl. After #1, pretty haggard, and don't even get me start on how I look after #2 Oh well! I think some people just age better than others, and I for sure felt the full brunt of sleep loss and being the default parent. You're right that all the outdoor activity with my kiddos has be in better shape than ever, though!

[Anonymous]

Op, I am the youngest of 4 and had old-ish parents. When my brothers and I talk it's like we didn't have the same parents. Our experiences were very different. My parents were relaxed, not much phased them. I had a lot of independence at a a young age, they were probably a bit worn out from raising 3 boys. It was a very good childhood. Don't overthink it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had my first at 40 and my second at 42. They keep me young. Not only do I physically look younger than my age mates at 55, physically, I am much more active and athletic from doing activities (hiking, biking, running, etc.) with the kids. I don't regret waiting for a single minute. I am a much better mom than I would have been in my younger days and I have the benefit of physically feeling younger than my years.

You are one lucky lady! I'm only mid-30s but I feel like my kids aged me overnight. When I look at pictures of myself at 30 (right before I got pregnant with #1) I look like a girl. After #1, pretty haggard, and don't even get me start on how I look after #2 Oh well! I think some people just age better than others, and I for sure felt the full brunt of sleep loss and being the default parent. You're right that all the outdoor activity with my kiddos has be in better shape than ever, though!

Ha. Having kids absolutely aged me and changed my body forever. That is actually one of the reasons that I'm glad that I waited until my mid/upper 30's to have kids!

But, yes, that is not the case for every woman. It just has been for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, having a baby at 42 is a piece of cake compared to having a 10 year old at 52

So true! 54 with an 8 yo who has multiple special needs. It's really hard! I pray I am able to see him to age 28. With my own health concerns it feels like a stretch.

[Anonymous]

I had our one and only at 42. We tried for 6 months and got lucky. I used the clear blue easy monitor. He is 8 now and the light of our life. Going into third grade. Keeps us young!

Would not change a thing... DH and I are retired so that helps. We go on a lot of family trips. Just booked a trip to NYC in October for Halloween. Spent part of the summer in Italy and the rest in San Diego. We are slaves to the elementary school schedule

My grandmother had my dad when she was 42 also. He was an oops baby, the youngest of 5. My father adored his mother. She died when he was 32.