Thoughts about TTC at age 41?

[Anonymous]

I just had baby #2 at 40. I had baby #1 at 38. I'm thinking that I want to have a third child (my husband is not so sure he does) but I'm afraid of convincing him and then waiting too long and having trouble. I had a m/c at 37 and then it took me 3 months of TTC each time to have my girls.

I was just wondering if anyone has had this experience and if it being #3 (and trying right after I stop nursing) would possibly mean more fertile/less of a problem getting pregnant at age 41? It is really hard right now with the two of them (and I have a nanny b/c I'm going back to work soon) that I'm afraid to try any sooner than when my second child is a year old. I just started late and I've always wanted a big family.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[Anonymous]

I think having baby #2 at 40 and breastfeeding in between is a good prognosticator (sp?) of your ability to conceive at 41. I conceived at 41 via IVF, but my other pregnancies had been via IVF as well. My first 2 were 22 months apart and this third one will be 3 years since the last. It did take us some time to definitely think we were ready for #3 (we had a very tough first two years with #2 due to some illnesses). FWIW -- my husband was onboard with the idea for #3 , but not overly enthusiastic. Then we got pregnant and had a miscarriage. I was ready to give up, but he is the one who talked me into one more try and here we are . . . 30 weeks pregnant.

[Anonymous]

I would make sure my husband was on board at least a little bit. I don't think many men are ever on board 100%. That said, why not at 41. If you did not have problems with getting pregnant with the first two, and it doesn't sound like you did, why do you think you will have problems now. No one can really answer the fertility question, "is it too late" except maybe a doctor who may give you a few test. But if you do want another baby, time is not on your side, get going.