Where do you live OP? I lived in Arlington when I had my kids at 35 and 37 (conceived at 34 and 36) and I always felt like there were more older (than me) women in the wait room than younger. We are a little further out now and I do feel a bit old sometimes compared to my kids’ classmates’ moms, but not by a lot.

I had a child at 46, OP. You are a filly, not a mare.
Don't worry. My first at 38, all went well.
You are not at risk if you're in good health, eating right, taking supplements, exercising as allowed by your doctor.
You'll be fine.
Get an epidural. I tried Bradley on my first birth, uh no. Didn't work, so had epidural for the rest.
Good Luck, OP!! You're going to be fine!!

Congrats! This is DC. People have kids old here. You are in good company.

Congratulations, OP! I had my three kids when I was between 35 and 40; all healthy pregnancies and babies, and they're all healthy kids now (the oldest is 8). I have plenty of energy for them and am glad I had my kids when I did. I hope you have a smooth pregnancy!

sorry average age for first time birth is ***37***

I had my first 10 years younger than you and wouldn't bat an eye at a woman pregnant at your age. I am now almost your age having my fourth. no way anyone would know it's my first or fourth! average age for first time birth at hospital where I had all my kids is 27, so you are still young for this area...but I agree with all the people saying don't think another minute about what other people think. your kid will be happy to be alive and that means you had him/her when you did.

36 is a normal time to have your first in this area. Most of my friends have been AMA when having their kids. It’s really not a big deal in the scheme of things! Congratulations.

I had my first at 43 and my twins at 46! I am now 62 and just got my first social security check! Twins will be 16 in three weeks. Congratulations

I turned 40 in July and and expecting my first child in 3 weeks. I met my DH later in life, married at 36, dealth with infertility for several years. This is not what I had planned, but it is what it is. I couldn't care less about other women having kids at a younger age. We all have one life to live, our circumstances vary widely, and I'll make the best of the cards I've been dealt.

You have to play the hand you have. Congratulations on your healthy pregnancy!

You’re not even close to the older end of the range for this area. You’re barely AMA.

I was 38 almost 39. Baby Boy is healthy and thriving and that’s really all that matters. Do I wish I could have kids earlier? Yes, but life threw me
many curveballs that didn’t allow for it.

Haha. I agree with PP. you are a spring chicken for this area lol lol. My sister in law just had her first at 37. I had my first at 32. I felt like I was one of the younger ones at the practice. Had my second at 34 and now pregnant with my 3rd at 38. I was high risk with my first two pregnancies because I had gestational diabetes. I will probably have it with this one as well. Maybe it’s the specific area you live in? Everyone i know seems to be having babies in their mid to late 30s.

You are a spring chicken for this area!

Hi All,

Honestly just looking for a confidence boost from this community. I met my DH when I was 32, didn't marry until we were 34, spent the last 2 years trying and are finally pregnant!!!!

I'm having a lot of insecurities about my age. The insecurities are not because I am high risk, but just being too much in my head my first child will be when I am almost 37.

I went for my first trimester screening and everything looks fantastic!!!! While I was in the waiting room I just got very insecure seeing all the younger women (at least those who appear younger). I know I am being silly but was hoping some older FTM can share any tips for not getting in this negative headspace, it's really unhealthy. THANK YOU!!