44 and pregnant.........ouch

That's a tough one. I think if it is your first pregnancy and you have been trying a long time, then it is a miracle and I'm sure having a baby as an older parent is worth all of the extra energy and stamina it would require. In your friend's case, it seems like there is a 7-year gap between each kid, so at least her body has had a long time to recover--and, of course, with 3 older siblings around, she will have lots of help raising the baby. But there are a lot of health risks associated with "change of life" babies--to both the baby and the mother. I think it is much harder--physically, at least--to have a baby and young child when you are an older parent. However, you have more experience, presumably more financial security and stability, and more patience, so these positives might counter-act the negatives. I wish your friend the best of luck!

Hi Missybear, I was nearly 40 when I got surprised with my youngest daughter who is now a teen. At first I was very upset. It was very very bad timing. But once I got used to the idea and decided to just go with it everything worked out just fine. She added so much to our lives and I really can't imagine her not being in my life. I did not find it any more difficult being older. If anything, I'd already been through it so I was much more calm and laid back. I've enjoyed it and I'm sure your friend will once the shock wears off.

Wow, that almost sounds like my situation. I had my first children early and my youngest was 11 when I became pregnant at 39. My oldest was already married and had her first baby, so I was not thrilled, but my husband of course was.. I found I absolutely enjoy being a parent in my older years more so because there is hardly anything my youngest can do that my first three didn't already try on me..lol Needless to say, after I had him, I did have the surgery because I didn't want anymore..That, my husband wasn't thrilled with and let me know it from the time I made my decision and still occasionally brings it up..He's crazy if he thinks I'd give him another one..

My mum got pregnant with my youngest brother at 42. I was 16, my sister 15 and another brother was 10. It was a difficult pregnancy for her but we welcomed the baby very much. Our family got closer because of the new baby. I don't think she'll struggle much. besides age is just a number, having and raising a kid can make her younger, since she'll still be doing mother-stuff which in itself is a rigorous exercise

I think when you are a younger parent you are more fun of a parent because you remember when you were a kid more so and remember what was fun and you have more energy to play with them. Sometimes older parents there kids no they don't have a lot of energy and take advantage of that by acting up more. It doesn't matter to me if your old or young when you have kids since everyone has their own thought on things. This is just my thought.I see it not as much of a problem if you tried having kids when you were younger and couldn't and you wanted them so bad and then coincidentally you get pregnant when you are older. Another thing that might not be so good is that there is a higher chance that you might die before your kids are grown and they will have to deal with not having parents at a young age.

hi missybear my mother was 38 when I was born and considering the way my life went, with a weird mixture of being either too young for so much but then so to say having to grow up in seconds for other stuff expected from me I said to myself no way will I have kids after I am 35. I think older parents understimate the constant stress they put on their kids lives. You see when I was 22 and started working I didnt spend my earned money on the stuff I wanted and had dreamed of but saved and saved cause I had an old mother who might need some help in her old age either with a senior citizens home or other forms of care. I felt constantly stressed out being the only child and was expected to cling to her apron strings for all my life which I didnt really do and which I hated. Older parents are too set in their ways too. I couldnt even discuss the weird way I was brought up when I was an adult.........

My mom became a parent the last time at 43. She found it to be a very rewarding experience. She thought she no longer could get pregnant and so did not realize she was until half way through. My younger sister was sometimes a brat, but also was one of the best things that ever happened to our family.

i know my grandma had my dad around that age and there was 9 years between him and his next sibling (and 3 older than that) but if it were me, i think i would be happy to be done the baby stage by then. i guess older parents just dont the energy or the patience for a young child sometimes. (i know i sure dont all the time!)

I know that being a parent is hard already, just not sure what age has to do with it, except for the mother carrying the child, which in this case could not be medically healthy.

My neighbors, who are both in their 40s, just had a baby 2 months ago. Neither of them expected to have another baby at that age. They are learning that its alot more difficult at their age lol

My auntie gave birth on her 40's and this was with her younger aged hubby since my uncle passed away. Well the baby was so beautiful and just fine. I think having a baby is a decision a couple should make. It's up to them to decide if they wanted to raise kids even at a latter age, age does not matter being a parent. What is risky is if you have health issues and you got pregnant but as what I always say, it is not an alibi to do abortion just because you are old and you got preggy.

For me yes not older the gap age of the father and his child.

Pregnancy during 40's has a high risk of having their baby an autism and down syndrome besides a lot of complications for the baby.