[Pocahontas]

We have two gorgeous boys (5 & 2) but part of me still yearns for a little girl. Therefore, I haven't ruled out trying for a 3rd (although DH would need a heap of convincing). I'm now 38 so if I was to get pregnant I would be 39 at the earliest (DS2 took 9 months to conceive). What are your thoughts on havingt a 3rd at this time.

Some of my thoughts:
- The pg and first couple of years are very tiring esp if I did get another active boy. Are they more tiring at 39 and with other kids? I had a really bad flu this year and felt every one of my years so this has been the first time I've thought about age.
- I'm worried about parenting a teen in my late 50s
- I'm concerned that I'll be working right up to my retirement age and still having a child at home. We are comfortable but hardly completely set-up.
- There are the obvious health issues to consider.

What do you older mums think? Should I be content with 2 given the additional difficulties with 3 kids and advanced maternal age. Give it to me straight!

[bubblegummum]

I would. I had my last at 37. It's hard to know whether I found it more exhausting because of my age or whether it was simply that with several older kids, work and study it was always going to be tough. A friend had her 2nd in her early 40s at the same time and I think she has coped perfectly well.

TBH re the parentin in your 50s I don't think 3-4yrs will make much difference (assuming you'd end up with that kind of gap).

[raven74]

It's such a personal decision. For me, no. I'm 37 with one and am I'm exhausted! Truly though, I don't think raising a teen as an older parent is uncommon anymore, and 50 is young still. AS for working up until retirement age - I think the majority of us will be doing that with a child still in the home - see it as a bonus; you can come home from a weary days work and have your teen/young adult kids have cooked you dinner and cleaned the house (it's all about how you train'em!).
Good luck with your decision.

[Blingy]

My sister in law had both her kids after the second at 45 and is a bundle of energy!
I'm 42 and due with my third and I would say I'm having the best pregnancy... Except for the first 12 weeks which were just as vile as my first two
I'm feeling that this one is going to be a much better e perience than my first two because of my age

[Kea2010]

I look at my friend who had her 3rd at 40 and 4th at 43 ... she is busy ... but very happy!

[MrsWidget]

Definitely! I'm 41 and just pregnant with my 3rd (my first was stillborn). I'm hoping to go back again after this. I don't worry about my age, I just count my blessings I can have kids.

Good luck whatever you decide.

[crankybee]

I'll be having my SECOND then so yes, why not!???

[Hooray Henry]

I am. DH and I really want a third baby, I'm healthy and have as much energy as anyone does with 2 young children Ideally I'd love 4 but I think 3 might be it.

I do worry about the teenage years, but I'm already going to be dealing with it so I'm not too scared of throwing another one into the mix.

My main concern is financial (perhaps not being able to afford the type of schooling we want for 3 children) not my age.

[Cinzia]

Sure would! I just turned thirty nine, and I am 28 weeks pregnant with number 3!

As a PP said , this has been my best pregnancy so far. I am so much fitter and I do have loads of energy.

[MarsBarSlice]

I don't think age should be the factor. I'm 39 (closer to 40) and just had my 2nd and would love to have a 3rd. Just need to convince DP. That would make me at least 40 when we conceive and possibly 41 when born. Good luck with your decision