Your 40s

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The number of women giving birth in their 40s has increased by 50% in the last decade. More than 25,000 women over 40 became pregnant in 2007 - the highest number ever.

Pros

1. You are older, wiser and ready to devote yourself to motherhood.
2. You are financially stable.
3. Your working life is more likely to be settled and secure and you will find it easier to take a maternity break .

Cons

1. Your fertility is in steady decline.
2. You may have to resort to IVF or other fertility treatments which are expensive, unpredictable and physically and emotionally draining.
3. You're more likely to suffer complications in pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia, and are more at risk of needing a Caesarean or forceps delivery.
3. The risk of having a baby with Downs syndrome is about 1 in 28 for a mother who is 45.
4. You will have less energy to cope. Without help, you'll be worn out!

Did you know?

According to research the best time for women to start bearing children is between the ages of 27 and 34.
The oldest British mum is Patricia Rashbook who gave birth at the age of 62.

More help and advice

By Kate Corr

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Allie, 5 months

I assume you mean patience?

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Maureen, 6 months

I married at 17 in I1976), I had a daughter at 19, a son at 22 and another son at 41!!! Believe it or not they were all planned, everbody thought my mid life baby must have been a slip, however they would have been wrong, he was very much wanted. I was much better in every way at 41 to have a baby, I had lots of energy, patients, understading and wisdom all of the things I lacked when having the first two. Older mothers are older and wiser and have much more to offer a child. I know because Ive done both.

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