Most people in their 40s are preparing to let their children fly the nest. Just because you didn’t choose to have a baby earlier on in life doesn’t mean it’s too late. You’ll experience a few benefits if you decide to have a baby in your 40s. There are a couple of negatives you should be aware of, too. Try not to rush into anything until you’ve weighed the pros and cons of having a baby in your 40s. We’ll take a quick look at a few of each.
Con: There Is A Higher Risk Of Miscarriage
When you decide to have a baby in your 40s, you must understand there is a higher risk of miscarriage1. Luckily it’s not your chronological age that counts the most. Your biological age will play a much bigger role in the equation, so if you’re healthy, it boosts your chances of success. No matter how healthy you are, it’s still important to understand things could turn sour. It will be much easier to handle any terrible news if you’re mentally prepared for it. If you want a baby start trying to improve your health now.
Pro: You’ll Be More Financially Secure
If you have a child in your teens or twenties, it’s extremely tough to survive financially. You’ll be trying to raise a child while crawling up the career ladder at the same time. It’s only in your thirties everything will begin to come together. You want to have a baby in your 40s, so you’ll have a lot more disposable income. It will save you an enormous amount of stress. You should also be at a point in your career where you’ll be able to put your future child first at all times.
Con: It Can Cause A Strain On Your Heart
Think about all the strain you’ll go through running a marathon. If you’re older, it will have a bigger impact on your body. The same can be said for anyone pregnant. You’re at a slightly increased risk of suffering from complications like preeclampsia in your 40s2,3, which can be brought on directly from pregnancy. Also, it can speed up any preexisting heart conditions you wouldn’t have experienced so soon4. Being as healthy as possible before you conceive will help with this too.
Pro: You’ll Get To Make Lots Of New Friends
You’ll spend less time with your old friends when you have a baby later on in life unless they decide to go down the same path. When your child is growing up, you’ll have to hang out with other moms who will probably be much younger than you. You’ll feel like the oldest one in the crowd, but this isn’t necessarily bad. If they’re nice people, you’ll enjoy having new friends. The only downside is that some people you’ve known for a long time will slowly disappear from your life.
Con: You Will Have To Make Some Sacrifices
We’ve already said you’ll have more disposable income in your 40s, but many people use this for other things. Travel is perhaps the most popular activity you can do once your kids have left home. You’ll be much more limited in what you can do if you have a baby. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to do exciting things like travel the world. Unfortunately, you probably won’t be able to buy the fancy yacht you had your eye on. It’s not like you’ll care when your baby is in your arms.
Pro: It Will Give You A New Lease On Life
Life can sometimes feel a little stale when you begin to age. You forget about all the joys you experienced during your childhood. Once you have a baby, you’ll experience them all again. Christmas will become a hundred times more exciting when you have a child. Easter, Halloween, and other holidays will be great too. You’ll also love driving your child around if they play sports. Just thinking about having a baby now proves you’re looking for a new lease on life.
There Is No Right or Wrong Answer
When you’re trying to decide whether or not to have a baby, there is no right or wrong answer. You’ll have to weigh up the pros and cons before coming to a final decision for you. Don’t be afraid to attempt to get pregnant if it’s what you really want.
