I think the decision is yours and your husbands alone, as you need to deal with the baby. Of course you need to be aware of the downsides - aka health wise you're more likely to run into issues starting with getting pregnant naturally in the first place (if ivf is something you would want it would have to be private and probably overseas), higher chances of issues like Down syndrome and issues with your own health. Of course it could all turn out fine. Also dealing with a new born and small child is v tiring. Of course you might be a v fit and active person anyways so you can cope with these issues more easily.

In the longer term issues eg financially retiring when having a teenager etc and other health issues you might be facing.

Don't mean to put a negative light on this, but you asked for honest advice and as I'm sure you can see what the positives are, so might be worth looking at the other side. But finally the decision is yours.

It's hard isn't it. I've just started and I'm 36 (!) and pregnant for the first time. I hope to have 2 before I'm 40 (fingers and toes crossed). Congrats on your family so far! I guess there are two schools of thought - it's your life, live it as you want to with your family or that it's potentially a bit selfish due to age.

I genuinely don't think there is any point asking random people that you've never even met what they think...it's a decision that you and your husband and your kids (!) need to make together. It's you as a family unit that counts, not anybody else's opinion. How do you feel as a mum just now? How do your older kids feel about it? Have you spoken to them? Would they support you and your husband if you had any ill health etc.? The thing is anyone of us could come down with bad health tomorrow, irrespective of age, so again - is this even a question worth asking?

I'm just posing questions to help you think about it. I've not got an opinion either way, I've a friend who was 45 when she had her first child and she dotes on her like nothing else & is the best mum. Sit and work it out with your whole family - not with strangers! I wish you all the best x

Follow your heart ❤️

If it feels right for you then do it.

This a forum and a place to share opinions, I talk with my husband about things but that doesn't stop me coming on here and harassing everyone in fertility network!! 😁

Pop over and join us xxx

I am 49 and had my 4th baby 9 months ago at 48. My other daughters are 20,22 and 24. We used my wife's (35 y.o.) egg and had IVF and I carried her. It reduced the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. I was well through the pregnancy and gave birth at term. Now we are asking ourselves a similar question . It makes me feel a bit sad to think of her growing up without a sibling alongside her, as I can see how close her sisters are to each other . Although she is surrounded by love , I think you also learn so much from having a close sibling. I worry about little about being tired with 2 little ones, but that is inevitable . I also don't relish the prospect of the stresses of early pregnancy and fear of miscarriage . But I believe that once the pregnancy is well established , antenatal care is so good that you have a very good chance of all going well . Good luck with your choices , and remember that she is a loved and lucky child whichever way it goes .

Thank you . Best wishes