Age and Pregnancy

[Happy Bunny]

I'm 37 and there are nights when I lay awake doing the math of how old I will be during landmark ages for our child. I also wonder if we'll pass away or fall ill before they are well established in their own lives. I know, I know... It's morbid thinking but it hits me a night when I cannot sleep. Does anyone else have fears like this?

I didn't want to put this in our regular pregnancy thread as it is too much of a bummer.

[MamaBoo]

I know it can be a bit scary. My husband was 47 when our son was born and I was 33. However, no one has a guaranteed number of years or even guaranteed health. We have picked out wonderful godparents and have life & disability insurance. I think that is all anyone can do.

[DandMe]

My parents had six kids when they were younger... and then me when they were 34 and 41, and my brother when mom was 38 and dad was 41.

My parents were different people than the ones who raised my older siblings.... They were a ton more calm, less demanding, less strict and seemed to just enjoy watching us grow up instead of pushing us to do it.

My father passed away when I was 30 and my brother was 26. It was difficult for us to lose our dad when he was only 71, but I have always felt that my relationship with him was more loving, patient and healthy than the one he had with my older siblings. I would not have changed things for the world.... even though we lost him early, he was an amazing father and put more parenting into those 30 years than anyone could think possible.

My mom is still alive and healthy at 74 - I am 39 and I have enjoyed her every moment.

[Stephanieford78]

Quality, not quantity. My mother was 44 years young, I was 19 when she passed. She taught me many things and was a huge part of who I am today and who my children will be, even though they have never met her. Children are our proof of our love and proof of our existance, they are our legacy. Just like my mother is imortal in my eyes, so you shall be in your children. Life is a precious gift only a mother has the power to give. Gray hair at graduation is nothing in comparrison to what you will give them. Try not to worry about not being there, because without you, they won't ever get there.

[Happy Bunny]

Thanks ladies! I've turned into a big worrier since becoming pregnant.

Looking back, I think that we will be better parents than we would have been at much younger ages but still... I can't help but to want the best of both worlds.