It seems like every time I go to a family gathering, someone has to point out that 'I'm not getting any younger' and that if I want to start a family I should think about settling down.

I'm 31 and I still feel like I am too young to take on the responsibility of looking after a child. There are still many things that I would like to do before then.

When I look into the future I do see myself married with children, but how long can we really leave it before it's too late?

Biologically speaking dear, there are certain ages when one may be declared as in dire need and should get pregnant soon if she wants to have a child. These ages are the so-called high-risk ages. But then again, i wouldnt advise getting married or having a baby if the person dont see the conviction in herself. Raising a child most especially entails a whole spectrum of sacrifices and selflessness on your part. So if you dont see those traits in you yet, for goodness sake DONT! Theres always a good and perfect time for everything and it does not follow the same trend for everyone.

but hey, looking at this thread, about biological clock. I believe a biological clock is that system of timing in ourselves which would turn us 'on' and wake us up at that exact time everyday even if we slept late or early the night before. well thats my idea about biological clocks.

You should theoretically let it be till you feel ready. I commend you on waiting. Live your life to the fullest...travel, see the world, do all the things you wouldn't want to do with children while you don't have them. Be free. Once you do have kids, you can still DO IT ALL, but it's really all just a bit more complicated and time consuming. Biologically, our bodies are at thier peak before we hit age 35, but it is still possible to have healthy children thereafter...especially if we take care of ourselves--eat properly, don't smoke, drink little. Everything in moderation.

Well there like mentioned there is a time for having a baby, and sometimes the later you leave it the lesser the chances of getting pregnant are. But however this all depends on ones health, if you have extremely good health, there should be no problem even if you have a child late, but if you have suffered from any health problems, then this maybe a cause of concern.

If you want to have kids but are not ready for them, then you should go to a gyno and tell your situation and have yourself checked out if everything is ok so that you can plan later when you want.

There is something about when we reach our 30's and people start to notice that we are not pregnant, I had my 1st child at 30 so I avoided the questions. I do sometimes see myself saying it to friends or family and then I have to remind myself that it's not very nice to say that, sometimes we don't know why people have not started a family.

35 would be my advice. I wouldn't call it 'too late' but that is
a good safe age to finish your childbearing processes.


-f

35 ? ! Holy Smoly I'm 36 and planning my next baby and hoping to have another one after that.

Well, 35 is generic advice. 36 should be fine. The only thing is the
doctors would be monitoring the pregnancy a bit more carefully and may
take a couple more tests that's all. You should be fine. Good Luck on that.

-F

The best time to give birth to a baby is 27 to 32.
This does not mean you should not do before or after that, the reason for it is that is the time when female will be strongest in every way (mentally and physically ) before 27 mentally weak as lack of experience and after 32 mentally very strong but physically she starts getting older.

The final age to give birth is still not known, can usually become pregnant till 42-45, and if you are having problems in MC like irregularity etc then it could be earlier also.

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Any help you need regarding you health ... Count me IN.

My friend is 43 and 36 weeks pregnant, her doctor encouraged her to go ahead with the pregnancy, it's her 1st and she's hoping to have another after this as she is loving pregnancy and doesn't want an only child. I am guessing that there are different feelings on pregnancy in the late 30's and through the 40's throughout the world.

It depends a lot on the woman - her health, how well she is taking care of herself, whether she is in a good shape physically, etc. Giving birth later in life, after 35 and after 40, is no longer uncommon. Yes, the doctor might monitor such pregnancy a bit closer, but if everything goes fine - then everything is fine.

I wanna say that early 40s is really when you should have a baby. Cuz I think pretty soon after that, you won't be able to anymore. However, I tend to think that 30s is a better time. This way, you'll have more time with the child. I just fear for kids who have parents who are older.. like say in their 50s, because there's such a huge age gap there. I think the closer you can be to their age, the better. That's why I feel the ideal ages are late 20s or early 30s. But it's really up to you and how comfortable you feel. Keep in contact with your doctor too

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-Brittany Brydahl

People started pestering me about getting married when I was about 18. I didn't care. Then I was 20, 22, 25 - still unmarried, and I got more of those comments that I should hurry up, get married and have kids. You know what? It's my life. Those people have nothing to do with. They are not going to raise the kids they are so eager for me to have. I got married at 28, and still I was not in a hurry to start reproducing. Just don't listen to those advisers.

I don't blame you, Lissy. Don't give in to all of that bull; it's just pressure from society. What's the big deal about having children and passing on your genes? I always think, "So what?!" I don't want kids. That whole getting pregnant thing, especially the weight gain is not for me.

I thought the biological clock you were referring to was about the changes in your sleeping habit. Like you were awake at night and asleep during day time. Anyway, with regard to conceiving a child, I think when a person turns 38, it should be enough. That is my opinion alone. I have heard that there are risks when you bear a child at early 40's. But of course, the couple's decision would prevail. If you would get marry at the age of 40 then, you must make the babies as soon as possible before your menopausal period. What do you think?

That's how I think it is too. When it comes to babies, I think there is no age requirement. If you think you could have it then, give it a try. Of course you have to consider your health. The kids would help you grow as a person. You may not like the thought of having a child as of now but you would long for that in the future.

I was never really concerned with the proverbial biological clock, but had my first baby when I was 27. That's when I felt ready and went ahead with the pregnancy. My main concern was to have two kids before I hit 30 so that I would enjoy their children (if they decide to have any) before I got too old and also live my golden years without having to worry about how my kids are doing as they will be well over their 30's by the time I get up there.