I didn’t set out to be an “older mom” but life and career choices rendered that the case. I met my husband a week past my 35th birthday. I found out I was pregnant with my first child one day before my 37th birthday and was 22 weeks pregnant with my second child while belly dancing at my 40th birthday party.
While the term “geriatric pregnancy” may feel a bit off putting to some, I have proudly embraced my role as an “older mom.” I am proud of the life I led and the trail I blazed before I had children. Looking back to where I was in my late 20’s and early 30’s, I see a lot of personal growth and deeply rich experiences I may not have had the chance to fulfill if I had stepped into the role of a mother earlier. I am quite confident my business, something I am fiercely proud of, would not have grown to where it is now had I not had the chance to plant the seed and focus my time on its foundation. I have a profound sense of satisfaction with my pre-child journey and learned wisdom that only comes from life experiences.
Yes, I recognize there are increased medical risks with advanced aged pregnancy. And I may be nearing retirement as my kids are well into their early adulthood. Sometimes that is not a choice for people but a calculated risk many are willing to take for the chance of a family.
I can only speak from my own perspective and hind sight is 20/20. But I would not have done it any other way. For other “older moms”, what would you like to share from your experience and choices?
