Just decided with my husband that we want kids after years of fence-sitting due to fear on my part. Will be 35 by the time we start trying, 36 by the time the baby is out. Would love to hear experiences, positive and negative, from other women who became first-time moms at 35+. Was it easy to conceive? What would you have done differently in general? How was your health before, during and after pregnancy?

It’s so different by person that you won’t be able to get an answer that helps you decide, here or any other forum. Some women have no problems some have many. Just track your cycle, don’t get to crazy about it and have fun. Take it day by day

I met my husband at 35, got pregnant on the first try at 36, had our first healthy baby the day after I turned 37, got pregnant again on first try at 14 months postpartum, and had our second healthy baby at 39. Energy levels are fine though parenting has definitely aged me from lack of sleep, though I think that applies at any age. Everyone’s different. My AMH levels were off the chart, which is why I get pregnant so easily. If you want peace of mind I recommend going to an RE for a preconception work up if you are worried.

I have 2 healthy and amazing babies via IVF. It’s going to be harder for you to get pregnant naturally once you are 35+, so perhaps you can have your doctor check your hormone levels to see if you may be a candidate for fertility treatments.

Agree with SM1. My husband and I had been naturally trying since I was 33 and we got pregnant naturally
At 34 but had a missed miscarriage. The baby planning journey is not as simple and straightforward as it may look to be. Ended up doing IVF at 35 to freeze genetically tested embryos to support our family planning. Read the book it starts with the egg (will give you a perspective on what supplements you may want to take to improve egg quality),
Make sure you’re taking care of your body and eating well, regularly exercising and getting a sufficient amount of sleep (this is all easier said than done).

I started having kids when I was a few years younger than you are now, but it was by and far the absolute best decision I’ve ever made. The conception+pregnancy+delivery process can be an absolute pain, but once they’re here - oh my goodness it’s life giving (literally haha)

I started a couple years younger than you, but it’s been great! We both did a health kick before trying (very important for sperm - my spouse gave up weed, greatly reduced alcohol, ate well and worked out for the 6month before and during trying). I got more in shape, But still started on the heavy side on the heavy side, only gained 12 lbs the whole pregnancy and was back to pre pregnancy weight the first time I weighed myself after birth (maybe a week). My recovery was really smooth. Some of that stuff is just luck.

We got pregnant in month 6, and now have a beautiful baby. Visit it’s tiring, but we’re mid-30’s and energy level is fine!

I got married at 38. At 40 woke up with a burning desire for a baby. Second month off BC conceived, worked until the day I went into labor. Looking back I don't remember being that tired the first year post baby. Do remember working late after she was sleeping. I kept a journal which tells me being tired was a theme.

I got asked if it was hard being an older mother. I had nothing to compare it to. But I had more money and more patience.