What it's like to be a first-time mother at the age of 50

As Marks & Spencer's heir apparent, Laura Wade-Gery announces she is due to become a mother for the first time at the age of 50, Naomi Gryn, who had her daughter at 51, explains what she might expect as a later-life new mum

Many congratulations to Laura Wade Gery, head of multi-channel at M&S, and her husband, Simon Roberts, 67, on the news that they are about to become parents for the first time.

That we are even discussing this happy fact is not just because her forthcoming maternity leave was announced on the stock exchange, but because Ms Wade Gery is 50 years-old.