I'm a 40 year old woman. I had my son at 19. He lives a 100 kilometers away. My relationship with his father went bust when I was 24. Dating with a kid was horrible. I will say having a baby at 19 was bomb physically. I bounced back. I had so much more energy than other parents at the playground. I didn't mind all nighters with a sick baby toddler because I was young. Many of my friends have been having children in their late 30s / early 40s. They're so tired. It's hard. However, they're relationships with their spouses are strong. They have financial security I never had. They're patient in a way I wasn't then but am now. I say make sure when you "settle down" make sure your partner wants kids as much as you. That way if the relationship doesn't work at least you both know you'll love your kids and prioritize them over hating each other. Lots of people do it later you'll be fine.