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ttc at 40 after previous termination due to Pataus

7 replies

Earhat · 24/02/2013 23:08

Hi, I posted on here at the end of last year when I had a termination due to baby diagnosed with Patau Syndrome at 14 wks, when I received wonderful support from mumsnetters. I have just turned 40, and after the shock and sadness of previous pregnancy, have taken a few months (4) to pluck up the courage to try again. Fertility tests before previous pregnancy revealed all normal for me and DH.
I am wondering if any women out there have had any good experiences after something like this? How long did it take to conceive? Also does cutting out caffeine really make a difference (I drink 2 coffees a day max). Any advice or recounting of previous experiences very welcome.

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quoteunquote · 25/02/2013 23:16

we had a trisomy 13 (Patau) baby, and then went on to have health babies, having had one before,

I've got three health children, out of 15 pregnancies, we had one baby die at four months,

I know it scary, and I can't lie and say it will be fine, no one knows, but you can only try,

I never had another chromosome problem, in the following 13 pregnancies, had other problems, the harrowing stressful time of having those pregnancies,did take a toll, but it was my decision , so not complaining,

just be extra kind to yourself, and suit yourself.

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Earhat · 26/02/2013 16:18

Hi Quoteunquote

Thank you very much for sharing your experiences. You sound extremely brave. Women don't get medals for facing up to such life and death scenarios but I salute you. You are inspiring.

I'm sorry for all your loss and so glad to hear you have three healthy children.

I got pregnant after 2 years of trying but discovered I had a polyp preventing pregnancy. I got pregnant 3 months after it was removed, so I am still hopeful, but time is not on my side (I turned 40 in December). I am nervous as I had a termination at 4 months after finding out the baby was T13 (so sad) and a bit worried that the operation might make things more difficult in the future. I waited 3 months as I didn't want to risk miscarriage by trying too soon.

Thanks again for the support, will definitely keep going. Good luck to you and yours for the future : )

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HumphreyCobbler · 26/02/2013 16:24

I have two children after finding out that my first child had Patau's.

It is scary going for scans etc. I found out about the Patau's at the 20 week scan. It took me five months to conceive afterwards, I started trying straight away.

Best of luck. I don't think two cups of coffee a day is significant in terms of caffeine intake.

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Earhat · 26/02/2013 17:51

Hi HumphreyCobbler,

Thanks for the support, it is reassuring to hear such success stories. I'm sorry to hear of your loss, can't imagine how scary the first scan must have been with your following pregnancy! Wonderful to hear of your healthy children.

Much more hopeful now, thank you.

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HumphreyCobbler · 26/02/2013 20:27

my consultant told me it was like a lightning strike - there was no reason to suppose it would strike the same place twice.

It is hard when you have had such a terrible loss, I am so sorry you had to go through it Earhat. I am glad you are feeling more hopeful, I have my fingers crossed for you XX

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hopefulgum · 27/02/2013 09:40

Earhat, I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost a baby to T13. I miscarried at 10 weeks, and the histology revealed he had T13.

I have gone on to have two more pregnancies but also lost them, but I was pregnant at 44 and 45, so it isn't surprising.

I think you are still young and as Humphrey said, it is like a lightning strike. I never found out what caused my other two miscarriages, but it has been put down to aging eggs or aging hormones.

I am sure you will go on to have a healthy baby.

Your caffeine intake sounds fine. I wouldn't worry.

If you want some support while ttc the over forties thread is great.

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Earhat · 28/02/2013 20:50

Hi Hopefulgum

Thanks for the support. I'm sorry to hear about your loss, sounds like you have had a very difficult time. It is so unfair that fertility drops so fast in your forties, it's really not that old in relation to everything else, aghhh. By the time you have got any sort of career off the ground you are nearly out of time! (Don't even talk about finding the right partner.) I hope you are alright. Thank you for the link, looks great.
Best wishes
Earhat