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Pregnancy

Unplanned pregnancy at 46 and decided to keep it

26 replies

fluffy71 · 29/01/2018 10:57

I already have 3 children, two teenagers and a ten year old. Obviously babies were totally out of the equation for us and we were enjoying life with the kids becoming more independent. I had the shock of my life when I found out I was pregnant in December . I'd had a period in November as regular as ever so had no reason to think I could be pregnant!!
We both felt initially felt an abortion was the right thing to do because as well as my age I've had 3 previous c sections and have a minor heart condition that needs to be monitored, so seriously thought it was a no go even if we wanted to. My husband particularly, felt we were too old and that the risks of something being wrong with it were so high that he didn't think we could cope with a disabled child at our age.
Due to my heart condition I had to be referred to the teaching hospital where I had my previous births, rather than have a termination locally so with Christmas break I didn't get an appointment for a consultation for a surgical abortion until 8th Jan (3 weeks after I'd found out). A scan showed I was 11 weeks by this point. It was a nightmare time. I felt so awful about going through a termination. It was heartbreaking. The consultant could see I was very torn about my decision and booked me in for a termination two weeks later. In the meantime I met with my cardiologist who sent me for a scan. She believed if I wanted to I could tolerate this pregnancy. To cut a very long story short this gave me the time to weigh up the pro's and cons. I also had a Panorama screening test privately in this time and it came through very low risk. My husband very slowly came round to the idea and felt very reassured by the Panorama result.
So at 14 weeks I am having my first booking appointment on Wednesday. They have also booked me in for a CVS on Friday which will give me a definite answer regards chromsome problems though I'm not sure I need it now. I still feel very frightened. Only told a couple of close friends. We are going to try and keep it under wraps for literally as long as possible. Still feel a bit embarrassed at my age and don't feel I can totally relax until its born. I've thought of how old we'll be when this child is a teenager and all that and if I'll be alive long enough for it to get through its childhood and the embarrassment of my teenagers when we tell them. But despite all this I'm having this baby. Just wondered if anyone else has been in this situation and how have you coped?

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cautiousoptimist1 · 29/01/2018 11:20

I'm not in your situation at all so hopefully someone more useful will be along shortly.

However I just wanted to say please don't be embarrassed, friends and family will support you and your teenagers will come around. Your baby is wanted and loved even if unexpected and that's a fantastic start.

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kitty1013 · 29/01/2018 12:41

Hi there I just wanted to say hello!
I am 44.5, I have five children aged 10 down to nearly 3. Also a stepdaughter (who lives with us) aged 17.
I thought I was finished but my husband wanted one more! I thought it probably wouldn't happen but only 3 months after his vasectomy reversal I tested positive, two weeks ago.
I am only 6 weeks. I am delighted but nervous about miscarriage, (I had two at 8 weeks when I was 42) bad genetic results etc. Also terrified of telling my mother!!! (And the teenager!) Ha ha.
I will definitely have the panorama test if I get to ten weeks.
I wouldn't have an amnio unless I had to though- can you get out of that?
Like you I want to keep the pregnancy under wraps as long as possible. But equally it's a bit sad isn't it. Also i feel under pressure not to eat cake and make it obvious by a weight gain.
Keep in Touch , I'd love to follow your journey!
Kitty x

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welshmist · 29/01/2018 12:47

I was 44 my husband was pro a termination, talked it through with midwife who recommended a private amnio. as well as the nhs one. The difference being the private one was 24 hours test, nhs four weeks. I would have terminated if there was something wrong, simply because my 18 and 20 year old would have become carers in the distant future. I have seen this with two families. Our happy accident is now 16.

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greenlizard · 29/01/2018 12:53

Congratulations! I have 2 step children now 17 and 15. I had my first baby at 45 and my second at 47! Both pregnancies were absolutely fine as were the births. The little ones are now 3 and 15 months and life is good. We are a bit tired though!

The older two absolutely love the little ones and are a great help in looking after them and entertaining them but we so make sure they have space too. Where I live older mothers are quite the norm (but not quite as old as me to be fair Grin). Nobody batted an eye. Financially we are better off and we have started saving for their education etc. As we may not be with them too late in life to offer them support. That is the only thing that worries me....

Good luck and enjoy the gift! Flowers

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gingerh4ir · 29/01/2018 16:18

Congratulations Flowers

They have also booked me in for a CVS on Friday which will give me a definite answer regards chromsome problems

I am afraid this is not the case at all. CVS, amniocentesis etc only test for the most common chromosome disorders. There are many more that will not be detected in any antenatal test. my DD is severely disabled due to a very rare chromo issue and her particular issue would have note been picked up by any test and there are thousands more or the rare chromosome disorders that will go undetected. these are a not common but they do happen and no antenatal screening can really give you certainty that your child will not have any SN. Just wanted to share my experience as you seem to expect a definite answer from the CSV.

Hope it all goes well. I have friends who had DC at your age and whilst it wasn't always plain sailing, I think they are all happy with how things turned out.

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fluffy71 · 30/01/2018 15:37

Thankyou all for your kind messages, it really means alot. I'm feeling a little better about everything despite continuing morning sickness and exhausion.

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Myddognearlyatethedeliveryman · 30/01/2018 15:39

Congratulations op!! I am very envious!! I had ds at 43 and ttc again with no real luck at 46. Your journey is gonna be amazing!!

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Lilonetwo · 30/01/2018 15:44

I can't say I have been in your situation.
But please don't be embarrassed. You said this a couple of times in your post. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Its a wonderful thing congratulations.Smile

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flapjackfairy · 30/01/2018 15:48

I am 53 with 5 kids . The youngest is 3 and it is great. It keeps you young. Many congratulations to you all . Enjoy x

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Isadora2007 · 30/01/2018 15:49

Embarrassed about what? Having sex? Having a baby?
Nothing at all to be embarrassed about. Congratulations!
People’s reactions will be led by your actions and the way you announce it etc. If you’re apologetic and embarrassed then they will be more likely to be negative about it all. If you’re positive and upbeat I’m sure they will also be- even the cringing teen who does know you have sex, just doesn’t want to have to think about it!

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fluffy71 · 30/01/2018 15:52

Grinha ha yes your probably right!! Once I have my booking appointment tomorrow it will all feel real and I can allow myself some excitement!

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kitty1013 · 20/03/2018 22:18

How are you getting on now fluffy? I hope all is going well. Xx

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JumpingFrogs · 20/03/2018 22:32

I have a friend who is a whole decade older than the rest of our gang because she was 45 when dd was born. Honestly we all forget she's that much older than us and I'm convinced that late motherhood has kept her young. My Grandma had her second child at 46 and lived long enough to see him married with grown up kids (she lived into her nineties). You have the distinct advantage that you are an experienced mother and know one end of a baby from the other. Good luck !

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NameChangeCuddleBums · 20/03/2018 22:46

Congratulations

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fluffy71 · 18/07/2018 06:01

All going well. Booked in for section next Monday!!

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crazydoglady6867 · 18/07/2018 06:07

Hope it all goes well, you must be pleased as it can’t have been easy in this hot weather😄

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Mumtolovelyboyandgirl · 18/07/2018 06:17

My brother was born when I was 16 and my mum was 46 - he is the most loved child ever! My mum found the sleeplessness tough going being a bit older, but she wouldn’t change a thing. I hope all the tests go well. Congratulations!

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fluffy71 · 27/07/2018 18:30

My little bundle of joy is now 4 days old. The last few months have been tough with my teenagers but thank god pregnancy went well. I can't quite believe he's here!! Thanks all for your support xx

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Waitingonasmiley42 · 27/07/2018 18:33

That’s a lovely outcome! Congratulations Flowers

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ShowOfHands · 27/07/2018 18:34

Congratulations 😊

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Pommes · 27/07/2018 18:45

Congratulations, OP!

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Rebecca36 · 27/07/2018 18:47

All the very best to you, you're a brave gal but it will all be worth it in the end. Your baby will be a joy to the whole family.

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fluffy71 · 29/07/2018 11:09

Thankyou!! Though I'd forgotten about the sheer slog of establishing breast feeding its worth it when I look at his little face!

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Bibijayne · 29/07/2018 11:11

Congratulations!

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JackietheBackie · 29/07/2018 11:21

Congratulations!

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