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Original poster

AIBU to worry about my sister’s pregnancy risks at 46?

87 replies

Nordicdaydream · 04/07/2026 06:54

My sister is pregnant (24 weeks). She is 46 and conceived naturally. She’s had quite a few miscarriages in the past and has one son already who is 6.
I am concerned at the risks once she gets further along. They are monitoring her with growth scans and she’s had a regular appointments but they offered her the glucose test for gestational diabetes and she’s refused it. She also refused the NIPT Down syndrome test.

I suppose I’ve been researching and worried for both her and the baby as I know things are more likely to be complicated at this age.

Has anyone else had a natural pregnancy around this age? And were there complications?

OP posts:
thepariscrimefiles · 04/07/2026 07:07

I can see why your sister has refused the test for Downs Syndrome if she wouldn't want to abort the baby if they did have Downs Syndrome.

I cannot understand why she wouldn't have the glucose tolerane test as undiagnosed or uncontrolled gestational diabetes is highly dangerous for both mother and baby.

mintleavesandthyme · 04/07/2026 07:05

YABVU

1 it’s none of your business
2 posting about your sisters pregnancy online and her personal choices is just plain rude and not sisterly at all. It’s just judgemental

Iocanepowder · 04/07/2026 07:05

I would be more worried about having a baby that age in general tbh. Both my parents and in laws started getting health issues in their 50s.

But i’m not sure what you can do about it tbh. So maybe try to stop worrying as it’s out of your control.

Crumpetring · 04/07/2026 07:03

Was there anything I indicate that she needed the NIPT Down syndrome test? Did the normal screening come back very high risk?

After so many miscarriages your sister maybe be very sure that she is keeping this baby regardless.

Pregnancy is always a risk. She will have doctors telling her at every appointment that she higher risk because of her age.

Try and be happy for her, don’t voice your concerns, she doesn’t need them. How wonderful that’s she’s probably been trying for a baby for the last 6 years and has now got to 24 weeks naturally at 46. This is cause for celebration.

IberianLynx · 04/07/2026 07:03

It’s perfectly reasonable that someone would refuse a NIPT test. She has already had a child at 40 so she must be aware that risks rise with age. Not much you can do/say.

Gateappreciation · 04/07/2026 07:02

Thats natural to be concerned for her and the baby. . No doubt she’s concerned as well.

Refusing the test could be that she’s denying that anything could could wrong, or she’s going to love this baby, whether s/he’s got downs or not.

Yoheresthestory · 04/07/2026 07:02

Is she fit? Is she strong? I’m 44 and would be totally fine in terms of my body and energy now to carry a baby vs 10yrs ago.

MidnightPatrol · 04/07/2026 07:01

A good friend of mine has just given birth to a perfect healthy baby at age 45, zero complications for either mother or baby.

Why is she refusing routine medical care like the glucose test? Refusing to engage with normal
medical care is a far greater issue than her age.

Original poster
Nordicdaydream · 04/07/2026 06:59

@Happytaytos it doesn’t, but I just wanted to see if others have been a similar situation

OP posts:
Happytaytos · 04/07/2026 06:58

What good does worrying achieve?

Original poster
Nordicdaydream · 04/07/2026 06:57

I haven’t mentioned any of my concerns to her.

OP posts:
TakeMe2Insanity · 04/07/2026 06:55

Worry by all means but please don’t pass your stress on to her. If you are worried so is she.