TTC in my late 30s... need reassurance! Anyone else?

[CC81]

Hi all. I'd be really grateful to hear from anyone who's managed to conceive in their late 30s, despite a few concerns - and also those in the same situation as me, with similar worries!

I'm 38 and we've been TTC for nearly 6 months. I know this isn't long, but I'm worried about my fertility for various reasons (see below!) - and can't help feeling scared that time is running out for me :/

So I'm wondering if there are things I should be looking out for. Or alternatively, if I'm reading too much into things!

Main concerns:

Spotting for several days before my period in recent months, which is confusing (mid-cycle bleeding can mean all sorts of things - but of course I worry it's the bad stuff, like early menopause).

My age and what this means for my eggs etc. - and how I find out.

I had a c-section in 2017 (first child) and although I healed well, I'm worried that there might be internal complications from that - scar tissue etc?

Stress levels in recent months/years (trying to work on this).

Positives:

Tests have indicated that I do ovulate - I had progesterone tested by the GP last year and they said it was 'consistent with ovulation'; and I did an OPK test last month, which showed an LH surge.

My periods are now reasonably regular, despite irregularities last year after I stopped breastfeeding.

At age 35, three years ago, I got pregnant almost immediately with my daughter and was very fortunate to have a healthy pregnancy.

I think the latter is partly why I'm freaking out this time, as I'm inexperienced with the ins-and-outs of TTC. I see people talking about things like body temperature and it's all a mystery to me - I don't know where to start.

Has anyone had similar worries and yet conceived? Or are you in the same boat as me?

Well I woke up this morning - AF due today- and decided I would take my temperature rather than waste a test. It had rocketed but I had sleep badly... then decided I’d better take a test and only got a BFP!

I’m so excited and also feel silly for worrying about it so much now.... I guess now the other worries kick in. Some things I did this month:
CQ10 - ubiquinol
Pregnacare
Vitb6 100mg til ov and 200mg after
Ate a bit better
Exercised less
Lots and lots of water
We DTD in the afternoon on my second day of peak so I think we caught an extra chance there.

I think I am going to continue to take the vit b6 as I worry about a sudden drop in progesterone.....

It’s worth saying I had all normal AF symptoms even last night although they were slightly less obvious last 2 days. Only difference was no spots....

Hope that’s reassuring @CC81 you can do this :) the replies I have on here have really helped me to calm down and realise it’s all normal. Now just hoping for a good ride for the next few weeks.

@Excitablemuch - Oooo, congratulations! That's awesome. Really pleased for you :)

I feel the same - it's very helpful to discuss each other's experiences.

Cheers for the tips on what you've been doing. I'm going to make a note of that. I've only been considering all this stuff in the last couple of months, so still feel quite new to it. x

PS - @Excitablemuch - Where do you get your ubiquinol? I'm comparing a few.

I got mine from amazon and bought this Ubiquinol 200mg 30 Softgels EAF CoQ10 (Enhanced Absorption Formula Coenzyme Q10 as Kaneka QH) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LFVDK1E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_96aeFbFRNG6RE?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Expensive but I figured for egg quality was worth the money. Will stop taking that now but carry on b6 and pregnacare for first trimester I think.

@Excitablemuch - Thanks - I've got Prime, so will order some. Also some B6. Can't harm!

@CC81 just to add I buy my ubiquinol from here. I was recommended these ones by a few ladies on here.

Their pretty reasonable. It’s £58 for 2 packs. I take 2 capsules a day so 2 packs lasts me 2 months.

www.naturesbest.co.uk/co-q10/co-q10/ubiquinol-100mg/

it's really good to read other people have similar fears. I am 32 and had some weird changes to my periods about a year ago.....spotting in the days before and much lighter, watery blood. I am used to heavy periods.
My dr did the day 3 and day 21 tests and everything came back ok, except my prolactin levels were slightly raised. He didn't really say much in relation to that and I thought nothing of it,
Dp and i have not used contraception for some time and havent managed to get pg. I have two teenagers from a previous relationship but also had an ectopic about 10 years ago and lost a tube. so all in all I don't think I stand much chance of getting pregnant right now. I have done lots of reading online and I am hoping I can improve my chances by loosing a good chunk of weight- I am 1 stone down so far but think i could do with losing another 4 or 5!!! I am also taking vitamins to help with my overall health.
My next step is to start exercising more as I have become very sedentary during lock down. I am not sure if there is anything else I can do but I will be watching this thread for ideas. DP is in his 40's too so I am not sure if that effects our chances too. Ideally Id like him to get his swimmers checked but he is having none of it.

@Moominmiss - Thank you - it's good to have a few to consider.

@JamesZebra - It sounds like you're taking the right steps. Also, time is on your side. I'm only 6 years older but it feels ancient! And I'll be 39 in October - eek.

I'm now considering getting an AMH test done privately - to establish egg quality/quantity - as that may indicate whether I should simply keep trying, or seek further help. It's £170 at our nearest clinic (with a referral from the GP).