Trying to conceive over 40

[October1979]

Here is a new thread for us girls

Aww thanks @Honey2 I was a primary school teacher and then a professional writer. Now I’m a sahm. I just know how hard it is but having gone through a pregnancy after two losses and having ds I know happy endings are totally possible. Xx

@Lastyearttc I’ve had a positive on those tests once at 9dpo but usually 10 dpo. I think they are quite sensitive just not great for seeing line progression over time. Xx

@birdbybird I’m 2 dpo at the moment so just trying to keep busy and try not to worry. I normally find the first week easy but those last few days before testing just drag. Not long now for you. Xx

@birdbybird I'm 11dpo... trying to the test until Friday if I can hold out! Had a temp dip yesterday to the cover line so thought I was out, but it's recovered this morning so we'll see what the morning brings!

Aw good luck to you @Lastyearttc I hope Friday brings good news. I think I’d go stir crazy to test so late but I think it’s wise. My problem is I get pregnancy symptoms so early that I have a good idea so I tend to test early to confirm. Then get even more disappointed if it doesn’t work out because I’ve known for a few days. Xx

@Catconfusion it's damage limitation... cycle 12 since last mmc, 43 next month, not getting my hopes up!

@birdbybird and @Catconfusion I’m 4 days dpo but not holding out much hope as just not feeling it. I have thrush AGAIN too which isn’t helping. Wishing you both much better luck!!

Aww @Lastyearttc I can completely understand. Have you ever used progesterone? My GP gave me it after I had two mcs and then I had ds. I’ve been using it as soon as I get a bfp but decided this cycle to start on 4 dpo as all three bfps since Christmas didn’t stick. I’ve also been taking baby aspirin throughout my cycle. I’m just trying not to give too much thought to it.

I really hope you get a nice surprise this cycle! Xx

@Mum2baby07 oh no I’m sorry to hear about the thrush. Well you never know. I absolutely wasn’t expecting it when I found out I was expecting ds. I really hope it’s your month! Xx

@Lastyearttc the temp dip could have been an implantation dip?

@Catconfusion I haven't tried progesterone but am definitely going to ask the consultant on Friday about it. I know @October1979 is using the cream too.
If I do get a Bfp I will start taking baby aspirin straight away as got it ready just in case.

@Honey2 I did think that too... but now getting the heaviness feeling down there that you get before your period so thinking she's coming.

Pregnancy and af symptoms are exactly the bloody same so it's so hard to predict!

@Lastyearttc I know! What a dirty trick by Mother Nature!!!

Unfortunately I started spotting today and test is lighter. I’m kind of pleased in a weird way as I didn’t think this one would stick and I was really depressed at the thought I would ‘waste’ another 2weeks waiting for a MC. I am wondering if I should get the progesterone cream. Can it really be bad eggs 3 times in a row or is something else going on? I know that’s what they will investigate at my apt at the recurrent MC clinic in Aug, however I’m likely to ovulate and have another go at TTC before I get to that appointment so not sure what to do??

I'm so sorry @Honey2 that is so unfair. I found it helpful to phone the woman who I got the natural progesterone cream from for a chat. I felt exactly the same after my third loss in a row. I just wanted to see if progesterone was an issue and explore the possibility. Sending you a big hug xx

@October1979 thanks. I just a bit nervous ‘self prescribing’ things when I know I’ve got a gynae apt coming up. I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to admit to using it 😂

@Honey2 I totally get it. I would wait if I were you too. I self prescribed because I wasn't given any medical support. Plus went with the natural bio identical version from plants rather than chemical. Hopefully the gyne can give you some answers and help xx

Oh no @Honey2 I’m so sorry to hear that. Sending love and healing to you! As far as I’m aware low progesterone is quite hard to diagnose. The GP I had before ds didn’t think twice about prescribing me the pessaries because she said it’s harmless to use. At that point I’d had a mmc and a chemical. The month I used it I went on to have ds. This might be a coincidence but I feel like it did something. Progesterone can be inconsistent as we age and lead to problems in early pregnancy. I can’t see that the natural cream will do any harm but then I’m not a doctor. There’s lots of foods that help with producing progesterone so you could go the dietary route.

I’ve had three losses in a row too. My doctor explained it in a good way. He said when you’re younger you have four numbers on the dice and one is miscarriage, the other three are viable pregnancies. Over 40 there are only two numbers on the dice so you’ll get either a viable pregnancy or a miscarriage. It’s totally feasible that three could happen in a row but also the same chance as a viable pregnancy so it’s worth it to keep going. If you think about it, if you rolled three 2s in a row and there were only two numbers, it wouldn’t seem odd at all. I hope you can get some rest tonight. Xx

@October1979 @Catconfusion thanks both. I know I just keep needing to ‘Roll the dice’ but I’m starting to wonder home many more goes I have in me. I think I will go ahead and get the progesterone cream. How much does the pessary deliver?

@Honey2 so sorry to hear that. So hard to have to go through that again. Fingers crossed for the next roll of the dice xx

@Honey2 it’s so hard and difficult to know. I can imagine it’s all a bit raw at the moment. It’s Cyclogest 200mg. I had a real fight on my hands getting it this time around as my lovely gp retired. They don’t normally prescribe it but I’d look at the Tommy’s research and push for it. I can imagine the recurrent miscarriage clinic might give you it anyway. Xx

If you have no luck there @honey2 our consultant at the Lister really pushed me taking cyclogest so that could be an option too.

Catching up - @Honey2 I’m so sorry for another disappointment:-( Does feel like your body is really trying to get that good egg tho! How are you feeling today?

@October1979 I’d be exactly the same (if I ever get a BFP again 🙄) but I agree with everything the ladies here have said. There’s no consistent symptoms, so all you can do is cross your fingers and wait it out. Urgh. But again - I’m so jealous your body is trying so hard! Mine isn’t doing a thing.

@Catconfusion Was a really useful thing your doctor said about over 40 MCs- thank you for sharing!

@Lastyearttc I’m 43 next month too. All starting to feel rather futile…but then there are SO many success stories too. Hard to know what to think about chances!

For my part I’m adding in vitex, EP, aspirin and magnesium this cycle and might order that progesterone too (though my 21 day was 45 so I think I’m pretty safe on that…just thinking I’ll try new things!). I’m concerned that I’ve had a static smiley peak today (cd9) on clear blue which suggests ovulation day 10. This means a short follicular cycle which suggests old eggs! Of last 6 months I’ve peaked twice on day 9, three times day 10 and once day 13. I don’t think you can do much but figured with no sniff of a BFP and with 43rd bday imminent I should just throw a few more supplements into the mix! Gonna be high as a kite next month 🤣

@Honey2 sorry to hear this, I was really hoping this month would be different for you. Sending you a big hug XxX

For the ladies on progesterone, when have you been told to take it? I’m on 3 dpo and was thinking of starting it tomorrow. Before now I’ve been taking it when I’ve got a bfp but thinking if I take it for 6 days and then test, I can discontinue if a bfn.

Also has anyone had a dental procedure while ttc? I have an infected tooth so I’ve had to take antibiotics and I’ll now need it taking out. I’ll be calling the dentist today about having it out as soon as possible, before a potential bfp. I can’t think of a reason why it would lower my chances of conceiving. If I keep it, the infection could become a problem in pregnancy so I need it doing. Xx

How are you feeling today @Honey2? Xx

@catconfusion I was told to start two days after lh surge onwards to my period but it sounds like I'm on a much higher dose (400mg daily) so possibly it could be different for you