Trying to conceive over 40 part 2

[October1979]

Here is a new thread for us girls

@October1979 glad you had a good time its difficult to know how to react until you're in the situation and you can judge the vibes in the room.

@Lemonbell I do feel ovulation twinges on occasion but not every month.
If your sleep patterns aren't regular bbt may be difficult and deffo take your temp before you throw the covers off 😂 you may benefit from a tracker like an Ava bracelet instead of using a thermometer, more pricey but you can pick them up second hand on eBay and more reliable than a thermometer

@kirinm if you haven't had any tests yet speak to your gp. An amh is good if you're looking at ivf but won't tell you much about natural conception and most gps won't do one but there are others they'll do, fsh, Lh, progesterone etc

@October1979 that's so hard to know what to do with your friends, Glad it all went ok from you

Hi @DOB78 have you had any tests done yet? May be worth getting some done with your gp if not

@marvelouslymadmum hi just been referred to fertility clinic and started acupuncture this week see how it goes.
I think my issue is low progesterone as we've managed to get pregnant twice but they don't stick....

@DOB78 it could be. We had three early losses. With the one that stuck I used progesterone pessaries from 3dpo. I have no idea if this is what worked. I have a feeling it was more age related and egg quality. It’s worth a try though. Luckily my Gp prescribed it and I took until 14 weeks. Xx

@October1979 I’m so pleased your night out went well. It’s so hard being in those situations. Xx

@catconfusion your GP sounds supportive, did you have progesterone bloods done and then this was prescribed? This is a whole new world to me as I conceived my other children without issue but I was in my 20s then so things were working a little better😄. Trying not to stress about it but just bought some opks and conceive vitamins🙈

I'm worried if I go to my GP he will just tell me in too old and refuse to do any tests. Has anyone had a similar response?

@DOB78 the GP before I had when I was pregnant with my ds prescribed it. She was amazing. I’d had two losses and she felt it was worth trying. She didn’t do any tests as she felt low progesterone is hard to diagnose. I started it at 14dpo and had no problems with that pregnancy. After my ds I had a real fight on my hands getting it prescribed as my previous GP had retired. In the end they did prescribe it on the basis of had it before. I lost 3 pregnancies where I’d started the pessaries with a positive test so 9/10 dpo. When I tried it at 3dpo the pregnancy stuck. It’s best to take your temperature and make absolutely sure ovulation has happened if taking it early. Xx

@kirinm I was 41 nearly 42 when I saw the doctor and I got a referral for fertility and gynae support. No questions were asked. I’m not sure if there is a cut off age for a referral on the nhs but they can definitely do some basic tests for you. I’ve not had a single health care professional make a comment about my age. In fact my EPAU said they’re seeing lots of ladies in their mid to late 40s in early pregnancy. Plus my midwife has two ladies in their 50s on her books. They should hopefully be supportive of your wish to have a child. If you have any problems see another doctor and make a complaint.xx

@Catconfusion thanks that's really helpful I was told BEP Clinic I would need a positive pregnancy test before they would start progesterone but 9/10 dpo might be too late. Will see what the Clinic say if I get an appointment. Currently 4dpo so waiting and trying not to overthink

@DOB78 I think the nhs are getting better at prescribing progesterone. There’s certainly plenty of evidence it can help in some cases. It makes sense starting early will help with implantation. I hope you get a bfp. Xx

@Catconfusion it make perfect sense to start taking it early. Thankyou so much

@kirinm I can't say I've had a negative response from any professional we've spoken to but family has been a whole other response! Our parents think we're too old and think we're mad for trying

@DOB78 I’m sorry to hear that. It is however perfectly normal to have a baby later in life. Hopefully they’ll be more supportive when you’re further along on your journey. Xx

@DOB78 if that's the case you can ask for progesterone supplements which can help. I also conceived two children with absolutely no issues and really quickly in my mid twenties, I really didn't think I'd have this much trouble 🤦🏼‍♀️

@kirinm some gp's are less supportive, the first one I spoke to at my surgery did a couple of tests then said it was probably down to age and sent me away but I asked to speak to another gp and got a really supportive one who did a whole load more tests and referred me to gynaecologist at the hospital too. I also had a lot of other health care professionals that have said it's not unusual to be trying at this age, on the whole mostly very helpful

Just placemarking here for later, helpful thread, thanks x

@Catconfusion each to their own they aren't living our lives so I try not let it bother me too much.
@Marvelouslymadmum I can only ask I guess, see what the next few weeks brings

@DOB78 yes exactly it's worth asking and see what they say

I'm pleased to hear so many of you had positive experiences with GPs. I don't trust mine but I might give them a call and see if I can have a telephone consultation and see what they say. I don't have any obvious signs of peri-menopause but it is always in the back of my mind. I think it would give me some closure if I was told that actually, I am probably too old now and my chances are extremely slim.

@kirinm I'm a little torn about testing part of me would like to know if I'm still able to have children and if we have a chance but I don't know how I'll feel if I'm told we can't and there's none to slim chance. Maybe ignorant bliss isn't a bad thing and we just keeping trying and hoping x

[quote DOB78]@kirinm I'm a little torn about testing part of me would like to know if I'm still able to have children and if we have a chance but I don't know how I'll feel if I'm told we can't and there's none to slim chance. Maybe ignorant bliss isn't a bad thing and we just keeping trying and hoping x[/quote]
I think I'd be able to make my peace with it a bit if I was told there's no chance. I'd rather that then spend every month testing / wondering if my boobs being sore mean anything this month etc. It's draining. We've been trying for 20 months now.

Hi all, not posted much on this group but just wanted to update I had my first scan yesterday and am 13+1 with my second at 42, so keep the faith!!

@Jem1979 aww that's lovely to hear thank you for sharing and congratulations

Aww @Jem1979 congratulations. That’s lovely news. Thanks for updating. I’m now 18 plus 5 and it’s going well. Also 42 and nearly 43 when baby is here. Just shows it can happen. Xx

Congratulations @Jem1979 I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly.

I called my GP - can't get an appointment but have asked for a call back explaining what I'd like so let's see!