Pregnant at 39

[Bethanne]

Anyone out there my age and pregnant? I thought I had completed my family nearly 6 years ago and now have a surprise pregnancy. Am concerned about the possible effects of my age on the health of the baby.

There are lots of 'maturer' mummies on here Beth.. first time and otherwise.. so hang on and someone will come to your aid!

Congrats!

I was 37 when I had DD .. does that count? she was and is fab but I found the pg more difficult than with DS when I was 32 . .. but that's cos I was a totally unfit

I don't like the word 'maturer' .. I am old dagnammit .. I spent many years getting to this stage and I would like the respect that I deserve

Pah, 39 is a mere stripling! I'm 41 and 34 weeks pregnant - and I'm not the oldest one on here...

Seriously, I've had a very healthy pregnancy. I'll be honest and admit that my baby has a minor abnormality, but it is NOT age-related.

Of course the risks go up as you get older, but they start escalating most rapidly after 40. I really think that at 39 you have every reason to anticipate a totally healthy pregnancy and birth.

Sorry Twiglett old girl ... I will be sure to refer to you as 'old' at every available opportunity in future. Respect!

SJ (A baby at 33 .. but I feel 103 believe me!)

There's nothing remotely old about 39! What are you concerned about? Women your age and considerably older have healthy babies every day of the week. Apart from an increased risk of Downs Syndrome there are no risks to the baby connected with age. IN fact, babies of older women usually do slightly better than average (for all sorts of complicated reasons). And remember, the vast majority of babies with Downs are born to young mothers.

had my last baby at 38 and 9 months!!!
He was fit and healthy and so was I. He was no 5 so was told of numerous risks etc..just smiled and said thank you!!!
I dont think it is old to have a baby. I know lots of 'older' mums!

Had my first at 39 - and at 44, am still trying to conceive No2.

Didn't have any problems - and no-one made an issue of me being an "older" mum.

Having my fourth at 39.....

Thank you for all your reassurance. I have 4 already and they are brilliant kids. The oldest is fourteen and I thought he would be mortified at the idea but he is really pleased and is already demonstrating life skills that I think will make him someone a wonderful husband someday. 'sit there mum, I'll make you a cup of tea,' and that sort of thing!!

methinks my joke will backfire SJ

Bloody hell, my cursor was obscuring the 3 in 39 and I thought it said 89!!

But pregnant at 39? That's positively young and whippersnapper-like nowadays Congratulations!

Had one at 39 and 41. NO problems. 39 is not too old. DOn't let anyone scare you although many will try. I know I do it myself all the time, but I really hate the term "older mom". Just can't think of another term, there is just something about it that sounds like a put down. I don't mind the aging thing, it's just the suggestion older moms are somehow deficient. 39, your still a babe!

I had ds at 38. He is beautiful, normal and healthy! (proud first-time mum puffs out chest). Dh and I are tentatively discussing trying again next year - I turned 40 in March so I guess some would say we are pushing the envelope

Had dd1 at 37 and dd2 three weeks after my 40th birthday. Both the most fabulously lovely girls you could imagine.