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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Due when I'm 40...!

17 replies

McBobby · 16/12/2012 21:27

It's taken me a week to get used to the idea of being pregnant again even though it was planned. But now I'm starting to think of the risks involved with being 40 and pregnant. Maybe that's why I haven't shared the news with parents yet. Definitely feeling a little cautious and apprehensive. My last pregnancy was straightforward at 36. I've had a coil fitted since and then removed when we were TTC so that may be putting the doubt in my head and stalling th celebration. Thoughts anyone? I know you can't predict the future but...oh I don't know, think I busyness reassurance please.

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Original poster

McBobby · 16/12/2012 21:29

just need reassurance

OP posts:

dietcokeandwine · 16/12/2012 21:48

I'm 40 and currently nearly 34 weeks pg with DC3 ...my last pregnancy was also at 36, and very straightforward. I shared your initial worries about being pregnant at 40 (this too is a planned and very much wanted pregnancy) but it has honestly been fine. Other than feeling a lot sicker this time around (which tbh I put down as much to running around after 2 children as anything else) I've so far had a textbook straightforward pregnancy this time too. Nuchal/blood results gave a risk of 1:980 so very good for my age, all scans perfect, no bleeding or anything like that....just the usual pregnancy delights of sickness, piles and constipation

You have every chance of having a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby at the end of it Plenty of women are having babies at 40+ these days! Good luck.

didireallysaythat · 16/12/2012 21:51

40 is no longer considered to be an 'older' pregnancy, at least where I live it isn't. I had my second aged 41 and wasn't treated differently.. Yes I was aware if the statistics and I paid for a private nuchal scan. Congratulations and I hope your pregnancy is as straight forward as your first - I found it easier !

Devora · 16/12/2012 22:00

I had my first at 41, and had a very uneventful pregnancy. Of course the risks are higher but what you gonna do? You can't take a magic pill to be ten years younger so you really just have to get on with it

A straightforward pregnancy at 36 will also up your odds of having a straightforward pregnancy this time. Very best of luck.

Original poster

McBobby · 16/12/2012 22:18

Thank you all so much. I know I'm worrying without reason.
My mantra is becoming, "There is no reason why this pregnancy shouldn't work ."

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Boggler · 16/12/2012 22:27

Discovered I was pg at the ripe old age of 43 and had dd when I was 44, the pg was very very stressful (high risk for ds etc) but now she's here I feel like I did with my ds 8 years ago. You'll be fine

sleepyhead · 16/12/2012 22:27

I'm 40 and 23 weeks with ds2. It's all going really well and I'd say that, on balance, this pregnancy has so far been slightly easier than my first at 33.

Midwives etc have been fairly underwhelmed by my age, although I'm being monitored slightly more closely than with ds and am having a growth scan at 28wks that I didn't first time around which is probably age related.

We weren't lucky with screening tests and bloods after a good nuchal came back 1:27 so I opted for an amnio which was fine. I didn't feel under any extra pressure to have the tests though, despite age-related background risk.

Good luck! I do have a wee wobble about stuff like being 50 when ds2 is 10 etc, but what's the point, I can't change the fact of my age - this baby will be a much, much loved child of an older mother and father, the much, much loved sibling of an older brother. He exists and we are delighted!

sleepyhead · 16/12/2012 22:29

Sorry, that isn't clear. The bloods gave me a 1:27 Down Syndrome risk - the result was clear though.

stowsettler · 17/12/2012 09:25

I'm 39, will be 6 weeks shy of my 40th when #1 is due to make an appearance. I don't think being 'older' has made a blind bit of difference. My good friend aged 32 had her first a few days ago and my pregnancy so far has been a breeze compared to hers. No nausea, SPD, backache, not much tiredness since 14 weeks, and just a little heartburn. My poor mate has been really struggling with tiredness, constipation and various other ailments.
I was very fit before pregnancy and I'm absolutely convinced that this has made life much easier for me. That said, maybe I've just been lucky!

DaffyDuck88 · 17/12/2012 11:27

I'm 44 and pregnant with my first child. An unexpected delight, DD is due this week and I have had a remarkably healthy pregnancy throughout. I too was worried initially but have been assured all along by medical staff and many other people telling me about older mothers. There are way more of us out there than we realise! In fact on a routine visit my local GP said she was also her mother's first born at 44.

I've loved being pregnant, still am despite the lack of sleep in the run up to birth! I hope your pregnancy is as wonderful and problem free an experience for you too. Very best of luck! x

Thumbwitch · 17/12/2012 11:52

I turned 40 while pg with Ds1. No problems at all.

Just had Ds2 aged 45 - slightly more problematic, in that I ended up with polyhydramnios and DS2 was unstable lie but in the end, everything was fine and he was born naturally (with induction, ECV, ARM and syntocin aiding!) and has had no problems since, apart from growing hugely! I was tested 3 times for gestational diabetes but didn't have it; tested for infections but didn't have any; don't know why the polyhydramnios happened but in the end it wasn't a huge problem.

However, the one big difference I have noticed is that my belly hasn't shrunk back as nicely this time as it did when I was 40. :( Oh, and the SPD is still hanging around a little, which is a nuisance. But I have crap joints anyway, and have had sciatica for years, so it's not that surprising.

You will be fine, I'm sure - congratulations!

FoofFighter · 17/12/2012 12:54

I will be due when I am 40 too, my last pregnancy which I sadly lost earlier this year the MW didn't even mention my age at all, it's really nothing out of the ordinary these days.

nananaps · 17/12/2012 13:24

42 here and 33 weeks pregnant and F.I.N.E

Have you considered all the tests or is it a bit early to be thinking about that yet?

If you are, i can talk you through amnio as this is what we opted for.

Original poster

McBobby · 17/12/2012 21:53

Thanks for all your replies everyone. I don't want any tests. I never had any last time either. We decided it wouldn't affect how we would move forward.

I'm not stressing about my age and I'm physically fitter than last time (and hugely lighter!). I think it's mainly the 'when I will be 50 s/he will be 10'.

Oh well, I felt old enough at 36!

OP posts:

Thumbwitch · 17/12/2012 22:55

Well I will be 50 when DS2 starts school, if that makes you feel any better

Devora · 17/12/2012 23:15

I will also be 50 when dd2 starts school. I am hoping for maximum respect at the school gate, as befits my status as a tribal elder

Amnewtoallthis · 21/12/2012 20:33

Got pregnant with DD1 at 37 now 20 weeks pregnant with no 2 at 42.
I am training to be a fitness instructor mind, so I am healthy. Have to say haven't found my age an issue- but we have had to do extra tests because my age put me in a high risk category for various things - but all tests came through clear.

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