Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Pregnancy

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

5 Weeks Pregnant and Very Anxious

60 replies

GretchenandKitty · 15/10/2013 02:14

I recently found out that I am pregnant - will be 41 next month. I have been on a roller coaster since last Friday - from anxiety to depression. I have read so many threads on mumsnet and have seen so many of my fears reflected in them. I was pregnant one other time at 31, but that pregnancy ended with a blighted ovum. I have been having lower back cramps and lower abdominal cramps - really no other symptoms. I met with my OBGYN last Friday and she scheduled an ultrasound for 6 weeks. I am sure that a baby would only increase the love in our lives, but I (selfishly) like the "stork" idea rather than 9 months of this! Any support/encouragement/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
MrsCakesPremonition · 19/10/2013 10:21

Your therapist sounds like a very sensible woman - I love the walks idea.

Spotting and cramps are very common, just carry on looking after yourself as well as you can and relax. I did a lot of crochet in early pregnancy - it was relaxing and kept my mind busy enough so that I couldn't dwell too much on my worries - is there an activity you could do to keep your mind occupied?

GretchenandKitty · 21/10/2013 01:58

I have had spotting again today (four days total). This morning was a little heavier and I had lower back pain and abdominal pain - just like I was ready to start my period. Cramps have lessened, but I am still spotting (just a tiny bit of texture (tissue??) late this evening.) Again, I do not have another appointment until Oct. 29. These are my concerns - overweight, almost 41 years old, and taking 100 mg Zoloft (prescribed by my OBGYN) for anxiety/depression. Any thoughts? I know no one has all the answers. Thank you so much for all of your support. XX

OP posts:
MrsCakesPremonition · 21/10/2013 09:11

You have your scan tomorrow don't you? If you were in the UK, I'd suggest giving your community MW a call - is there someone you can speak to ahead of your appt. on the 29th? Just to maybe give you some reassurance.
You are doing really well - have a Brew and a slice of Cake and put your feet up.

GretchenandKitty · 22/10/2013 00:00

No, no scan. My next appointment is not until next week (10/29). I am sure that I could call, but I am sure that they will tell me to monitor it and call if it gets worse. My husband is out of town this week for business and the feelings of anxiety are back. :(

The only pregnancy symptom that I have is very slightly tender nipples - is that normal? The spotting was present this morning, but has decreased throughout the day. (This is day 5 of spotting.)
Thank you for all of your support - it means so much to me! I would love to have a slice of cake if we lived closer! :)

OP posts:
GretchenandKitty · 24/10/2013 01:53

Day 7 of spotting today. I am feeling so confused. No, I have not called my OBGYN since it is only spotting, not full bleeding. Any advice? Suggestions? Could this be a miscarriage?

OP posts:
MrsCakesPremonition · 24/10/2013 10:56

Gretchen - lots of women have spotting and go on to have a successful pregnancy, but sometimes it does unfortunately mean that things aren't going so well. Pregnancy symptoms can be something and nothing too. I really understand why you are stressed, when you are trying to second guess everything your body is doing and there aren't any concrete answers. {{hug}}. Not even the professionals can give quick or definite answers - so it really does feel like it's just a matter of wait and see.

However, I really would give your OBGYN a call and ask if they need to see you ahead of your appointment.

Take care of yourself.

rebeccax2 · 24/10/2013 12:30

Hi Gretchen,

I can tell you that I have had spotting on and off all first trimester and so far things are going okay. When I didn't get the reassurance i needed from the midwife or doctor I just booked a private scan. Is that something you can do?

You are so early on, you need to do your best to find some peace with things until you know more or this anxiety will wear you out. Even at 41 (I am around that age too) the odds are very much still in your favour.

xxx

GretchenandKitty · 25/10/2013 00:03

Hi Ladies,
Thank you so much for the advice and encouragement. I truly appreciate you!!
Slight spotting today, but much lighter than days past. I have been anxiously awaiting Tuesday's appointment, but now I am dreading it. Had more crampy feelings today (like my period is ready to start). Rebeccax2, were you labeled threatened miscarriage? What did the doctors advise?

My husband will be home tomorrow evening and I look forward to seeing him!
My whole day brightened when I read your comments! Thank you, thank you thank you!! Smile

OP posts:
Mogz · 25/10/2013 07:02

I know it is really hard but try not to dwell on the appointment too much, it'll come round before you know it and then you'll have the expert advice of your health care team to fall back on for whatever the outcome and whatever your questions.
Cramp type feelings could well be your uterus stretching and growing, I had that a lot during the first trimester, and am getting it again now that baby is putting on weight in the home stretch, nice warm bubble baths can be really helpful, as can a nice box of chocs Grin

MrsCakesPremonition · 25/10/2013 16:43

Hi Gretchen - how are you today? I hope your DH is home shortly and that he makes a big fuss of you, sounds like you need a bit of spoiling.

GretchenandKitty · 26/10/2013 01:31

Hi MrsCakes! I had a good day. Today is the first without spotting since last Thursday (8 days). My breasts were slightly tender, but that has stopped, too. I am most concerned (especially considering my age), but will finds out more at my appointment on Tuesday.
I am looking forward to a nice, restful fall weekend. Fall has always been my favorite time of the year! :) Yes, a little spoiling would be ok! HA!
Thank you so much for being a friend to me! I will keep you posted.

OP posts:
MrsCakesPremonition · 26/10/2013 01:38

Glad to hear you've had a good day today and that you are ticking along waiting for your appt.
I hope you get out and about this weekend. I've been out in the garden and went for a walk and some of the trees are turning beautiful colours at the moment. There's something about a crisp morning, blue sunny sky and red and orange leaves that lifts my spirits.
Have a lovely weekend.

GretchenandKitty · 29/10/2013 16:32

Hi Mrs. Cakes,
I had an uneventful weekend. Terrible cramping started last night and has gone through today. Not sure what it is. All minor pregnancy symptoms are gone (normal??).
My appointment is just a few hours away and I am just beside myself. Above all, I must remember that it is out of my control. Tyring to stay positive!! I will let know you what I find out. Thank you so much for all of your support and advice!!

OP posts:
MrsCakesPremonition · 29/10/2013 16:36

Hi, I was wondering what time your appt. is, so pleased you came on to remind me. I will be tying myself in knots, crossing everything for you. Not that you'll need my luck, I'm sure Grin. Is your DH going with you? It's always useful to have another person to help you remember all the important information.

GretchenandKitty · 29/10/2013 21:25

Hey Mrs. Cakes,
The appointment went well! I had an ultrasound and saw the heartbeat. Although the baby is measuring 5 days behind what we predicted, the doctors think there is nothing to worry about. (I thought I was 7.3, u/s showed 6.5) Since I am over 40, I will go to a genetic counseling appointment on Thursday. They will tell me more about the possibilities of problems, etc.

I am so nervous and worried!! Will I make a good mother, will the baby love me . . .
My parents were so excited when I called. I finally told them about the spotting, etc and said that the dr said it was fine. This will be their first grandchild and they are just beside themselves. I know how much family means to me and how much I love my family. I am sure that the "addition" will only mean more love to share!
Thank you so much for all of your support! I am not sure what I would do without you! I am off to dinner and to rest (whew, overwhelming day!). I will continue to update you. :)

OP posts:
MrsCakesPremonition · 29/10/2013 21:33

That is wonderful news Gretchen - congratulations to you and your DH. Thanks

Honestly - the best news I've heard in weeks Grin.

You are going to be a wonderful mum. Your baby will adore you and you will adore them.

GretchenandKitty · 02/11/2013 17:59

Hi Mrs. Cakes,
This week was a whirlwind. We went to our genetic counseling appointment on Thursday and have a CVS test scheduled for Nov. 26.

The anxiety (depression??) is sneaking back in on me today. My husband played golf this morning and we are going out to enjoy the weather this afternoon. Hopefully, that will help!
If you have children, did you ever experience anxiety or depression? Am I strange? I spoke to my mom about it and she said that she was weepy for a while but that having us was the BEST thing ever. I am hoping that this phase will pass and that I will embrace the love that awaits before me. Right now, I am trying for one day at a time. I am reminding myself just how blessed that I am. We had neighbors growing up that did not have children. Every holiday, I felt sorry for them. They would tell my parents that they would give the world for my sister and me. I never wanted to grow up and be Preston and Helen. Family is so important to me. I sure hope that my husband and I have made the right decision.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend! XX

OP posts:
Lagoonablue · 02/11/2013 18:05

Good luck. I think once you have a mc pregnancy becomes a time of anxiety as you have experience of it going wrong.

I am an older mum. I had DC2 at 47! So you are a youngster compared to me! Good luck. Try not to worry....though know it is impossible. Get used to it though. You will be worried now for the rest of your life!

MrsCakesPremonition · 02/11/2013 18:40

Hi Gretchen - I have two children. DD arrived after 2 years of trying, then DS arrived after another 4 years of trying after a round of IVF. I'm not sure that I was medically depressed, but I was anxious and with hindsight I found pregnancy rather overwhelming. I have health issues which can make MCs more likely and I had to learn to inject myself daily with anti-clotting drugs. At the time I thought I was coping with everything that was being thrown at me, but looking back I think I was a little, um, unhinged for a while which mostly manifested in my being very controlling.

The bit I found really hard was the first trimester. Once the initial excitement,planning,scans,meetings with midwives etc. had happened - then, well, precisely nothing. In the UK you just get on with it between 12 and 20 weeks. So I was experiencing something which was consuming my thoughts and life - but very few people knew I was pregnant (because of the previous MCs), I couldn't really talk about it, there was little medical support needed etc. etc. so all the time I was putting on this "business as usual" façade at work and with friends while feeling very unlike myself. I think that those pesky hormones are the cause of feeling very peculiar Grin.

Any how - this is a very long winded way of saying that I think it is very normal for pregnant women to feel anxious and depressed, even frightened and unsure about what they are doing. After all - you are in the middle of turning your life upside down for somebody you've never even met!

Have you had a look at any of the pregnancy threads yet? There is generally a thread/bus for each month when babies are due. That way you can chat to women who are at the same stage in their pregnancies as you. Perhaps something you could join when you feel ready to take the plunge.

Take care of yourself.

Sammc1878 · 03/11/2013 20:16

How are you doing? I'm also 41 and feeling anxious due to history
I hope your ok after the weekend x

GretchenandKitty · 04/11/2013 02:26

Hi Sammc1878,
Congratulations! Hope everything is going well for you! When are you due? Is this your first?
I have had a rather dull weekend. I slept a lot on Saturday. Much needed rest - I teach 7th grade! Today, I had a couple of meltdowns. I just could not stop crying. My husband is so supportive and understanding. I wish I could find happiness and stop worrying. This evening I have had some mild back pain and some cramping. I think I need to just go to bed!

Thank you for your concern. I love having "friends" to talk to here! XX

OP posts:
Anyfuckerisnotguilty · 04/11/2013 04:30

Hi just wanted to wish you good luck

I thinks it's very normal to experience the cramping, your uterus is stretching at the rate of knots

And I had a lot of brown bleeding and spotting, so much brown bleeding more than spotting I almost got a hot water bottle and painkillers as I thought i was def miscaryying

And now here I am up breastfeeding the little fella

Sounds you your little one will be v loved and treasured and just wanted to try and reassure you a bit and wish you good luck xx

GretchenandKitty · 05/11/2013 00:31

Thank you so much! I have been so worried about my age . . .
Trying to stay positive

OP posts:
MrsCakesPremonition · 05/11/2013 09:25

Hi Gretchen - how are you doing today?
Sending you some very relaxing positive vibes and a large slice of Cake.

ChicaMomma · 05/11/2013 09:37

Gretchen, 2 very close friends of mine had their first babies at 40, they now both have 2 gorgeous little girls. 40/41 is not that old anymore! It really isnt. I'll be 38 having my first next June, most of my friends are the same. The chances of anything going wrong are SO slim, they really are.

As for the spotting- i was freaking out about this also- my obgyn told me it' smore unusual NOT to spot than to spot.. i had 10 days of it,then it went, then came back tomorrow. All normal apparently.

The odds are very much in your favour, regardless of the minor risk factors you mention. There's a much higher chance of you having a healthy baby in a matter of months than not. So please try adn remember that and enjoy the pregnancy. Easier said than done obviously :)

Swipe left for the next trending thread