Pregnant with third at 43- older child has downs syndrome

[Jan15iP]

Hi I know my situation is unique but just wondered if anyone else has been through this: I just found out am pregnant aged 43. My older kids - both boys aged 12 and 9. The 9 year old has Down's syndrome. I wouldn't change him for the world but I know how difficult and unpredictable( both from my own and friends perspective ) having a child with a disability can be. This baby is very much unplanned and I am so scared that they will have a disability. Anyone got any pearls of wisdom and hope to share?

Recommend NIPT/ screening in general .

I had my ds at 43. Perfectly OK.
Friend had her ds with ds at 19 and went on to have 3 healthy kids.

Bit of a lottery imo.

I refused a nuchal scan as would have kept him anyway. . If you want all the tests you go ahead. You know first hand. .. You are well entitled to make decisions based on your whole family more than most. .. Good luck. .

Congratulations. I had my DD at 34 and she also had Down's syndrome. I'm currently 13 weeks pregnant with my second. I had a CVS on Monday and got the all clear yesterday. Fingers crossed for you x

Sorry, should have said i'm 39.

No advice or experience but I just wanted to say congratulations and good luck x

i second the NIPT test (you can find lots of info on it online). it's a lot more accurate than the combined test they normally do.

Thanks for your words of encouragement and advice -am slooowly getting used to the idea! ( early days!)