Pregnant in my 40s

[MO2MB]

Hello, I am 42 and I have just found out I’m pregnant! Are the worries of being pregnant in your 40s now a thing of the past? I guess I will be subject to all of the usual tests but I just want some reassurance that it’s no longer a big deal to be pregnant in your 40s.

Just get used to every medical professional you meet tell you it's 'because of your age' as the stock answer to every time you ask a question about anything!

Congrats 😃

I disagree - I was pregnant (first time) at 43 and no professional commented on my age at all - even when I asked for a ELCS I was told 'no' as I was a 'healthy, fit young woman' - I was overweight and never did any exercise .............. and ended up with an EMCS.

It really wasn't a big deal (for me), I had no health problems or concerns - the only negative comment was towards my DH when he was with me after DS was born and he was asked 'Is this your first grandchild?' .

Haha Ragwort, I am fully braced for the grandparent comments. Thank you For the positive feedback. I think I’m relatively healthy so shouldn’t be too worried but I guess it’s natural to have concerns.

Hi - we sound like we're in the same boat MO2MB. I'm 40 and just found out too (well Monday!) Is this your first?

I was 39 when I fell with ds. Apart from the usual Trisomy tests, there was no worries from the obstetricians or consultants I was seen by. Everything went like clockwork. Perfect pregnancy, spontaneous labour, vaginal birth, no pain relief but only because things went more quickly than planned. I was begging for a c section at one point and home after 1 night with a few stitches. It'll be fine!

Thank you orangebird69 for another positive response.Congratulations shortcake 76. I have a seven-year-old son and just found out this week that I am expecting again. This was planned and I did do lots of research but it’s not until you see that positive line that all becomes very real. It’s very early days for me but it’s still very exciting. I just read a really interesting article about pregnancy over 40 and it was really positive ! 😊

Congratulations - I had my second at 42 - got no comments from medical staff and have never been called a grandmother.

I would have another child now if I was so lucky l.

Enjoy it all and take care of yourself

Thank you note 😊

I'm 41 and 31 weeks and 3 days. The hospital and midwives I've seen so far haven't mentioned my age, it's been a positive experience. I am consultant led due to age but that's it. 😜

Thank you also much for your kind responses. Did or are any of you having the N I PT? We are considering this at the moment .

Sorry to sound daft but what is N I P T?

I will be looking to be tested for everything.

I'm 42 and DS is 7mo. DD is 4. No one ever commented on my age/weight etc. I did have a lot more scans this time round and was consultant led but I had had 4 mc's between the 2 and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after DD was born.
Both born naturally with no issues (tiny grazes) DS was in SCBU for a week but absolutely nothing to do with my age. Enjoy!

Congratulations OP. I had my first at 39 and second last year at 43- both lovely pregnancies and no mention of my age either time. (Unfortunately I did suffer 2 mmcs in between so we are counting our blessings and stopping at 2 )

NIPT ( non-invasive parental testing). Apparently it’s a blood test that can be done from 10 weeks which can detect Down syndrome among many other things. It can even detect the sex of the baby. My doctor told me about it, it’s not yet available via the NHS so we are thinking about going private. I think it costs about £400 but It is supposed to be relatively accurate and to be honest I am dreading the thought of an amniocentesis.

Does it pick up on the same MO2MB as the amniocentesis? I definitely will be looking in to getting the NIPT done privately as just Googled it.

I don’t think it picks up the same as an amniocentesis. I believe it’s an early detection test which can help to determine if an amniocentesis is necessary. I think it’s supposed to be much more accurate than a scan and obviously you can have it done a couple of weeks earlier than your first scan. I’m no expert but it is something that I am looking into.

lol must just be me then, I'm 40 and have had 'because of your age' at every single point of contact so far!

Thank you so much! That is so reassuring and I am definitely going to go for it X

Definitely reassuring. Me too. Now to find somewhere that carries it out locally.

👍🏻Good luck 😊