Pregnant at 44!

[oldmother44]

I'm 6 weeks pregnant! I'm happy. I'm terrified. This was planned, well we thought we'd give it a go even though the chances were slim and a month later it worked!

This is baby number 3 for me. 2 with my late husband and now this. New partner has 2 kids already so we aren't novices.

So, why am I terrified??? The risk of miscarriage is high. The risk of the baby having problems is high. I had severe Preeclampsia with both my others, my first was born at 32 weeks and had scares from 30 weeks to 38 weeks when we called it a day with my second.

Anyone else an older mum to be in their mid 40s?

My mum had her last two in her mid 40’s. Love my little sisters and they slotted into our family perfecrly. There’s only 4 years between my sister and my son and now my son is 11 months and they can properly play together they’re best friends. Just wanted to say congratulations and good luck for a healthy happy pregnancy!

Thanks. My kids are 4&5 and his are 6&9 by the way so not a huge age gap.

I'm excited but terrified if it all goes wrong.

Hi! I’m 42 (and 8 months 🙄) and I’m 6w 5/6 days pregnant. There are loads of us “oldies” out there! Yes I’m terrified of mc having had an mc 22yrs ago and an mmc aged 39 (had a baby since). Trying to take one day at a time! Xx

Congratulations to you! Just to add to the other messages my Mum had my youngest brother when she was 42 without complications. I think these days with people having children later and later midwives and doctors are more aware of potential complications and keep a close eye on 'older' mums. Good luck with everything l.

I’m 42 having DC 3. Actually I’m 40w today. It’s been treated as a high risk pregnancy due to my age. Had DC1 at 39w, DC2 at 37w so was assumed I’d have had this one by now!

Be prepared for lots of doom-mongering due to age, and try to let it wash over you if you can. For the whole pregnancy I was told i’d be induced by 39w due to age...but growth scans from 30w revealed no problems whatsoever and i’ll be left to go to 41w + 10d like anyone else at this point. Although I really hope something happens soon!

DSis just had her first at 46. No problems, congratulations!

I'm 36 weeks pregnant and I'm 44, less than 2 months off turning 45.
All has been fine with the pregnancy, apart from that I now have low iron and am having an infusion tomorrow but other than that really nothing to report! Oh and I got extra scans at 28, 32 and 36 weeks due to my age
I'm having a CS at 39w but that's not due to age , it's because I had a major pelvic floor repair surgery 18 months ago .
You'll be fine! Just a note of caution, miscarriages are more common in your 40s, Ive had several at 8 /9 weeks. But once I got to 12 week scan I felt pretty optimistic.
Oh and I paid for the harmony test at 10 weeks for peace of mind re downs etc.
Good luck, you'll have a busy household but you'll be fine! What lovely news for you all xxx

Thanks everyone. You are all so positive which is good to hear.

I won't go full term I know that, max I was allowed when I was 39 was 38 weeks so if I get that far I'll be happy. It will be a planned CS as I've had 2 already.

I am considering the harmony test at 10 weeks to double check all is well.

I guess I should just relax and see what happens. It's a nice bit of news after all my sad times with my kids when their dad, my husband died 2 years ago. So maybe it's about time my luck is in.

@oldmother44 yes this happiness is much deserved after the difficult times you & your children must have been through. I keep everything crossed for you!!

OP not sure what maternity hospital you intend on using but it is worth checking whether yours does the reflex DNA test on the NHS:

Research article -
www.nature.com/articles/gim2017188

News article about the research -
www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/09/doctors-develop-transformational-new-reflex-dna-screening-test-for-downs-syndrome

Congratulations op!

No experience personally but my mum had DB 2hen she was 45 and said it was the easiest pregnancy and birth out of all of us.

Wishing you all the best for a smooth pregnancy