Any older expectant mum's out there?

[45andfine]

I'm 45 and rather unexpectedly having a 5th child. It all seems more scary this time around, familiar, but with other worries.

@45andfine I also split up with my kids dad 5 years ago and met my new partner 14 months ago, we have lived together for a year now. He is 17 years younger than me which a lot of people think would make things really challenging but he's the so mature being a late accident baby himself he grew up with siblings who are now in their 40s so he has a very mature head on his young shoulders.

Unfortunately the bleeding started up again yesterday not long after I messaged which was quite upsetting but still no pain or clots so I'm still hopeful! Only 8 days to go until we know for sure!

@Helbelle17 welcome! I'm 43, expecting baby no. 4 with a new partner. Welcome to the group! X

@Mystie so sorry to hear about your bleeding. I know how worrying it can be. for you

@Secretlifeofme thanks for thinking of me, trying to stay positive until we know for sure

@mystie I feel for you. You sound so brave, but I know it breaks you inside. So many times I've wished for a little window in my tummy to check on everything ❤️

@Helbelle17 welcome! The media does get to you doesn't it?!? Since finding out that I'm pregnant, my mum had told me that my grandmother's on both sides had pregnancies in their 40's quite successfully. It was just regarded as normal back then, if a tad inconvenient! Our society seems to be occasionally prejudiced against nature!

@secretlifeofme how has it all been for you? Delivery of my little one seems ages away! Are you all prepared??

@em39ma
Posting at 4am... Assuming it was another painful night? Are you allowed to take painkillers? I really do hope it stops as soon as you deliver. I know what you mean about carrying children on your hips! Easy and instinctive but damaging.

@45andfine feeling less than brave today, feel so depressed can't even raise half a smile for anything. On one hand I'm reassured as I know this feeling so well from previous pregnancies but my god it's debilitating. Really takes me back to my PND and how out of control and useless I felt. Thankfully my OH is being super patient and I have 12 series of Big Bang Theory to help me crack a smile.

@45andfine I take paracetamol as I go to bed and again if I wake after 4 hours, but they can make me sick if I take them too often.
This is the problem they have when inducing me on Wednesday. I’m allergic to all narcotics, aspirin, iberprofen and codine. They also think the gas and air might be a no,no too.
Last heard hopefully getting an epidural as soon as they can give me one.

@45andfine it's been pretty good thanks, apart from the fact that I am really missing sweet fruit like grapes but I can't have them because of the gestational diabetes we are pretty well-prepared in terms of having everything, but we haven't set up the nursery yet - doing that this week! How are you doing?

After 5 days of bleeding I've decided to get my hcg levels checked this week so am at the hospital waiting for first blood test, second one on Wednesday and then results on Friday. At least we will have a stronger indicator on the outcome of next Monday's scan before the weekend. Still feeling lots of symptoms though so trying to stay hopeful.

Haven't posted for a while as just been chugging along getting incrementally bigger.
Nearly 18 weeks now, and I'm really, really, really hoping that I'm going to start feeling better!
I'm so tired, I've got zero energy and have started getting some pretty full on headaches. Spent most of yesterday in bed, then a couple of hours in the night up with nausea and heartburn.
This is my first baby (at 42) so I'm pretty clueless....everyone keeps telling me I'll feel better but I see no sign!

@Mystie hope everything is ok for you. I'm crossing fingers.

@ParksAndRecreation thank you!! Wish I was at 18 weeks although I feel for you being so tired! Can you squeeze a daytime nap in anywhere? I'm 43 so anticipating feeling the same... if I get there! Xx

Hello @parksandrecreation hope today is a better day! Have you had your iron levels checked? Makes a huge difference even just taking an iron tablet every other day.

@mystie thinking of you x and sending positive thoughts x

Oooh can I join? I'm 40 and 12 weeks pregnant with my first. I had a mmc and early mc earlier in the year so it's been an anxious 8 weeks since we found out. We've had 4 scans though and all looks good. It's my dating scan on Friday so can't wait for that. Looking forward to chatting! Xx

Welcome @catconfusion to the older mum's thread!! How is everything progressing? Were the 4 previous scans due to previous mc or age?

@45andfine I already had the first one booked via the gp as I had a suspected cyst. I then found out I was pregnant a few days before the scan so there wasn't much to see but good to know the sac was in the right place. I didn't have a cyst after all which was good. The other scans were via the EPAU and due to the mmc. They have been amazing. It's their practice to offer ongoing support after loss. I don't think it was to do with age. I've been told me losses were unlikely to be age related as all tests came back normal.

I'm 12 plus 4 today and I have my dating scan, eeek. I'm a little anxious, mainly about the screening tests but also can't wait to see baby and know it's all ok. My last scan was at 10 plus 5 and she/he was very active and looking very healthy. I can imagine there's been a lot of growth. I'll let you know how it goes! Xx

@Catconfusion best of luck today x

Hope it goes well today.
I have a private scan tomorrow - I'll be 8+2 - am terrified. I feel shocking, so many symptoms, but I've had bad news at scans twice now and can't stop worrying.
Hope everyone is OK.

Can I join the thread. I'm 46 and 22wks and it's my first baby via IVF. I'm on the plus side of life and so far I've had spot on illnesses such as tiredness, nausea - but these have eased. Feeling some flutters but I've been told cause I'm bigger it might be hard to pinpoint.
Felt a bit low last couple of days because at every appointment I have the staff mention my weight, didn't think it was that bad! (Size 16) plus warnings of diabetes, pre-eclampsia and now I'm being induced as they don't let older women go overdue due to stillborn risks.
Plus at 11wks I had vertigo caused by a headcold and I still have the after effects 10wks later!
@Mystie I hope you've had some good news, thinking of you.

Thank you for all your positive thoughts. Unfortunately it is sad news for me, my HCG levels have dropped which along with the bleeding will almost certainly mean this little bean wasn't meant to be. We will find out for certain tomorrow but that will only be a formality.

I feel devastated, numb, useless, empty and so very sad but I am grateful to have three healthy children and a loving and supportive partner and I'm sure our time will come again.

Thanks for all your kindness and support x

Thank you @Mystie I'm so sorry to hear your news. My heart goes out to you. Take care of yourself and I hope your recovery goes as well as expected! Xx

Hey ladies, my 12 week scan went well. Baby is measuring at 12 plus 5 and although he/she was a bit of a monkey we got all the measurements we needed. All were normal. We're both so relieved. Just waiting for the combined blood test results! Xx

@Mystie so sorry to hear this I can't imagine how you feel, take care.
@Catconfusion yay that's a relief!