Unplanned pregnancy at 37 - reassure me about my age please!

[DontCallMeDaisy]

It's not planned at all, but a lovely surprise. It's early days too, I think I'm about 6 weeks. I'm, we're, thrilled to bits, although I know anything can happen. (I've had two MCs in the past)

But I've been reading a lot (as you do) and I'm becoming increasingly alarmed about all sorts...

-The fact I've missed all those weeks of taking folic acid
-the fact I'm now classed as overweight, which seems to have crept up on me

And the fact that now I'm considered so old that had I been TTC I wouldn't have left those things to chance as now the chances of this baby having issues such as DS have literally increased ten fold since I had my DD 8 years ago. Also, all the women in my family start the menopause early, from about 40 so I've got it in my head that my eggs are probably all in worse shape than me.

I know there are lots of people who've been pregnant my age and older with no issues. I know a few such women myself.

But I would love to hear some positive stories about surprise pregnancies in overweight women hurtling towards menopause who didn't take folic acid. Or anything remotely similar.

Also if anybody can share a link to positive information about 'pregnant women of advanced maternal age'.

TIA

I'm 37 and pregnant with twins. Lots of women are having babies in to their 40s now, rarely with ill-effects. At 12 weeks you'll be offered screening for DS, Edward's and Patau's so for now, just relax and enjoy your pregnancy. Congratulations!

I'm 43 with a 7 year old....so was Pg at 35/36....all was fine. Don't stress. And most importantly Congratulations.

I am 38 and pregnant and due just before my next birthday. The midwife said I wasn't old. She said people are having babies later and they class if more older after 40. Someone I know works with someone they just had her first at 45/6!!

I'm 39 and 14 weeks pregnant. Some overweight and been trying so long that I'd given up on folic acid. Found out at 6/7 weeks and started taking it. So far so good. You will be fine

I’m 37 and pregnant! I’m knackered, but I’m 37! Good luck x

Thank you everyone you've made me feel normal again. I don't FEEL old and my common sense tells me what you're all saying, lots of people do it now, but when you read stuff, it all makes you feel ancient. Are the statistics about the odds of congenital conditions over 35 outdated now too then?

I'm glad to hear everyone is doing well. Fingers crossed this one sticks, I'm starting to feel so excited. But also knackered too @Gettingonabitnow. That's one of the things that made me do a test, the overwhelming tiredness. At the most inopportune time. Its much worse than any of the other I've been pregnant. Either a sign I'm getting on a bit too or maybe there's two in there . I would LOVE that!

to you all and virtual to get you through until you can have the real thing