Pregnant at 43 and stunned

[aboutbloodytime123]

Just that really! Realised today that my period was 9 days late. But I think I am perimenopausal because in recent months it's not been regular. Not even sure what drove me to do a test this time. But I did (twice!) And omg.
This is my third pregnancy, my partner's first. We are both in a bit of shock. We weren't trying, but I have been off the pill for a couple of years. Was pretty certain baby days were behind me for various reasons. My eldest DC is 10!
Just need a handhold please x

Congratulations! You'll be fine once the shock wears off. My friend just turned 42 and is pregnant with her first. Holding your hand

Sounds like a big shock OP How are you feeling about it? Is it a pleasant shock or an unwanted shock? My eldest is 11 so I can empathise (for me it would be an unwanted shock).

Thank you @Mishmased!

@ASimpleLobsterHat I really haven't got my head around it yet. The thought of starting again with babies and nappies is pretty mind blowing. And my partner has absolutely zero experience. I can't say it's entirely unwanted... but it wasn't in the plan, put it that way!

I had my 4th at 42! He wasn’t planned but honestly is the best thing that happened to me!

Life rarely goes according to plan! But then that’s why it’s interesting. We all have zero experience with the first one - at least you’ve got some so you can tell him exactly what you need him to do

Wow, congratulations. I didn’t have my kids till my 30s and my biggest regret is not having a 3rd in my 40s because I felt too old.
Now I’m 50 plus I know I could have easily done it. Enjoy, it will be a lovely experience.

Congratulations, I had my 3rd at 43, unplanned and a large gap from my second child. I sometimes feel old now that a 13 year old is walking about, but the older siblings do a lot of the daring stuff. The 3rd one loves the older ones, and gets an insight into life as a young adult living away from home. This is a gift to you.

Good luck! You’ll be just fine. How lovely for your partner too.

Thank you ladies 💐I am feeling calmer about it all today, and your kind words are a big help. Partner is still looking at me a bit like a goldfish 😂
The DC are with their dad this weekend so he and I can have a proper chat and think about what this all means if it goes well. We'll have to move house for one!

I had a dc at 43. 2 when my dh was 33!! His first dc.. Not mine though..
He had never even held a baby.. Ever!!
He actually became a sahp when dc was a few months old and worked pt self employed.. He was more than amazing!!
Congratulations op!! There was a 6 year gap between the dc. They are very close.

Congratulations!! You and your family will be just fine. 43 is nothing.. it just means you have more experience!

We weren't trying, but I have been off the pill for a couple of years

I hate to break it to you but unless you were using some other form of contraception, you were indeed trying for a baby

Congratulations. What an adventure you are in for!

Congratulations OP. I’m a similar age and this would be my worst nightmare but you seem to have got your head round it, so good luck to you

Congratulations that is lovely news x

We weren't trying, but I have been off the pill for a couple of years

You were trying then. If I had a pound for every woman that got pregnant after saying they didn’t think they could have kids any more I’d be very rich indeed. Not very responsible to be so frivolous with the possibility of creating a life but hopefully it’s a good thing for you.

I have four friends aged 42-47 who got pregnant. The 47 year old was the real shocker, but it can happen.
Congratulations!

I had my one and only child at 44 and had assumed much earlier that I couldn’t get pregnant due to various gynae issues.

In my case I didn’t test until I was about 10 weeks pregnant as I assumed it was menopause symptoms I had. After about 6 positive tests, I accepted I must be pregnant and made an appointment with the GP practice.

Finally told DH at 12 weeks after telling my sister first. I was still half in denial.

DS is 11 and I couldn’t feel more blessed.

Congrats @aboutbloodytime123, hope you're getting your head around it now and are feeling more excited! I've just turned 43 and am almost 15 weeks with a very much planned and wanted baby. Had my first (twins) at 41 and my age has never even been brought up or mentioned as an issue by anyone. When I mentioned it to my midwife she just laughed and said it's common. Being a new mum in your forties is amazing! Feel free to PM me if you want to chat to someone in a similar position xxx

Erm you were having reasonably regular periods and not using contraception that kind of is trying for a baby albeit you thought it may not happen. I'm currently 17 weeks with a bit of a surprise as we also weren't using contraception and I have regular periods but my nearly 2 year old took 5 years actively TTC and a round of IVF, even with my fertility history we still knew pregnancy was a possibility and were prepared for that consequence. Congratulations I'm sure once you've got your head around it you'll get over the initial shock.

@BumbleBiscuit

We weren't trying, but I have been off the pill for a couple of years

You were trying then. If I had a pound for every woman that got pregnant after saying they didn’t think they could have kids any more I’d be very rich indeed. Not very responsible to be so frivolous with the possibility of creating a life but hopefully it’s a good thing for you.

What is the point of being so nasty to someone? This is pregnancy, not AIBU!

Congrats OP I'm sure you'll both make amazing parents, and having DCs that are a bit older might mean you a little bit more help (maybe) when your new baby arrives. I know a few women who got PG at 43 and you're in good company!

Thank you again for the lovely supportive comments 🙂 sitting here feeling tearful which I think must be hormones!

I'd much rather be "frivolous" at 43 than spend my time being nasty to random women who ask for support on the internet, but each to their own 😂

I have not gone into detail about my medical situation or other forms of contraception so everybody who thinks they have an opinion about that is sadly mis-informed.

@ArtfulScreamer. My friend who had a baby at 45 was similar- she’d had two children in her 30’s through IVF and assumed ( as you would) that there was no chance of an accidental pregnancy...until she started feeling really sick while on holiday...it wasn’t food poisoning.🤣
She had a healthy DS, adored by his older siblings.

@aboutbloodytime123

Thank you again for the lovely supportive comments 🙂 sitting here feeling tearful which I think must be hormones!

I'd much rather be "frivolous" at 43 than spend my time being nasty to random women who ask for support on the internet, but each to their own 😂

I have not gone into detail about my medical situation or other forms of contraception so everybody who thinks they have an opinion about that is sadly mis-informed.

Congratulations !! pay no attention to negative comments , you are very lucky , a gorgeous baby ! . I had a planned 3rd at 40 , best thing ever for our family , adored by all.

Congratulations

Delighted for you @aboutbloodytime123! I’m currently 32 weeks pregnant with number 3, and I’m 42. Dp is nearly 50. Not a single professional had batted their eyes at my age. Just start taking folate asap, and rest yourself as much as you can. I hope it all goes well for your family.