Aged 48. Pregnant naturally and unexpectedly.

[BabaGanouche]

So worried. Just had a positive pregnancy test (or five tests to confirm) that I am pregnant again at 48. I have two other children born in my forties. First planned at 40, second a surprise miracle at 46. Both healthy and incredibly advanced for their ages. Anyone had a good outcome with a natural pregnancy this late. I really don't know what to do. I will have the harmony blood test, but even if this is okay, I'm not sure I can go through with this pregnancy. Anyone been in a similar situation. Advice desperately needed. Thank you. So happy with the two I have got, but terrified of having another when I will be 49.

I used to work at Surestart Centre. Our oldest mum was 49...beautiful, happy, healthy baby boy.

Good luck with your pregnancy

My great grandmother got pregnant with her 10th child at 49, born when she was 50. He was perfectly fine and still alive today. My great grandmother lived until she was 100 so had many happy years with her youngest.

Thank you so much. It's incredibly reassuring to hear some positive stories. I feel so foolish that this has happened at my age. I remember laughing at the consultant when he asked me what birth control I had planned on taking after the birth of my second DC. I said if I got pregnant again then my case would end up being reported in the Lancet. Honestly, I think women are given contradictory advice. Mostly, that it's pretty much a miracle to get pregnant after 45. I'm a mess right now. I don't want an abortion, but I don't know if continuing with the pregnancy is the best decision for us as a family unit.

We’re in a similar position! I am 41 nearly 42 , already have 3 kids 7,6,4 year olds , I am 15 weeks pregnant with 4th and really stressed about weather we’re doing the right thing ?? Husband really not on board and we’re both struggling big time emotionally and more recent financially too ! Thought having the NT scan and bloods etc might help but they couldn’t get the measurements etc needed so now have to wait a few more weeks for a different blood test ! I feel I should be ( we should be) happy and excited, but just not the case. I just feel so alone and unsupported right now , be greatful to here from others who have been in similar situation , thanks for listening x

BabaGanouche, don’t feel ashamed it’s amazing what are bodies are capable of , I think we need to stop worrying what other people will think , age should not matter ! We have battles we can not avoid ( age related pregnancy issues , and extra risks associated that we can’t avoid) we don’t need negative people in our lives right now , always about if you need to talk ( I am not very good on with IT and computers so will do my bed to reply, take care xx

I’ll be 48 when I deliver DC2 early next year. Natural conception, totally unplanned, and unexpectedly normal pregnancy so far after scores of miscarriages. It’s been difficult to get my head around why I’m having a successful pregnancy (so far) now. I’m excited, confounded, terrified and exhausted in equal measures. I’d finally gotten my head around having an only child (DS is almost 5) and I’m finally in a job that I love and that pays very well but is super demanding. This pregnancy feels like it’s happening at the wrong time for so many reasons. But then I think back to all the tears, anxiety and anguish of all of those miscarriages so I am trying to be grateful we are getting this chance. @BabaGanouche I hope you come to the right decision for you and your family.

My friend had hers at 47. She married at 29 and after years of not using birth control but not getting pregnant and she just thought it wasn't to be. He's off to uni next year.
But she only had the one to deal with and was financially comfortable. It also partly depends on how you feel about parenting. I found it a huge adjustment when I became a parent in my 40s, and I wasn't a natural mother, if you see what I mean. My kids are great and we are very close (they are mid and late teens), but I found it so much harder than I expected.

Its okay too if you decide its not right for you/your family to continue. It sounds a really difficult place to be right now.

Would it help to talk it through with someone trained ? I think Marie Stopes etc still offer this.

Hi op, me again with the great grandmother who got pregnant at 49. This is what she told me...

She hadn't had a period in nearly a year and thought she was surely in menopause. Turns out she was about six months pregnant. She had gone to the doctor at my great grandfather's insistence because she had been feeling "off" for several weeks. Surprise, surprise...

She said at first she was utterly devastated, and that feeling lasted for weeks and weeks. Her last, 9th, baby was born when she was 40, so she thought all of "that" was long behind her. This was 1949 so she obviously didn't have the safe options we have today. She told me my great grandfather was so shocked he couldn't speak for nearly 2 days.

By the time my great uncle was born she felt better about it, and she said the second he was born everything negative was forgotten. She was over the moon with the baby. This baby was 2 months older than my mother, BTW. My grandmother, my great grandmother's eldest, was married and pregnant with my mother when she was pregnant. Life can definitely be crazy!

All I know is that you need to do what is right for you. No one else. I wish you the very, very best.

My BiL's sister had her's 5th at 52. Now he is 8 I think. Normal pregnancy and birth.

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. Still in shock atm. Hopefully things won't seem so frightening once I get used to the idea.

I know two women who had kids at 50 - unplanned. It is not usual but not unheard of. The two women I know had healthy babies.

Louisa Dillner had a lovely series in the Guardian when she found herself in a similar position 10+ years ago. This was the first article: www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/oct/24/luisa-dillner-pregnant-older-mother

And this is the series that followed:
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/series/pregnant-again-at-48?page=3

Scan shows 4 months pregnant and all looks good. Still waiting for blood test results, but feeling more hopeful. And we, as a family, are now on board with this🤞 Hoping our little bean stays strong and healthy 🙏

Sounds good, congratulations!

Congratulations 🎉 I pray you have a healthy pregnancy.

if all looks good then congrats you can never predict anything in life x

Thanks for your kind messages. We are now over the shock (well as much as we can be), but I still feel quite embarrassed to be pregnant at my age. It almost feels akin to a teenage pregnancy. I honestly don't know how I am going to break the news to my poor old dad ...who worried to the ninth degree during my previous pregnancies. Anyone else feel this way with a late in life pregnancy?

Also just want to say that when I had my unexpected DC at 46, I was bloody scared. But my DC has turned out to be the greatest joy in all of our lives. I honestly can't imagine life without this beautiful miracle.

Your age is only a number - don’t be embarrassed - be proud of your body - obviously your biological age is much younger - massive congratulations!

It’s how you present it - radiate confidence.

Tell your Dad this pregnancy was planned!

Congratulations. Hoping it all goes well x

My friends stepmom fell pregnant naturally at 52. Her dad was in his 60s.

So happy for you, congratulations

Congratulations! Our bodies can be amazing