Biggest shock of my life

[Shocked44]

I've joined this group specifically because I need to talk about what I've just discovered - 44 years old, unprotected s$x with my husband for well over 20 years (had a miscarriage with him when I was 21) - resigned myself to never having a baby of my own. Every time a friend or colleague got pregnant I became more comfortable with it just being me and him for the rest of our lives....
I thought my period was due, sore boobs etc. Had some very light spotting yesterday which I assumed was the start of my period, then nothing. Realised period was late (usually 28 days like clockwork), funny taste in my mouth, super sensitive sense of smell. Thought it was in my head but went to get a test anyway (part of me kind of 'knew') - got a very strong positive - didn't believe it so did another. Then went back to get a digital one which says 3+ weeks. I daren't be happy yet, I'm just stunned.

Congratulations op.
I had my last lo in my early 40's. I sailed through the pregnancy, have more patience and thoroughly enjoy my little "surprise"😀

Huge congratulations OP, what an amazing surprise! I was also a first time mum in my 40s. Wishing you all the best.

Same situation here!
Wishing you all the best x

Thanks for the suggestion - if I had pots of money yes I’d consider going private but unfortunately I don’t so it’s in the lap of the gods :-)

And you too x

Congratulations on your lovely news. I had my last in my early 40s....lovely 🙂

Huge congratulations 💐

@Shocked44 many many congratulations! Wishing, hoping and praying for everything to go smoothly and positive for you 💕

Lovely news

That’s so exciting I know this happens a lovely late baby. I wish you all the very best with the pregnancy and motherhood. !

I second the advice to take each day as it comes. I hardly dared hope when I found myself pregnant at 44 after a number of miscarriages. I told myself every day “I’m still pregnant today.” I also had some hypnotherapy to help me with the anxiety I felt and it did help. As I said upthread, I have an 11 year old DD who is my absolute everything. 40 something pregnancies aren’t that uncommon - when I was pregnant with DD I had 4 friends in their 40s who were pregnant and all of us were fine. I have everything crossed for you OP.

Best of luck OP, I have one friend who had her daughter in her 40s and indeed DH came as a massive surprise to his Mum as she was 43 when he was born!
Hoping for the same good results for you.

Congratulations on Mother Nature’s last hurrah. I hope everything goes perfectly for you.

How lovely! Huge congratulations!!

So bloody happy for you xxxx

Amazing! @Shocked44 such wonderful news

I too hope all goes smoothly for you. I’m sure you will have your anxious moments but if it helps, I was born to a 47 year old mother - she was TOTALLY shocked as well; completely natural and unexpected! And much rarer then than it is now (I am 30).

despite her worrying enormously about the risks of being an older mother I arrived perfectly happy and healthy, and am now expecting a baby myself :)

Good luck!! 🤞🏻

The sweetest thing I've read in a long time, really cheered me up. As other said, take each day as it comes, I understand there will be anxiety, mixed with excitement, it's not always a good feeling. Be open and honest with everyone, don't bottle anything up. Relax if you feel need to, light exercise if you feel need to, go with the flow.
Would be amazing if you could update this in a few months time! Try not to forget 😄
Wishing you both all the very best and massive congratulations.

This is the best thread I’ve ever read. Massive congratulations to you and your husband OP 🎉💐 so pleased for you! Praying for a happy & healthy pregnancy!!

*CatHatSat · Today 21:02

Congratulations!!

@Shocked44 As this is such a precious pregnancy, may I suggest you get in touch with the private wing of your local nhs maternity hospital?

There are blood tests they can do to check if you need any help increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

For instance, thresholds for thyroid are much lower in pregnancy, if they’re slightly out then that can prevent the pregnancy continuing. Also progesterone, if levels are slightly too low.

I am thinking of thyroid particularly, as the closer we edge to menopause the more likely we are to have problems with thyroid.

Going private means you’re likely to be seen this week and by someone more senior.

Thanks for the suggestion - if I had pots of money yes I’d consider going private but unfortunately I don’t so it’s in the lap of the gods :-)*

That's a really good idea... if you can't afford private, you might be able to get a blood test on the NHS for this due to your situation. I've had my thyroid tested before (as in blood test for it) and I didn't have to wait long at all (NHS).

Congratulations. I had my two at 41 and 44. They're both well into their teens and DS is taller than me now 😀

Thyroid levels can easily be checked at your GP surgery. As PP said, hypothyroidism is relatively common - I was diagnosed after I had blood tests while trying to conceive. Easily fixed with medication.

As an older (40+) mum you will also be recommended to take aspirin (to lower risk of preeclampsia) in addition to the usual folic acid and Vit D.

I had both done in my forties naturally, my second when I was 43. My great grandmother had her last (of ten !!) at 45/46

Congratulations! X

Actually I have just checked the census and she must have been 47 or even 48.

Congratulations! Lovely news...keeping everything crossed that you have an ordinary, lovely pregnancy ahead!