Over 40s pregnancy

[OrangeSmartyPants]

Can anyone give me their experience on pregnancy and new babies when they've been over 40 please?

I'm around 7 weeks pregnant, single, already have 4 children, the youngest of which is 8 and all the friends I've spoken to have (kindly) said that I shouldn't continue with the pregnancy as I've only just got my independence back-I do a lot of extreme sports.
I understand they're doing it out of kindness, and also agree with them but something is making me want to continue with having the baby.
I am worried about the further risks at my age though. So please, tell me how it's been for you older mums.

Hi, I'm 40 and currently 15 1/2 weeks pregnant with my 4th. I have 3 older children who are now grown up and independent, oldest one has left home.
I'm no longer with my 3 childrens father and my DH doesn't have any children of his own and really wanted one so I said why not.
So far my pregnancy has been fine, not quite as easy as my others, when I was much younger, but it's not been awful, I get slightly more tired faster, although now into 2nd trimester this has eased a lot, unless I really over do it then I feel exhausted.
In terms of health care my midwife has been lovely and hasn't treated me any differently because I'm an older mum. I have been placed under consultant led care because of my age and because my previous pregnancy was with twins and I had pre eclampsia with them. Although saying that I haven't heard a word from the consultants yet.
I was also advised about the higher risk of Down syndrome and other abnormalities, however I declined the tests and the midwife said that was absolutely fine, she said she declined then when she was pregnant too. However when I had my 12 week scan the sonographer said that although he had seen in my notes that I declined the tests he wanted to let me know that everything looked normal and he saw no signs of abnormalities on my scan, which was reassuring

Hi, I'm 41 and 34 weeks pregnant. I know loads of women in their 40s having kids. Most with few if any complications. I've had a few issues, gestational diabetes requiring insulin, but that's not likely due to my age and more to do with genetic predisposition ( my mum had GD with her pregnancies when she was in her 20s). Do what's right for you, it's completely your choice either way.

I’m 43 will be 44 next week and I’m 36 weeks pregnant on my 5th. My youngest is nearly 3 so was over 40 having her also. No issues in pregnancy bar GD which I’ve had in 3 pregnancies one in my 20s so definitely not age related and tiredness but show me a pregnant lady anywhere who isn’t! It definitely keeps you young and I wouldn’t change it for the world

Sounds silly but do u actually want another child? Maybe ur undecided either way especially if ur single with 4 other children. If you think you'd provide a loving home, time, care and love id say go for it.
From my experience im currently 37 weeks pregnant with my second im 40 years old. Its been so exhausting, ive been anemic, had gestational diabetes, morning sickness till 28weeks now its back! Its been so hard but the love i already have for this baby gets me through and keeps me smiling. This baby was a surprise although deep down i did want one so the decision was easy. Good luck x

@Bryterlayter1 I can’t think of any ‘appropriate’ way to ask this so I really hope it’s not offensive to ask. When you say you know lots, how many if any have chromosomal conditions? I keep thinking about another one but I’d be 40 at least and the risks weigh on my mind!!

Hi @deeperthanallroses I have 6 friends over 40 who have given birth this year. None of the children were born with chromosomal disorders. I suppose what I don't know is if any friends have gotten pregnant had testing for chromosomal disorders and terminated before telling the wider public they were pregnant

I did have a friend a few years back who was in the position of having a pregnancy when a significant developmental condition was picked up at the 20 week scan, but this was due to both her and her partner being carriers for this condition and she was also under 40 at the time, so it wasn't age-related.

Odds of some conditions, like Downs do go up with maternal age but you are still far more likely to have a baby without the condition than one with the condition.

I don't have any other children but I'm 41 and my 2 month old baby is perfectly healthy so far. Two friends my age who have older children have just had babies and are all happy and doing well. It may not be right for everyone but you know whether it is feasible for you.

I had my first aged 39 and had an easy pregnancy. I was considered high risk due to age and BMI of 31 but there were no complications besides anemia in the third trimester which was pretty grim. I had a very easy recovery after my c section, remarkable recovery really, I was home the next day and out walking with the pram before she was a week old.

I'm 40 now and wanting a second but I actually came looking for a thread like this. I often wonder if I'm crazy considering another pregnancy given my age but I don't want my daughter to be an only child.

46 over here and 33 weeks pregnant. Hasn't been smooth sailing as I have PGP but everything else is fine. Had GD test which was negative. Under consultant care due to age. This is baby number 5, had baby number 4 last year in July and again that was pretty ok apart from the PGP

That's amazing and gives me hope trying again at 40! Congratulations!

I am 45, had DC2 12 weeks ago. Pregnancy was fine no issues. Under consultant care due to my age. Originally considered high risk for Downs at the 12 week scan (nuchal was fine, it was mostly stats based on my age) had NIPT test to make sure which came back as low risk. No health problems whatsoever- blood pressure and protien levels always fine.
Went into labour slightly earlier with DC2 (38 weeks, DC1 was 40 weeks). Ended up having emergency c-section due to low fetal heart rate during delivery but that could happen at any age. Baby is healthy and thriving! If you're healthy, willing and able (space, money etc) to welcome another child go for it! It's a bit of a gamble no matter what age you are, even if you were 15 years younger there would be no guarantees, so congratulations relax and enjoy this wonderful time. Wishing you a smooth pregnancy and birth and much joy x