Trying to conceive

[Mumof427]

Hi , I’m 38 (turned this 6 months ago ) and I’m trying to conceive with my partner , he’s 27 . We have a 2 year old together and I have 3 older kids from a previous relationship. We have been actively trying for a baby for 6 months and nothing, i get regular periods although this one is 3 days early and I’ve been taking folic acid to help as I’m still breastfeeding my 2 year old . Should I be worried about my fertility ? This is starting to get me down and worry me so just looking for any advice ? Thanks

Hey i don't think so. I'm wishing you all the luck xx

Well, biologically you are getting older. I had to do IVF for my one and only and had way more eggs retrieved when I was 33, the first round, than I did when I was 37, the last round. Your fertility may well be slowing down. Or it could just be that you need to keep trying a bit longer.

I have heard that your fertility can be restricted if you’re still breastfeeding. Good luck 🤞🏻

I’ve had regular periods since my 2 year old was 6 weeks old , so would breastfeeding still affect my fertility that much ?

Exclusively breast feeding can prevent ovulation, but your child is mainly eating food now so breast feeding isn't the reason you haven't conceived. I know plenty of women who conceived in their 20s whilst they were breast feeding. I think it's your age. Your fertility decreases in your 30s and this declines even faster in your late 30s and 40s. Maybe see your GP.

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/having-a-baby-after-age-35-how-aging-affects-fertility-and-pregnancy#:~:text=A%20woman's%20peak%20reproductive%20years,getting%20pregnant%20naturally%20is%20unlikely.

I had some blood tests via GP and a scan for follicles to know that I was still fertile. It just took forever. I was so frustrated at times but then I just managed to relax and enjoy quality time with my husband and one month it to ally happened. Good luck!

ok all this is making me sound like I’m just too old to be getting pregnant which is sad and stressing me out because I know people my age who are pregnant or have just had a baby

Those women could've just been lucky to fall pregnant naturally. Many will have had fertility treatments eg clomid or ivf and kept this quiet. Most people know that your fertility declines in your 30s.

You are not too old at all. In most of the cases it is just more difficult than when you are younger.

I totally understand that I’m older now and that that changes things but I didn’t think that meant that i couldn’t conceive again without help and that’s what a few of these comments have implied and that’s what is getting to me is all .

Don't let things get on you. It's totally possible to conceive without help. Initially at 37 I got pregnant right away but then I miscarried that one and it took more time to get pregnant again. Keep taking supplements, exercise, rest and eat healthy and you will get there. I do recommend getting some blood tests done as GP is able to tell from those where you starting fertility wise

@Olika thank you it’s just hard you know ? Im trying to be positive and I’m doing everything that I think would help , I take folic acid , exercise , eat well and I don’t smoke or drink . The only thing I don’t get a lot of is sleep but that’s just my life with my 2 year old . I just thought I’d get more advice of things to try rather than people just say well it’s cos you’re old you know ?

I got pregnant naturally for the first time at 38, took 8 cycles I think, it's maybe just gonna take a bit longer now you're older.

Fingers crossed for you, we'll be starting again for number 2 later this year when I'll be 39 and a half. Positive thinking, maybe you're just a couple of cycles away!

I did change the supplements I was taking few months before I finally got pregnant. Originally I was taking Pregnacare for years but then that time a new product called Proceive came out (or at least it was new to H&B) so I changed to that one. They also recommended me to take Uniquinol which I did. These both were expensive but at that stage I was happy to spend more money if that meant pregnancy.

@Olika @justanotherlaura thank you for your help , I hope it happens soon I’m just scared there is something wrong you know ?

For your mind I think you should go for blood tests. They really helped me as I knew there was nothing wrong with me.

@Olika I think I might , my smallest is only 2 so I don’t see what it could be as I had him not long ago but it’s just making me down that we keep trying and then nothing . Can your gp do this blood test ?

Where I live GP gives the referral and then you can book online to nearest pharmacy or hospital where they do blood tests

@Mumof427 egg quality declines as you get older so you could try at least 3 months worth of ubiquinol if you're not on it already. Are you taking a prenatal vitamin? 6 months is not a long time.

Please try and be grateful that you have 4 kids already. I'm 36 and I've been trying for 3.5 years with not one sign of a positive pregnancy test, plus first round of IVF failed. I'm pregnant now on my second round of IVF (hoping I still am anyway and that it's healthy, next week is my 7 week scan).

You're very lucky to have 4 children

Sorry I meant conception vitamins

Breastfeeding may be impacting your ability to get pregnant so you may want to think of weaning. And I echo the above, you just don't have as many good quality eggs any more. You need to give them all the help they can get. Definitely start ubiquinol. Also read 'It starts with the egg' to get more of an idea of how you can give yourself the best chance.

@wtawtaw i never for one second thought I was coming across as ungrateful? I know I’m very lucky to have my 4 and have experienced losses .
I have only ever asked for advice and was hoping to hear from similar people in the same situation as myself that was all
I was worried that was all