Anyone pregnant over 40?

[Bluesky85]

I’m 5 weeks pregnant at 42 and this is my first pregnancy. Everything I read about pregnancy over 40 is a little pessimistic! I’m worried about telling people in case they judge or feel like telling me how ‘high risk’ it is. I’m looking for others for moral support 😊come and say hi 👋

Hi Olika! and others,
I just turned 43 years and I am 4 weeks pregnant, and this would be my first child, perhaps we can keep chatting here as mental support?

My doctor is super worried because of my age, and wants to do all sorts of tests on me, so I think I need a bit more of a balance I hope I can find it in this forum,

I am also looking for advice on what to expect in terms of antenatal care during the pregnancy (I mean in terms of medical support, so scans, tests etc; for those over 40 years of age)

I don't have any personal experience, being only 32, but my mother gave birth to my little brother when she was 42, back in 1996.

Both were absolutely fine, no issues at all.

@tweetiepie1 definitely don’t get yourself worried 🙏🏼 I’m 44 and 28 weeks pregnant now after a long infertility and IVF journey.
None of my medical team have been worried at all but they do monitor you a little more (which is actually really good!)
you’ll likely be consultant led which means you’ll get an appointment with them to discuss birth options, after that you’ll get extra growth scans at 28/32/36/40 weeks which most people don’t get. You’ll get tested for gestational diabetes around 26 weeks which is a bit more common in older mums. Everyone gets screened for downs/Edwards syndrome at the 12 week scan.
The size of the baby will be monitored closely in later stages - if they either get too big or slow down in their growth they’ll want to get them out via c-section. You’ll likely get the option of elective c-section from the consultant too - apparently the uterus can become weaker with age so might make natural birth more difficult.
personally, I’ve just stayed open to the options and possibilities and I’ll make decisions as I go along based on what’s right for the baby 👌🏼
you’ll be absolutely fine 😁 congratulations!!

Thank you Kelb79 for the info this is really helpful, as I am still waiting on the first appointment with the hospital, but things are hectic so I need to plan my free time for the appointments in advance.

Don't worry - so common now. I had first at 40 , second 43 and now trying for third at 46 . Don't notice any age issues . And congratulations.

@tweetiepie1 I'm 41 and 6 weeks (I think). I am scared of getting my hopes up and quite frightened of the journey ahead. It's been an 11 year journey getting here and I thought we no chance now! Booking jn appointment next week. I'm hoping I'll be monitored more closely tbh. Reassuring to have extra scans etc.

I had my first at 43 (he's nearly 1 now) and am currently 44 and 9w pregnant with my second, both IVF. I had more appointments than the typical younger woman, but I'm fine with that, and under consultant care.

First pregnancy was uneventful. I think I had it pretty easy with no nausea or food aversions. I kept active, walking (occasionally running, but I did that previously) and pregnancy yoga.

The doctors wanted me to have DS1 early due to him measuring small at all the growth scans. They were concerned the placenta wasn't working well, but Doppler scans showed good blood flow.

Birth was by c-section at 37+4 after we tried for an induction and his heart rate dipped with contractions. But he was perfectly healthy (2.5 kg), other than having mild jaundice for a few days.

Hi. I'm 43 and 6 weeks pregnant. Has come as a complete shock. We had given up. We had a miscarriage 2 years ago and then tried ivf 1 year ago. I had come to believe it wasn't going to happen for us and had accepted it. We were very excited to go into fostering. We're 90% of the way through the process. I am currently working my notice period at my job!!

I guess we have to have the attitude of what will be will be. Just taking each day at a time. It's certainly going to be a big test in patience. Struggling to sleep very much at all though. Although it doesn't seem to affect my day. I am full of beans!!

Hi everyone. I'm 40 and 4+5 with baby no.2. Very nervous, but also aware there's nothing I can do to affect outcomes.

Thanks @Kelb79 for that info. My DD is only 17 months old but I figured things would be different with this pregnancy re. monitoring because I'm that bit older. Not sure whether to push for early scan due to previous ectopic?

I am so desperately hoping that this pregnancy is as healthy and uneventful as my last one. 🙏We had a few losses before DD.

https://www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/induction-for-advanced-maternal-age/ could be helpful to read..

Over 40 and possibly pregnant. Hi I’m new to this site and it’s muy first time posting. Been trying to conceive for 2 years. Had 4 miscarriages. Did a random test today but I’m not sure. Gonna post a photo. What do you think? This was tonight using one of those test strips.

@RaeanneB78 that’s definitely a line! Gentle congratulations ❤️ I’m so sorry about your MCs, are you able to get support from your EPU with early scans and possibly progesterone supplements etc to support the pregnancy? xX

Thank you. I’m petrified right now. Like I’m scared to go to my gp and to be told it’s not viable 😭😭. But think you’re right I might need progesterone to progress my pregnancy..

Good luck @RaeanneB78 ! Gentle congratulations.
I wonder how everyone is doing? I’m now 26 weeks pregnant, and turned 44 a few months ago. I’m finding this pregnancy much tougher than my last one 6 1/2 years ago. I have low iron levels, I get very tired and I’ve developed allergies and ezcema that I’ve never had before. I have a demanding full time job, a 6 year old and I’m not as fit and active as I was last time round, but wondering if it’s just harder at this age?

Hi all! I'm 41, and 4+5 (ish) with number 3. Had a miscarriage back in August and a D&C at 8 weeks. Feeling very nervous atm! Had one chemical with my first pregnancy then two little boys (now 4&6). Really hoping things progress well this time! Be lovely to meet some other people in similar situations x

Hi all, I had a dating scan today and am 8+4 (as I thought) saw a little heartbeat. Very relieved to see all is growing in the right place and it's not ectopic.

Hey hope you well. So I am as you only found out last night. I don’t have must symptoms to talk about, just tiredness and achy boobs. My anxieties are through the roof. I’m praying that it sticks and your sticks as well. Best wishes x

I was 39. No problems at all. Smooth sailing.

Nobody mention my age. I said I felt old to the midwife and she said "you're still young!"

Congrats by the way

I’m 25 weeks now (age 42) with my first and feeling pretty good. I have a few aches and pains now and then and get out of breath just walking up a few steps, oh and my feet are constantly swollen but otherwise feel ‘normal’. I had such bad morning sickness up to about 18 weeks so I think I’m still just enjoying not feeling that rubbish anymore 😂

Hi all, so last night I changed my worries from loss to age related chromosome risks. I really do get so anxious in early pregnancy 😵‍💫😵‍💫

Gosh, some of you ladies have been through a lot. Hope things worked out for you. I am on a TTC journey, and am very nervous about what might happen with a miscarriage. Some doctors were quite relaxed about the idea of pregnancy at my age, others (a gynae) was much more negative and said it was risky, but I'd be monitored.
@Bluesky85 how did things go for you?

HI Sparks654

How old are you? I am surprised that you were told it is risky. My IVF doctor said that I need lots of monitoring and checks, but in terms of it being a risk to be pregnant that was never discussed. Perhaps can you explain more what the doc. meant.

I guess reading the scientific literature, one can see that the chances of miscarriages are higher because of the chances of having chromosomal abnormalities are higher in the over 40s; and indeed when they tested my eggs in the IVF clinic out of 5 I only had 1 egg that was sort of ok, still had one issue.

I would advice if you have the money to do IVF to reduce the chance of chromosomal issues, and therefore reduce the probability of miscarriages if you want to have a baby; even if you can conceive naturally. My IVF doctor was amazing in that respect also by giving me and my husband a full reproductive health check (again issues like infections in the mans sperm, and making sure you have ideal conditions in your uterus and vagina to receive an embryo is a good idea). We could not conceive naturally so we took the IVF route.

Oh the one thing the IVF doctor said was no sex, as sex can bring in an infection into the vagina which could lead to a miscarriage and to be really careful with foods etc.

She told me at my age I am lucky to be pregnant so I need to be super careful, but I am following that advice and we are not having sex; I think hell it is only 9 months, and my husband is being a good sport about it.

@Sparks654 I’m still pregnant! Due in a week. I have to say my pregnancy has been extremely straightforward. A few niggles like swollen feet, but generally I’ve been in good health. I’ve turned 43 now. I’ve continued to stay relatively active and sex has continued (from what I’ve read it’s fine to continue but maybe different for IVF). I have had extra scans which have all been fine. The consultant has advised that if I haven’t given birth by 40+3 then I should be induced to prevent me going over 41 weeks- that’s the guidelines for people over 40. Otherwise I’ve been treated no differently to anyone else and no one has batted an eyelid at my age. My partner is the same age as me FYI.

the statistics for all pregnancy complications are higher for those over 40. But it doesn’t mean that they will happen as odds are still generally in your favour. My midwife and the consultant both said that some people in their 40s are more healthy and likely to have a straightforward pregnancy than some women in their 20s. It really is an individual thing.

Thank you @Bluesky85 for your reply. So you didn't do IVF? Did you consult just a genearl gynae? Or a fertility specialist? I am really nervous about the whole thing, I am 43 but I have some other health issues that have stopped me being about to pursue the baby idea for the past year, which has been quite worrying timing. Slowly getting better now so hoping this spring with bring good news. Good luck with your birth, keep us posted!

@tweetiepie1 I am 43, but aside from some back issues, I am in generally good health, and the basic checks at my GP came back ok (although they were full of disclaimers saying that the results can change depending on time in the month). I haven't had the full set of fertility clinic checks, I was wondering if that was needed or not, and I have also been wondering about IUI, as an option. I don't really want to go through invasive procedures, so I may have to leave it to see whether or not it happens naturally, but it's actually really helpful to know about the miscarriage angle. I just don't want more gynaecological interventions. I have had a lot lately because of pelvic pain and it's been tough. Plus I am not certain we could afford it unless it was as a loan.

Did you manage to get pregnant? How are things going for you?