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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Just had positive test, worried about my age

47 replies

Senso21 · 24/09/2023 12:11

I’ve just turned 37, 2 children in primary school already, age 6 and 10.

We both wanted a baby, weren’t trying but also decided to not be careful. I’ve just had a positive test and I can’t help but feel incredibly anxious!

I guess part of me thought I might not actually fall pregnant. And although I am happy and love being a mum i feel so so worried that I'm too old!

Obviously I was a lot younger with my previous pregnancies, I’ve had a google this morning and there’s so much extra doom and gloom to read when you’re over the age of 35, I suddenly feel silly for putting myself in such a risky situation.

I know this is largely the hormones taking as I feel like I have raging PMT at the moment but I just feel very scared about it all.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Holidaynovice · 24/09/2023 13:13

Congratulations! I had my third at 39, similar age gaps to you and had no problems at all. It was very special actually, lots of time with baby as the older 2 were at school so almost like a firstborn again but with all the confidwnce, knowledge, experience and ability to filter out fads and worries that come with being a 3rd timer 😊.

Sanch1 · 24/09/2023 13:17

I had my 3rd at 39, no issues other than finding it physically tough with hip and pelvic pain from early on. We did pay to have testing for issues at 10 weeks though as I was conscious risks were higher and didn't want to get to 12 weeks then potentially go through another few weeks of tests if it was high risk of issues.

SkinnyMalinkyLankyLegs · 24/09/2023 13:18

I thought you were going to say your were 47 or so! Late 30s is a normal age to be having babies, don't worry. Obviously get testing done if it will ease your mind....but congratulations!

Original poster

Senso21 · 24/09/2023 14:23

Thanks so much everyone it’s sinking in now and feeling a bit better about it all

nice to hear of similar age gaps too, as starting again with a newborn feels daunting x

OP posts:

ohfook · 24/09/2023 14:45

I'm a few years older than you and pregnant. I was bracing myself for a load of comments about my age and I haven't had a single one. I don't think people are that bothered in real life.

TheShellBeach · 24/09/2023 15:51

Senso21 · 24/09/2023 14:23

Thanks so much everyone it’s sinking in now and feeling a bit better about it all

nice to hear of similar age gaps too, as starting again with a newborn feels daunting x

I actually enjoyed having a newborn again, because I knew what I was doing IYSWIM.

48477874374s · 24/09/2023 17:14

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

hopefulmum46 · 24/09/2023 19:36

I'm currently pregnant with my first at 37. Had issues conceiving, not sure whether age related, but, other than hyperemesis which I'm not aware is increased risk with age, everything is going fine. My midwife actually said that I wasn't considered particularly old to be having a baby. I have had a private NIPT test as I didn't want to risk the NHS screening coming back as high risk and causing me to panic, everything is fine on that.

Hope all goes well, I'm sure your older children will love making a fuss of a new baby!

Winter2020 · 24/09/2023 19:43

This reply has been deleted

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Is there someone you trust that you can talk to like a teacher at school? They will contact your social worker and carers and then people can help to support you.

Peaceandquietfinally · 24/09/2023 19:49

I had my third at 37 . Definitely found it more tiring but otherwise all was fine . Congratulations.X

Worrywart70 · 24/09/2023 19:55

I was 39 when I had my son with absolutely no problems. 3 other friends of mine around the same age/a year older all the same too.

I told the midwife I was worried due to age, she looked at my file & said "well 39 is certainly not old to have a baby my dear"

Google is full of doom and gloom about everything (I should know, I use it enough as a worrier! ).

Congratulations by the way. I love a bit of baby news

Fifi80 · 24/09/2023 20:06

Congratulations! I understand how this news can be overwhelming. Take your time to digest.

You’ve read here about many women who had their children in their late 30s and 40s.

I had my first child a few days shy of 40 (he was my big 40th birthday gift). Beautiful pregnancy. Don’t worry in that regard, I wouldn’t say your “old” at all. In the US, pregnancy above 35 is called “geriatric”. I started my pregnancy there and honestly found the term stressful. In the UK no one cared about my age or treated me any different. And they were right. It all went fine.

Wishing you all the best.

MargotBamborough · 24/09/2023 20:11

Blimey OP, I thought you were going to say you were well over 40.

Yes, the risks increase with age but most women who get pregnant at 37 will have perfectly healthy pregnancies and babies.

I'm 37 and haven't completely ruled out trying for a third even though we had a terrible time trying for our first.

Congratulations!

motleymop · 24/09/2023 20:17

Gosh I wish I'd had my children in my 30s! I've had two in my 40s (with no problems). 37 is really nothing.

BabyShaark · 24/09/2023 20:31

OP, you’re a spring chicken. I had my first (and only) at 41. Easy pregnancy, easy birth, fit and healthy girl. Had the Harmony test done at 10 weeks, I recommend that.

I’m 45 now, still trying for another one but aware it’s incredibly rare at my age. I wish I was 37 again 😌

Wisenotboring · 24/09/2023 20:48

I had my last at 40 with a similar age gap. All is well if somewhat busy and expensive! Enjoy!

LBOCS2 · 24/09/2023 20:49

I was my mum's first at 37, she then went on to have my sister at 41. No problems at all, very healthy pregnancies :)

TTCbaby2023 · 25/09/2023 08:58

I am 42 and 14 weeks pregnant with my first. I totally relate with your situation. Age is a risk factor for every complication possible during pregnancy which is, yes, very depressing. What is important though as well is your general health as many people as they approach 40 tend to have chronic illnesses which can cause complications to pregnancy. I think my age is a big factor for my anxiety as you are always reminded of the risks.

DrMarshaFieldstone · 25/09/2023 09:11

37?! Oh bless you OP. When I clicked on the thread I was expecting you to say you were 45+.

Haveyouseenthemuffinman · 25/09/2023 09:17

I had my third in similar circumstances at 37.

best thing I’ve ever done. She completes our family and is absolute joy.

CinderRosie · 25/09/2023 14:37

I turned 37 two months ago and am 10 weeks pregnant, my eldest is 18! I also did a lot of doom scrolling and I won't lie I am anxious about the results from the combined screening because of being late 30s. We debated having the NIPT but it's £500 and we felt that we'd just deal with things on the regular NHS timescale.

Blueskiesforecast · 25/09/2023 20:11

Same age and I was very nervous at first appointment. Midwife had a look at my DOB in surprise and said ‘What do you mean, age?’ She told me she had her first baby at 38.
Most of the mums at scan looked my age/older. It’s 40+ that is actually considered dangerous. Remember most of us are far more health aware than in past years(no smoke in public places, varied diets, women encouraged to exercise throughout life) so genetic damage should be less.

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