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Pregnancy

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

Any Mums-to-be 35 years old and over?

24 replies

UKMumma · 26/10/2023 23:34

I became a Mum for the first time at 35/36 during lockdown back in 2020. Myself and my partner have been trying for a sibling for our little angel ever since. Suspecting I was pregnant recently (sore boobs, vivid dreams, etc) I took a test this morning, as today was the day I was due on my period but I knew inside it wasn't coming. And there is was, 15dpo, my BFP.
My worry is now the initial excitement of me and my partner, comes the fear. I'll be 4 weeks away from 39 years old when this baby comes and I can't stop thinking of all the risks involved for the baby, when the mother is approaching 40. I'm certain to have a c-section, as my other baby was an elected c-section.
Please has anyone got any reassuring stories of their pregnancy at my age or older and that I'm scaring myself a little more than is needed?
Thank you!!!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Wolvesart · 26/10/2023 23:40

It’s the norm to be over 35 here as a first time mum, so a lot of third time mums would be 38+. I was 43 as a first time mum, which was more unusual but if I’d not told anyone they wouldn’t have guessed.

Prettything · 27/10/2023 06:57

I am 38 pregnant now and will be 39 when baby is born if all goes well I'm not worried at all I don't feel any different from when I had my previous babies (27,29,32)

Mystro202 · 27/10/2023 06:59

I had my 4th in August, I will be 40 in November. Everything was fine, it was my easiest pregnancy & birth. Best of luck!

GreyhpundGirl · 27/10/2023 07:03

I was 43 when I had my one and only. Pregnancy and birth were both straightforward with no complications. I had extra monitoring due to age but this was just a couple of phone calls with a consultant and an extra scan around 30 weeks.

Mummyme87 · 27/10/2023 07:11

the risks go up the older you get however it’s not unusual to be over 35 having babies. I’m a midwife and I see all the way up to women in their 50s…

SharonEllis · 27/10/2023 07:12

I hardly know anyone who wasnt 35-42 when they had a baby! Honestly, it will be fine, especially as you've done it before.

husbandcallsmepickle · 27/10/2023 07:19

I had my DS at 44 and he is perfect. Being an older mum meant I had extra appointments during pregnancy and was closely monitored during labour.

Wintermum01 · 27/10/2023 08:55

I was 38 when I conceived for the first time, turned 39 during week 22 (now week 26). Literally no medical professional has mentioned my advanced years. 😊

TTCbaby2023 · 27/10/2023 09:13

I am 42 pregnant with my first (19 weeks) and like you a lot of the anxiety boils down to my age and all the risks involved. The positive side of that though is that I receive extra care from a big team of people and feel very well looked after. So far my only issue has been GD and because of my age and family history they tested me early at 16 weeks and I am so glad they did.
You will be fine especially if your health is generally good. I think that is the important bit as many of us now at this age tend to have some chronic disease etc..

diggermama · 27/10/2023 09:29

Congratulations OP! I was 39 pushing 40 when I fell pregnant with my second last year. I had a very easy, straight forward pregnancy and labour was much quicker than my first. I gave birth to a healthy DS on Christmas Eve. I too had the same concerns and fears as yourself initially because of my age. But my MW reassured me, lots of them did along the way actually that more and more woman are trying in their late thirties and early forties now.
Enjoy this time and trust in your body :)

Emsxox · 27/10/2023 09:50

I’m 35 having my second, but my sister in law was also 38 having her son and everything went fine she only ended up having a c section because he was breech
good luck I’m sure everything will be fine xxx

Heatherbell1978 · 27/10/2023 11:57

I was 36 with first, 39 with second. Honestly I don't know anyone who gave birth before the age of 35! You're 'normal'

PeppedUp · 27/10/2023 13:55

I was 36 with my first and will be 39 if my current pregnancy goes well. I haven’t thought much about feeling too old - most parents at the nursery seem to be a similar age and physically I don’t feel that different to my early 30s. In fact, I think I was the fittest I’ve ever been with my previous pregnancy due to lockdown giving me plenty of time to exercise.

UKMumma · 27/10/2023 14:23

Thank you everyone! I'm sure it's just the jitters and nerves that come with it all and I'm over thinking it all! You've all really reassured me and I send congratulations to all of you expecting/enjoying your little ones! ❤️

OP posts:
Sa11yCinnamon · 27/10/2023 15:13

I'm 38 and will be 39 when I give birth to my first, and ideally I'd like to have two (but obviously waiting to see how the first goes/if that's even possible!). It doesn't bother me at all.

SushiAndSkittles · 27/10/2023 19:01

I’m 40 and expecting my first. I have extra scans and midwife appointments but so far so good.

rubygiz · 27/10/2023 19:48

I had my 1st and surprise baby end of March and turned 40 in Oct, pregnancy a dream birth east peesy baby wonderful

Prettything · 28/10/2023 08:32

Loving these positive stories as a 38 Yr old expecting mother! 😀

JunkJane · 28/10/2023 21:25

Also 38 expecting my first. Will be 39 3 weeks after my due date. Guess 30s is the new 20s these days 🤣

Musicalitymum · 20/03/2024 11:41

Im 42 and have recently had my first baby. It’s been fine. I had a really easy pregnancy and have a beautiful 6 week old boy now. I was given lots of extra scans for my age which helped me not to worry. Had a c section after the inducing didn’t work. Scar healed really quickly. Good luck with your pregnancy x

JLT24 · 20/03/2024 14:14

I’m 39 and my baby is due six weeks before I turn 40. I have the same worries and concerns as you. The midwife told me I won’t get any extra checks etc due to age and they are only offered if pregnant and over 40 so I just miss out. However I am under the care of a consultant due to a health condition. I’ve paid for some private scans and tests for reassurance.

SarahB88 · 20/03/2024 19:15

I turned 36 in February, baby due in about 8 weeks now. We’d like to have a second when this one is 2 or 3 years old so will be approaching 40 then! No issues with getting pregnant quickly this time so fingers crossed it’s easy next time too.

Bundeena · 20/03/2024 19:22

I also had my first (and only) baby during lockdown - I was almost 41. Straightforward pregnancy and labour. I was a healthy weight, non smoker, good diet overall, walked and swam regularly - I think these things all contribute to a healthy pregnancy. While age plays a role, it's just one factor.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 20/03/2024 20:31

It's a very normal age to have a child op

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