37 and trying to conceive

[StacePace]

Long post apologies! Hi all, I'm 37 (just) and struggling to get preggers for second time. I already have 1 DD (5). Came off pill December 2022, was pretty casual about when we had sex etc but then by march we decided to use app to track as this is what I did withy DD and fell expecting pretty quicky that way. Anyways fast forward to April 2023 after using app and I caught. Unfortunately this turned into a bit of a awful few months of miscarriage at 5/6 weeks but didn't find out until 12 week scan. Started spotting 11 weeks but had to wait for scan. They thought I had ectopic so had to go back in for the routine blood tests etc but then confirmed a growing empty sac. Opted for the pills to remove what was there (awful by the way-DD came through sunroof and planned due to Vers previa diagnosis, so I've not experienced labour pains and taking those pills was horrendous pain.) Anyways that happened, then few days later I started to hemorrhage ( whilst picking little one up from school eek). Night in hospital and all stopped. But I did spot for quite a few weeks later. Had first "back to normal" period about August. And since then like clockwork with periods. Been tracking on app etc but still nothing. Not far off year since MC and just feeling blue really. Getting on a bit now at 37 and just wanted to share my story and ask if anyone else has experience Like this and managed to get pregnant?? Thanks for sticking with if still reading but any advice, info would be much appreciated. Thanks

I'm so sorry to hear this. That sounds very upsetting.
I think it can take longer to conceive at 37. I conceived first time aged 35 but at 37 it took maybe 8 months. During that time I had two very early miscarriages. I wouldn't even have known I'd had a miscarriage if I wasn't testing so early. Just hang in there and I hope it works out soon.

So sorry you're going through this OP. Has your GP started the referral process for testing for you yet? I found this took a lot of the pressure off for us and we actually conceived naturally when going through testing process x

Hiya, no not yet. I was going to go to go if I don't have positive result this month. Didn't realise they put you through tests etc if already had one? Maybe they do. Thanks though I'll definitely speak to GP if I get period again 😔. Due tomorrow and I can defo feel the feels you know x

I would contact GP and ask them to send you for blood tests at least.
I MC when I I was a month to 38 and it took us 2.5 years to get pregnant again. 1.5 months before we finally succeed I swapped my fertility supplements and started taking Ubiquinol and Proceive Max.

Do you recommend fertility supplements? I try to eat quite healthy and also exercise ( which has worried me if this is an issue with conceiving). Wasn't sure if I needed supplements?
Thanks so much for reply btw x

@StacePace at late 30s I think you need support as our bodies aren't simply that young anymore and peak fertility is long gone. If you Google Ubiquinol you can see how it helps, also it is recommended at fertility clinics. Proceive Max is a fertility supplement (like Pregnacare) but a bit more expensive and in my understanding works better.
After 2.5 years of trying I was happy to spend some money to get results which I did.

Thank you! I'll deffo do what it takes!

@StacePace very similar story here. Conceived my DS 4th cycle aged 34, had a great pregnancy and gave birth a month after my 35th birthday. Started trying again November 2022 and got pregnant 3rd cycle but unfortunately had a MMC in April (spotting then scan at 11+4 showed it had stopped developing at 7+5). Fell pregnant again September but was a CP (4+5). Then to my amazement got pregnant again straight away but had another MC end of Oct (on my original MMC due date!!!).

We decided to pause things over Christmas and while waiting for our referral to fertility clinic. So, no tracking, completely took mind off TTC. Date nights with alcohol etc. And to my shock (and terror!!) found out I was pregnant again a month before my 38th birthday. Very nervy first trimester including 4 scans at EPU but... Just made it to 12wks. 🙏🏼🌈

I started CoQ10 in the September after my CP. Supposed to help egg quality. Takes ~3 months to affect ripening eggs... So I do wonder if that helped! Other than that, just folic acid and VitD initially, then Pregnacare+ once had the BFP. Also started progesterone pessaries at 8wks due to some spotting.

Best of luck! It feels such an uphill struggle at times but there is every chance you will conceive and have a healthy baby very soon 💗

sorry to hear your experience

I didn’t have miscarriage but same age as you when I was trying to conceive. It’s quite disheartening. In fact, tried for 4 years - first three years just don’t use contraception and on off try app to track.

4th year we went for private fertility clinic, got a generic check both me and DH. Got tailor advice and fell preg within a month. We not need to go to IVF route.

in our case, it’s only my DH was recommended supplements . On top of that, we took advice to stay off alcohol (we not drink much but social drink 1-2) but still have to cut off. And of course eat healthy and exercise .

So I suggest not only you consider take supplement but ur partner also. Consider tailor advice if you happy to go for private clinic.

also stay relax and happy can increase your chance . The doctor we visited in the private clinic had always gave us hope and reassured us things will be OK. That also massively help mentally.

Gosh that sounds like you really went through it! But luckily great in end. Appreciate so much you sharing your experience. Ok I think it's not going to hurt looking at additional supplements. I made decision that if nothing by April then I will make appointment with GP and see about some tests. I have every hope but yeah it is an uphill struggle. Thank you again x

I would stop tracking and just have sex every other day. Definitely get tests sooner rather than later (for your partner too), I wouldn't wait until April. Can you afford fertility treatment? With an existing child they will only test so far and then it'll be private for certain treatments. We went to Czech Republic for IVF and couldn't recommend enough, so much cheaper than UK. Good luck.

I’m 41 and currently 12 weeks pregnant, we had a miscarriage over a year ago, fell pregnant straight away for that one, but then took over a year to fall pregnant this time. Weirdly my daughter fell pregnant at the same time and we are due the same day 🙈 going to be a busy year.

I started taking vitamins so maybe that helps? But sure it won’t hurt so give it a go x