Pregnant over 40

[Downtherabbithole83]

I’m currently 6 weeks pregnant and am 41. Very aware of all the extra risks this brings and as my last pregnancy (at 39) all went wrong at the 12 week scan when they discovered a number of issues, I’m feel a little stressed by the next couple of months.

Just looking to see if there are many other older mums on here?

@Nocoffeenotalkie congrats and thank you for your post. It does seem to be so much more common these days and I am filled with hope 🩷

I called the GP yesterday about this and he was very lovely but wouldn’t prescribe anything: he said they like to avoid to giving any medication at this early stage unless it is absolutely necessary and as I’m not actually vomiting much, he suggested waiting it out but said I am welcome to call again over the next couple of weeks if needed.

So I spent the rest of yesterday sulking and feeling sorry for myself 😂

Sorry to hear this! GPs are in general very reluctant to prescribe anything when you're pregnant I think, midwives tend to be a lot more relaxed about it but unfortunately can't do prescriptions themselves. But this is why I bought my own cyclizine (you can buy over the counter at pharmacies), I basically just called and said 'is there any reason I shouldn't take this' and they reluctantly agreed that it would be OK to try. So you could always try that...

It actually makes me really cross that there is an effective drug out there which is licensed as completely safe in pregnancy, which you can just buy in pharmacies in Europe but only get on prescription in the UK, and even then it's not the first-line treatment from the NHS. Makes no sense to me.

I also hate the way that actually vomiting is seen as so much worse than nausea - I would have taken throwing up once or twice in the morning over my 24/7 sickness like a shot if I'd had the choice! It's still completely debilitating.

Rant over 😂

So for the first day in over a week I’ve been able to function today (I actually got off the sofa and went to Tesco!)

The only things I’ve changed have been to start wearing these bands (mega cheap on Amazon) and I didn’t take my multivitamin this morning (I’ve gone back to just my simple folic acid and vitamin d tablets which I’ll take this evening) because I read that the iron might be causing the nausea. I eat pretty healthily so I’m not worried about missing out on the other vitamins etc.

Just thought I’d mention it because I know lots of us have been struggling with nausea. The main improvement came after about an hour or so of wearing the bands.

Hope you’re all doing okay today!

Hi ladies,

Congratulations to you all. I'm 41 and just found out I'm pregnant with our second baby (DD is 4).

Dates not exact but I think I'm 7-8 weeks, planning an early private scan to firm that up a bit.

I actually found out on day 2 of an all inclusive holiday can you believe as suddenly got knocked sideways by a bunch of pregnancy symptoms (had none at all prior to this and, although my period was late, this didn't mean much as they're very irregular anyway and I often skip a whole month!).
Anyway, my husband is trying to get his moneys worth as I'm sat sipping water and struggling to keep the slightest thing down (dinner tonight i managed 2 cucumber slices, a small bite of pizza and a spoonful of rice - which is the best so far to be honest).
And the heat definitely isn't helping!

Congrats @sel2223

Bloody inconsiderate symptoms - they could have at least let you get a few more days of decent food in you!! Mind you, if you were drinking then probably a good thing that symptoms turned up when they did! Hope you manage to survive the heat and enjoy your holiday.

Hello everyone, I'd love to join. I will be 42 when, all being well, baby is due.
This is my 8th pregnancy, and I have 5 children already, so baby number 6 for us.
Because I'm Type 1 diabetic (as of January this year), my age, the amount of children I've had, and due to my Mum recently having a high BP related stroke, I will be delivering around 37 weeks this time. They've offered me the option of an induction or c-section, so I've lots to consider. I have my 12 week scan on the 14th, and having had no real symptoms up to now, it's always a bit of a hold my breath moment to make sure all is well.

I hope you're all feeling as well as can be :-)

Hello and congratulations to everyone!

I am 42 and currently 28 weeks. I'll shortly be 43.

This was a very unexpected pregnancy, I already have six children aged between 22 - 11! They took the news better than me 😂 and my teenage daughters are beyond excited. It's quite lovely really and one of them asked if we could go for a 4D scan for her birthday a couple of weeks ago! (shall see if I can add a pic)

So far everything has been going well and low risk. I have a growth scan today because of my age and then again in 4 weeks. When I saw the consultant after my 20 week scan she just kept repeating how I will be delivering in hospital as it's safer. I just kept nodding, then spoke to midwife at my next appointment who agreed there is no reason I can't have a homebirth as long as things carry on as they are 🤞🏻

I hope all of you suffering with the sickness and nausea are feeling better soon. I remember it well, it finally went at 16 weeks, but it really is debilitating isn't it?! I don't think people realise how bad it can be (male GP's especially)

i promised I’d update:
started bleeding yesterday and miscarrying today.
no warning pain just the slightest backache but I thought that was from walking all day.
symptoms all still here, sore boobys etc. they are starting to ease however.
i hadn’t tested since Thursday but if I had I’d have known this was coming.
I know there are lots of people saying tests were made to tell you if you are pregnant and that’s it but I do believe the line progression does help women to prepare if she is about to miscarry both mentally and physically.

@Hopefull441980 really sorry to hear your update 😔. Hope you have support around you . Take care x

Aw I'm so sorry to hear this. t's heartbreaking isn't it? I hope you're okay and have people around you for support x

@User0141 @Foxlovesfruit thank you ❤️ I do have a fabulous support circle thankfully 🥰. I’m so sorry to put a down message on this thread.
I hope everyone has happy and healthy pregnancy’s 🥰 xx

Aw please don't apologise, that's what the thread is for, for support, encouragement and help. Good luck if you decide to try again, wishing you a happy and healthy if you do xx

One and only at 43, he arrived quite early and I had preeclampsia but I did not feel this was because of my age as that can happen at any age. DC now 18 - he’s 6ft 1

I was elated to be pregnant and equally delighted to be a mum. Tired, no just happy 😃

I think I’m going the same way @Hopefull441980 light spitting and now heavier more period like blood along with a mild cramp. Also don’t feel pregnant now. I’m in Paris which doesn’t help things.

@ConfusedCrab aw sweety 🥺 I’m so sorry. Mine started while I was on my way home from a weekend away in London. The cramps started with the bleed.
please feel free to dm me if you want any support or a chat. I’ve been through this 4 times this year. It doesn’t get any easier. Sending lots of love and hope. 💫💫💫💫💫 xx

How are feeling about the age gap and doing it all again?
Mine are 10 & 14 and I'm freaking out!

So was I to begin with, so much so we were thinking about terminating. I thought I was 12 weeks but turned out I was 20 weeks at scan !! So that made the decision for us. We were very worried the kids would freak out, but they've actually been ok, although not sure they exactly know what to expect until babys actually here. It still doesn't feel completely real if I'm honest.

Had my DC1&2 at 38 and 41. Both conceived naturally and both healthy. You both will be fine, don't worry. Good luck 🤞

Wow! 20 weeks! Least it will feel lovely and short for you

@Hopefull441980 I'm so sorry to hear your update, it's heartbreaking

I have just got 1:8 positive for down syndrome at the quadruple tests at 17 weeks. I was really against amniocentesis, because of the 1:100 miscarriage rate, but I am getting more and more inclined to go for it. My numbers don't look good, and not just because of the age scewing them.

@ConfusedCrab @Hopefull441980 I’m really sorry to hear about your loss, it’s devastating. Hope you have good people around you right now!

I’m on holiday at the moment we’re doing a road trip so it feels quite challenging, but I have just passed an 8 week mark.

@ConfusedCrab
@Hopefull441980

I'm so sorry