38 and pregnant - worried about higher risk of genetic issues

[CharJ10]

Just as the title says really. I’ve just recently found out I’m pregnant and turn 39 in November. I’m a prolific Googler and have basically got myself convinced that due to my age the baby is going to have some sort of genetic disorder. I’m assuming lots of people my age have gone on to have very healthy babies so if you are one of those people, reassure me please!

I mean this gently but what's the point?

Your baby will either have a genetic disorder or it won't and you'll know this because you've been Googling.

It's going to be a very long pregnancy if you're panicking now, so perhaps you could work on your anxiety and hopefully peace will follow?

Congratulations!

Is this your first child? I had my third child at 37 and I did have the same worries but there are so many women having children post 35 now, and the chances of something going wrong are only slightly higher than an avg pregnancy.

make sure you’re taking folate/folic acid, pregnancy vitamins and choline for brain health, I can send a link to the ones I had. Other than that, if you take care of yourself your baby should be fine. Any genetic issues, which is very slim, would have probably happened regardless of your age.

Stay strong!

I had my dc at 33, 36 and 39 and I honestly didn't give it a second thought after having all the genetic testing at 11/12 weeks. I really think the risks of having children in your thirties is overstated. I know plenty of women that had children in their 40s including one at 45 with no issues. Get all the testing and then relax and enjoy your pregancy.

I had my first baby at 41 and she’s fine. At 38/39 the chances are very much still in favour of no genetic issue. You could get a NIPT test from 10 weeks if you want some peace of mind. Congratulations on your pregnancy!

You’re not wrong! It will be my second child (different partner to my first) and I think I’m worried on her behalf more than anything else but you’re totally right as I say - just easier said than done to stop the anxious thoughts!

That’s good to know and I’m aware I’m probably just being daft (I am quite a worried!). Does the NHS offer the NIPT or is that something you have to book privately?

I do think it's the anxiety you need to deal with, rather than asking for one-sided replies.

And your partner presumably knew your age when they agreed to a baby?

You'll be fine! I was 38 and 42!! Both 100 percent healthy.

It’s natural to worry in pregnancy, especially if you’re already a bit of a worrier (I am too). I booked the NIPT test privately at 10 weeks. I think with the NHS you’d need to do the 12 week scan first and they’d only consider a NIPT following the results of that?

I was 36 and 38 and mine are both fine (and I'm currently cuddling my 5 month old 🥰). I was also worried being an older Mum, but honestly, you can't change it, even if it does, but what you can do is enjoy the lovely baby that's growing in you x

Had my second at 41, we paid for a NIPT test for reassurance and all came back fine

Hey OP, I'm 41 and just had amniocentesis because baby's femurs are measuring below the 3rd centile. All came back clear and he's just a short arse (like me!).

Second baby at 39...all normal and no issues

Congrats! I was pregnant finally at 38 after 4yrs TTC. We paid for the NIPT at 10 weeks and unfortunately the baby had patau (trisomy 13) and ended in TFMR. I'm glad I could get the NIPT done so early, before I was showing and before I'd told anyone.

I've read about others not getting their 12 week scan till say 14 weeks, then having to wait even longer for further tests such as the NIPT on the NHS. Your 12 scan results will be slightly higher due to age anyways. If you get an early booking appointment you can ask the midwife what is the norm in your area. This was a few years ago for me, but I'd read that some areas would be automatically doing NIPT. I'm not sure if only certain woman or still only AfTER the 12weeks combined testing, but worth asking about if you. Wishing you all the best though x

Thanks everyone for all your replies. As I said, I am a bit of a worrier so I’ll speak to midwife about how it works in my area and pay privately for NIPT if necessary.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply. Glad so many of you had success stories and fingers crossed for those still on their TTC journey x

I had my first at 37 and my second at 41 almost 42 . Both thriving ! My second girl has an ASD diagnosis but we expected that in at least one of them as my husband is nurodiverse . My Grandmother had my dad 3 months before her 51st Birthday , she thought he was a hernia for six months 😂 . She had eight kids and had her first at 36 as she married late in life for the times.

it costs about £300 but you can pay for the NIPT blood test and scan at 10.5 weeks. It will hopefully allay your concerns. NHS only does NIPT in certain circumstances xx