Likelihood of Positive Outcome for Pregnancy after 45

[Lindy450]

I'm a 47 year old woman, and possibly pregnant.  I was not trying to become pregnant and am somewhat surprised.  I had planned to look into getting my tubes tied in January with my husband's new insurance.  I am very much aware of increased risks, chance of Down Syndrome, miscarriage, etc.  Most of the information I have read on pregnancy at my age is negative.  I also knew a mother who became pregnant at age 46 or 47, found out the child had Down Syndrome and aborted at 5 or 6 months.  The chances of naturally becoming pregnant are near zero, and there's a substantial chance of having a deformed, chromosomally abnormal fetus (with 2 heads or something weird), 90% of my eggs are now "damaged goods", etc.  I take good care of my health and am at a reasonable weight (140), plus women on my mother's side of the family go into menopause near age 60.  I've read these factors are a plus for my age.  

Where are the success stories?   I can't even find any statistics on the chances of naturally becoming pregnant at my age.  Is it really that rare?   The information out there makes me feel like some freak.   Can someone PLEASE give me  some encouraging news?

[laureeng]

I am 52 and I just did a pregnancy test and it came out positive!! Were excited and scared as heck and we conceived naturally.

[Kukacompound]

Hello... Did you do anything to prepare for pregnancy (extra vitamins/hormones etc?)

[Shea45]

I am 4 months away from my 46 birthday. I always wanted more children. I already have 2 , 1 who is 24, another who is 14. I often say God only blessed me with two. I have never taken any birth control but I have only had one miscarriage 4 years ago. I have been married for 6 years and  I have been with my husband for about 20 years. I have taken 3 test and the Dr has confirmed I'm pregnant.
I'm worried about the risk that are ahead. The Dr. told me that it gets worse at 40 and I'm way pass that. He also warned me about the genetic testing which are very invasive and he said can be harmful to the fetus. My only health concerns are that I am overweight and have a few fibroids. My husband is supportive but I'm at this moment trying to take it all in. I am now 6 weeks and counting...
Anyone who  already had their baby  and conceived naturally even though I know we are all different, please reply.

[RejoiceintheLord]

I had a healthy baby girl at 44 1/2. My water did break prematurely at 36 weeks, but she was completely healthy and did not need any extra oxygen or extra care at all. She nursed wonderfully too!!!  It was a natural conception. She is wonderful!!! All praise to the Lord Jesus!!!

[my9luvs]

I will be 4 months from 46 when I deliver my 9th child. I had a little girl (with DS) at 41, and another healthy girl at 43. There's definitely and difference in energy levels between being pregnant in your 40's vs the 20's or 30's but besides a bit of blood pressure issues all has gone just fine. Try not to stress and worry too much. Enjoy this time, it goes so fast! Yes, children bring work but also incredible richness and joy to our lives!

[tokia412]

I had just turn 44 in November 2015 and got pregnant in March 2016. I was surprised because I thought my biological clock had ran out and plus I have fibroids. At my first Ob visit, I was told All the issues/downside I could encounter of having a baby at my age.The only problem I had was developing carpal tunnel. Well I can attest you can have a fullterm pregnancy and a healthy baby. We had a baby girl December 2016 and she is my second child. My oldest son is 25. Stay positive,eat healthy and good luck!

[Mendes1971]

I am 44 turning 45. I already have three older children 16,14, & 12. My boyfriend is 11 years younger than me. We are planning to get married. He wants children at least 1 or 2 I had doubts initially  because  I am a lot older and that it will be harder to conceive.  He has no issue with me being older and he believes that I can conceive.  I do want to give him at least two children. Finding this page has given me hope and that I am not the only one who is older going through it.

[Gina625]

I hope all works out for you and don't give up it can happen - I gave birth at 41 to a healthy girl who is now about to turn 4 I have had 4 miscarriages since age 42 my last being last week I had 2 scans at 9 weeks and 11 weeks and saw baby doing well I got excited that it was going to happen for heart to stop at 12 weeks I have just miscarried and it was horrendous I saw baby and flushed it down toilet before passing out I didn't know what I was doing and now feel so traumatised and guilty about what I did but wasn't thinking straight I got pregnant naturally at 45 so it can and does happen I would love another but couldn't put myself through this again as feel after four in a row my eggs are probably never going to be good enough - but it does and can happen as I to have read about people having healthy babies older than me so if it's what you really want don't give up it can and will happen and I wish you all happy healthy pregnancies and babies and wish I could feel like that too but at the minute everything is a bit raw and I'm soo sad for my baby that I lost - good luck everyone xx

[prettys]

Iam 46. I lost my first child a son six months back, he was 24.  My second child is 20. Still not out of grieving, Our whole family is devastated.  Is there any chance of me getting a normal healthy baby with my own eggs, my tubes are sterilized, I need to opt for ivf method I guess.  Pls give me suggestions

[mekel3]

I am new to this site but enjoyed reading so many of the posts so I decided to join.  I am a mother of 3 my youngest being 11 yrs old.  I am going to be 49 in May and I just found out that I am pregnant.  I conceived naturally and I am almost 7 weeks along. I am still in shock as this was not planned. My boyfriend is 15 yrs my junior and he already has 4 kids. Neither one of us ever figured on having any more.  I had my first appointment with my Ob and although she has warned me of all the risks involved and has assessed me as high risk and one of her most difficult cases...she also offered congratulations and a huge smile for me.  So far...I have yet to take blood test to determine levels and the following first ultrasound.   I am aware that the first 10-12 weeks are the most common for miscarriage and am prepared for this. I guess  I am taking a.. wait and see.. one day at a time attitude.  Or maybe it's just the shock. When your life plan is suddenly altered it always takes some time to adjust.    I will follow up with high risk for their consult and do all genetic testing necessary.  I am leaving it in God's hands. With his help and good medical care I am hoping for a healthy baby.  I just have to get past this shock.

[19722017]

Hello am Jenny 45 years old. My husband is 57 years. We are trying to get pregnant. Thanks for all the encouraging posts. It gives me hope to read all these successful and wonderful stories and I will keep trying.God bless

[alusmile]

Hi, congrats. Unfortunately I can't be of much use, as I know only stories of conceiving using ivf with pgs ngs to have a healthy child. I would recommend seeing yr doc to discuss yr issues. Good luck

[tinapreggo]

Unfortunately you will only read how disastrous it is to be pregnant over 35 on the internet. And most docs are not helpful.   Had my first at 42 and am pregnant with twins that will be born at 45.  They have me listed at geriatric high risk.   But that doesn't mean its true. So try to focus on the fact that you can havea happy healthy pregnancy and baby at your age.
Congrats!!

[Sabbz]

My friend thought she was going thru menopause at 48 but instead was told she was pregnant. Her baby was born prefectly healthy. Not everyone's situation is the same and no two bodies are the same. In saying that, my cousin was told that she her baby has  downs syndrome and strongly recommended to abort.she didn't and so glad she didn't as her baby girl was normal and healthy

[Semaj74]

Normal....is a really horrible word to use when talking about special needs children...

[Sheyrn1]

I adopted a special needs baby with multiple health problems..im never offended when people use the term "normal" because often its the easiest term to use when describing a healthy baby...I find the term "special needs" endearing because it tells me that though my baby's needs are exceptional, God chose a special person like me, to care for His special...All I want is a big ole crown when I get to heaven and to see my baby smile every day we have her here!

[laureeng]

yes I been taking prenatal vitamins for over a year and used Maac, evening primrose oil and vitex also for approx. same amount of time. Were just waiting on blood test for confirmation.

[peachesmd]

Hi Laureeng, could you update me on your status? Were you able to carry the baby to term?

[laureeng]

I just turned 52 and I may be pregnant. last year i was tested and found that we had a good chance even if it was a slim chance of being able to conceive on our own so i had a tubal reversal last may so we could try to conceive on our own. I had my period for 7 days in middle of feb. and have not had it back since. Since then i have gained weight, been nausea and vomiting, frequent urination, headaches, constipation and, tired moody,  constipated and my belly feels bloated. All the signs of early pregnancy right? Anyone else here have similar symptoms? Am I pregnant or is it menopause cause we have been try to conceive so maybe???

[Grace1970]

what may you go to the dr to see if you were pregnant... I am 45 and my body has been doing weird things.  Ive been having my monthly but lately during my ovulations I hve been spotting.  I just havent been feeling well.  Were you gaining weight?  

[Stbaby]

I bless God Almighty for your life. I am 47 and still trying. I will appreciate any tips that might help. I will like to get in touch with you via email if you don't mind.

[45PandH]

I'm 45 and just found out on New year's eve that I'm pregnant. I wasn't expecting it but I am thrilled to have the privilege of having a little baby in my arms again. I am eating healthy and taking organic prenatal vitamins. I know God is in control and I choose to trust He knows best. I also have uterine fibroids (one is the size of an orange)

[Preggo_at_45]

Hi. Congratulations!! I hope you and the baby are doing well. I'm 45 and 5 weeks, and I also have fibroids. How are you and the baby doing?

[clementina26]

Hello ladies just wanted to easy so of the issues here. I'm 47 an found out I'm pregnant.  Yes there are high risks but if you just relax and don't exert yourself you can have a healthy baby. I have 6 kids and the last 2 we're  high risk. I had placenta previa an pre-eclampsia an was told I could die giving birth. Well glad to say I had a healthy little girl who is 4. She was born 8 weeks early but healthy.  God will always protect a baby. If a mother is not cautious or careful about her health during pregnancy things can go wrong. So I highly recommend that if your doctor tells you bed rest you take it seriously an stay in bed. If your a high risk like I am, you have to watch what you eat, what you do an how you do things. All in all, just relax and not stress about all the negative things you hear or read but focus on the good stuff, like enjoying your new baby. I'm still in the beginning of my 8 weeks but I know all will be OK if I just relax and do want needs to be done for this baby to be healthy. Happy holidays ladies and a happy New year.

[goldiegurrl1]

Congratulation!!!

Such great news I am 45 my Husband and I are trying we have 1 child age 13
it was a big scare for me and I didn't want another.But we just start thinking about it last year, and just start trying about 3-4 months now, no luck yet. But I do believe that we will get pregnant. Be positive, eat healthy exercise, and let God do the rest

[needadvice21]

I'm 49 years old and don't want to give up on the idea of having a child.  I thought I would be able to accept being childless but I realise that I am getting more depressed and bitter.  What should I do?  I need some advice.

[mhv]

Rrit would depend on what you are "Open to"...there are donor eggs, and there are donor or adopted embryos.  My twins were born from donor embryos. They were born when is was 45.  

[Buttercup5683]

Hi just reading through older posts on here ... did everything turn out ok for you ?

Im going to be 45 in a few weeks and am still hoping for my first child after 3 miscarriages.

Alecia

[mhv]

This is a really old post.  Most likely, these people are no longer active.  You may want to start a new post.  
I hope you find peace in what ever decision you decide.
I can tell you my twins were born when I was 45...best day ever!!!  Good luck to you!  

[mkir]

Hi. How did it all turn out? Im 46.5 and found out I'm pregnant 4 weeks. I am so stressed and freaked out. I can't eat or sleep. I know the rates of everything that may happen and Im so nervous it's incapacitating. Was told 5.5 years ago that I had no viable eggs. Accepted it completely.This pregnancy was the shock of my life, all happened naturally.  I don't see this ending well. My bf, is the love of my life and he would be completely heartbroken if I terminated. I also believe that he wouldn't be able to stay in the relationship if I did that. Too hurt. would think I gave up too quickly. Im trying to figure out what to do for me and its excruciating. I hate to say this but Im hoping for an early miscarriage because it would get me off the hook and save my relationship that is so important to me. I have a throat disorder ,am a singer and it affects my job. I get constant viruses from this and its damaging my throat very much.I have a treatment plan and probable cure that i obtained from traveling to a leading specialist far away. I paid out of pocket for the care and it was the best thing I ever did. I had to go off the very important medication after only a week. Because of this disease I have it sets me up for another possible year of terribly sore throats, upper respiratory infections, coughing and clearing my throat with enormous amounts of damaging phlegm. Another year filled with illness. When Im actually looking at the treatment plan right in front of me, but can't take it, it's heartbreaking. No one seems to understand the fear and pain I feel. I want children, I would definitely try and have this baby, but I feel the risk is too high here. I was going to go the Foster route and was happy about that. So was my boyfriend. A small part of me thinks that this is so unlikely there must be a reason it happened to me. But why me? why now? At the very tale end of my childbearing years? Its feels like a cruel joke being played on me. My greatest feeling is that I'm unlucky and I can't manage the emotions. I have to go back to work soon and I don't think I'll be able to work in this state.Someone please help me with some sound advice. I feel like the stress is going to ruin me. There is a lot at stake for my life.

[alisabethany]

I am 45 and 7 months pregnant.  Totally natural and total surprise.  I had two miscarriages since my last child was born (he is now 7).  I read all the statistics and did all the online research and just assumed I was too old.  And then this.  Every day for the first 12 weeks, I waited for the miscarriage- because that's what the statistics said.   Well they were wrong.  I drink coffee, eat sweets and don't always take my vitamins- I am not superwoman.  But this baby is healthy and kicking away.  I guess science doesn't have all the answers

[marigoldey]

Amazing.  Are you doing well?

[youngwacky]

hi your the first person i have come across closer to 50
Iam 48 never been pregnant now met lovely man and would both love to have a baby have regular periods but not expecting much and even if i concieved would i carry to full term or even have a healthy baby its a nightmare

[logically]

Your post puts everything into 'reality' perspective.  Thank you.

[BellaMcA]

Be realistic, like your bf.  He has said he doesn't want a baby. Like most men his age, he will not want new financial responsibility and will want to be able to spend time doing things for himself.  What sort of father and grandfather is he already? Is he supportive and engaged?  Does he welcome family responsibility or avoid it or even resent it? Even if you manage to "convince" him, the fact that it was not something he wanted will always be there. You will have to proceed on the basis that you are doing it alone and not expect anything from him otherwise you will be perpetually disappointed and maybe end up resentful too.  Anything he chooses to give will just be a "bonus". A reluctant father can be a lifelong source of profound sadness for the mother and the child, no matter how much joy you feel at the idea of a baby.