38 years old and 5 weeks pregnant with my first.

[InSpace38]

We've been trying for about a year and finally...a positive pregnancy test. Personally, I was so fed up with trying and so discouraged that last month I said to myself "F*ck it. It's just gonna be the two of us.", the irony, huh? In any case, I am worrying about it, hoping that everything is going to be OK. Sadly, I live in a country (Netherlands) that allows me to see a midwife at 10 weeks for a first u/s. No blood work and no gynaecologist for me. When I asked for this I was told "You don't need a gynaecologist, you're not sick...you're pregnant.". How comforting, huh? For the time being I sit and wonder whether my progesterone levels are good enough, whether I need vitamin intake (I was told to rely on a good nutrition) and worrying about every single bite I take, questioning if it's good for the baby or not. I am 38 for Pete's sake! Shouldn't I be more closely monitored? Feeling as if I'm left to my fate.

[angelbaby9_26]

I live in the USA and was able to see my OB at 5 weeks. I just turned 36 in June. My baby is due in Jan now

[Isthatyoubob]

I hope you find all the info you need.  I was given an early scan (7weeks) by my GP because I had miscarried several times (and one ectopic) and one of them was at 10 weeks and missed prior.  It was really reassuring to see a heart beat.
It is a long time to waste if you've not got a viable pregnancy.  Can you pay for a private 1st trimester scan?
I worried I might miscarry again right up until 24 weeks where I started to think about this being a baby coming.  Now 35 weeks.
Grab a local bottle of vitamins- we take iodine and folic acid here in pregnancy but in most countries don't need iodine.  The folic acid is useful to reduce rates of spina bifida etc.

[Spacebaby]

Just message me anytime you're ready. The most important thing right now is to take extra care of yourself (no falls or accidents) and take prenatal vitamins.
Congrats and enjoy your pregnancy!

[InSpace38]

Thank you so much ladies and indeed Space baby I was getting ready to message you but hesitated. Will take you up on that. Checking right now the link you 'be posted. Thanks!

[Spacebaby]

If you have any further questions, feel free to drop me a message.  I'm 22 weeks now and have went through half of the process in NL. I'll  be more than happy to share what I know

[Spacebaby]

This is a good place to start to understand the system. I don't know where you live in NL, this is Amsterdam-specific but it'll give you a good idea about the system

http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/living/family-health/womens-health/pregnancy-and-birth/pregnancy


Also, ask your GP about how the system works, that's what I did a got all the info in English.

[siriuslydi]

I'm 39 and 8 weeks with my first and I live in the US. I didn't set my first appointment until 10 weeks. I didn't see much point. I know I'm pregnant, am on a good vitamin, and have lots of reading material. Just trust your body knows what to do right now.

[InSpace38]

Thank you ladies. I appreciate your responses and I feel comforted by them. Being pregnant in a foreign country where I don't understand both language and system adds stress to this experience. I will try to keep positive that everything will be fine. I need to keep my cool...

[LemosBrest]

I live in the USA and I was allowed to see an OBGYN at 10 weeks. I'm 39 yo and now 12 weeks along. I've had two blood tests, one urine test and one ultrasound. I opted for all testing and will thereforeha have another ultrasound in 10 days. Everything came back normal. I think it's all for precautions. Just stay positive, everything will turn out great!  I know the waiting is hard...just keep distracted and informed with articles and tips on this app and other reputable sites and book!  Wishing you all the best. :)

[HappyMomB]

You probably won't need progesterone unless you have had a problem before with low levels and repeated miscarriages.  Add for the ultrasound,  you wouldn't even get one in the U.S. until you are 16-20weeks along,  again barring complications.  Get a good prenatal vitamin with DHA & folic acid in it & try to maintain a healthy diet.  All will be well,  just think good thoughts.  Good luck and congrats :-)

[Spacebabu]

I'm 39 and also with my first pregnancy in the Netherlands. I thought I received really good care through my midwives. The care for my entire pregnancy is very structured and I know what I'm getting at which point. They took the time to answer every question I have and I've never felt rushed during my appointments; which usually last about 45 mins. No gynaecologist will give you that much time. Having said that, they will definitely refer you to a gynaecologist if it is medically required. At 22 weeks pregnant, I have just been referred to a gynaecologist's care and both me and my partner will definitely miss the attention given by the midwives. Furthermore, I don't enjoy going to the hospital for every appointment, it just make me feel like I'm sick. Don't worry, the scans and the blood work will come. I don't know what you're used to but I really enjoy the lack of hysteria in the Dutch pregnancy care system. They give the appropriate info at the right timing. If your midwife is not reassuring enough for you, change to another practice. And no, you shouldn't have an ultrasound at 5 weeks, there's not much to see and that'll just scare you more. Take prenatal vitamins for now, they all have 400mg folic acid which you need at this stage.