PREGNANT, 40 AND STRESSED..

[40andworried]

Hi everyone,
My niece is getting married in march..lately she had been feeling emotional and i told her "your probably pregnant" i went out to buy a preg. test and since it had two, i took one because i hadn't had a period since Dec. but i really didn't worry cause i'm always irregular...anyway, my neice's test was neg.. and surprise! Mine was positive! I almost fainted....i already have 3 daughters, 21, 14, and 7...i was so done! According to the doctor i'm 7 weeks..he says i got pregnant in Jan. I am just shocked. I never planned on being a 40year old mom...plus all the things i've been reading about how dangerous it is and all the bad things that can happen at my age...i'm scared... i don't even feel pregnant at all..well maybe my breasts are sore, i always felt something before,,,is that normal? My husband is the happiest man on earth but I feel so old and alone...is there anyone in my boat...please write

[40smama]

I'm always joining these discussions later than earlier as I have chronic insomnia - I get to blame my baby though - ha, ha!

40andworried, it sounds like you're getting tons of support.  I was 44 almost 45 when I had my baby.  We were trying so it was a happy surprise that it (IVF) worked.  I too had older children - 24, 22, 19 and 15 at the time - they were such a blessing.

One thing that has happened:  since having their little brother around, it's been good "birth control" for my girls.  They realize that a baby is a 24/7 job - they knew that before but now they've seen it in action.

I can imagine how stressed out you are - I was stressed my entire 1st trimester w/my imagination working overtime.  Try to relax & enjoy the ride - it'll be over sooner than later & then you'll have a darling baby to take care of - God bless you! - jen

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

I'm 38 and just had my first baby.  Will be trying for my second as soon as possible.  

Blessings to you, your hubby and your baby on the way.  You should be fine.
There are many of us older women having babies. And we make great mums too! :)

S

[40andworried]

Thank you to all the ladies that have given me their advice....I due feel better. I guess being 40 and pregnant is okay....I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one....God Bless You All!!!!

[momof8215]

Congratulations!! Don't be stressed, there is a reason for everything! I would love to be in your shoes right now. I am also 40 and ttc. I should give up and maybe it will happen for me...LOL!! God Bless you!!

[magnolia55]

I am 43. I picked my two year old daughter up from day care today and we puddle jumped all the way home - I couldn't be happier. Yes, I'm am more tired than I was with my now 19 year old and sometimes less patient. I was stressed throughout the whole pregnancy waiting for something to go wrong because the doctors were treating me like an accident waiting to happen. I spent more time at the hospital having non-stress tests than I did at work, but nothing did happen and my daughter is beautiful and healthy. I wish you all the best.

[YvetteY]

I'm almost 43 and pregnant, but I'm not too stressed because it was a planned pregnancy.  So I'm in the over 40 pregnancy boat, but not the suprised boat!  Everything works it self out!

[montie2]

I so feel for what you are going through.  Can I say...I celebrate my little ones first birthday on Saturday and thank God everyday for that "little surprise". My story is a lot like yours. I was 38 (40 now) always irregular and thought I had the flu.  I had one ovary and had not used birth control in years. Right now my kids are 19, 13 and one.  Yes the little plus sign about gave me a heart attack. I too was fearful during my pregnancy until I just decided that it was meant to be.  You will adore this baby more than I can say. There is something about being an older mother and truly appreciating the blessing. It's harder to get them here and you realize what a true miracle they are somehow.  As hard as my pregnancy was, if I had it to do over again?? In a heartbeat!

[Diabolicafemmia]

Im 38 ... and fought like hell to get here :) ... I did have my concerns trying at my age, but each month that goes by (..and each test) I find myself less and less anxious.
Its an adventure  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I also have a boy 20, and a girl 17

[tschock]

Welcome 40andworried.
I'm 41 and due to have boy number 4 soon. My older ones are turning 21,17,and14...all in March lol
I was shocked too when I found out,as my ob/gyn had just told me a few weeks before hand that I was peri-meno lol.
As PamelaBee has said, it's the younger women that have more problems than us older ones.
This is the best place to come to for comfort,help,opinions,etc.
Make sure you start taking those vits, and be sure they have plenty of folic acid in them.
Go with your hubby's feelings, they'll help you through this.

Take care and best wishes

[PamelaBee]

Hello, welcome to the forum. What a coincidence that you took an HPT along with your neice and find it's in fact YOU that got the BFP!  Well...congratulations!!  I can understand your shock and surprise, especially if it was unexpected.  Most of the women on this forum are in their late 30's-40's TTC or currently pregnant.  So you have come to the right place for help and support.  I'm certain, you will get replies from some that will raise your awareness of the miscarriage rate, and of course all the chromosonal problems that come with being at an advanced maternal age...it's a known fact women over 35 are high risk.  But what's often not said is, women in their 20's and 30's have the highest amount of babies, therefore have the majority of babies with chromosonal defects, miscarriages and other complications.  Our concern being late 30's- 40ish, is egg quality and whether your pregnancy will be viable or not.  But, I would just like to say, please don't get caught up in any of that.  You will obsess with the statistics and think you're the 1 out of 100, that will have a miscarriage or a baby with a defect.  For now, you just need to absorb the fact that you're pregnant!!   You said you're 7wks, are you taking prenatal vitamins?  When will you have your 1st ultrasound?  Don't feel scared and alone, you are not too old and you can do this...Hells bells, I'm 45 and pregnant, I'm your Grandmother : )!  So, please relax, enjoy this blessing, your husband is thrilled, so just take it one day at a time, and know that you are on the best forum for any concerns you have.  Please keep us posted!

[oceanv]

Well,
If it makes you feel better I'm 39 :-O)

But I was trying so I'm thinking it wasn't as much of a shock.

Good Luck,
Joanne