38 & Pregnant--Happy, But Scared

[6_And_Counting]

I suppose I'm just looking for some reassurance here, or information about my first 2-3 months coming up.  I'm roughly 5 weeks along and so scared of miscarriage, due to my age, I suppose, more than any other reasons.  My symptoms are nausea, fatigue, mood swings, and some cramping.  I understand that all pregnancies are different, but what can I expect as far as precautions to take since I am over 35?  Are there even precautions?  Should I take it easy more, or does that even matter??  ...too many questions and too much worry, which I'm sure is not good!  Any insight is appreciated for those who've "been there, done that."  

[Aim38]

I too am 38 and 8 weeks pregnant.  I have the same fears you do.  Constant worry.  I have 3 other children 13-11 and 8.  Keep in touch and we can get through this together.  Congrats on your new little one.

[mmmmm510]

hello


I want to ask one thing can i pregnant after age 37 and what precaution should i take..my period is regular..and i m trying to conceive before 2 months..but i haven't get good news..can you help me what should i do..any test we should have to do or not? or we have to try till 6 months..plz hep me

mmmmm

[MissingLink]

I am 37, but will be 38 when this little fella arrives! my best mate conceived naturally and delivered twins at 42..

the only thing our OB's said about our age was to listen carefully to our bodies - stay hydrated and rest well if you are over tired, get some light exercise to stay reasonaby fit... hang on... they said the same things to my under 30 pregnant friend... lol...

sure we have some increased risks, but it's not certain that anything is going to go wrong either! your symptoms sound NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL!!

I agree with the above... if bubs isn't viable, there will be nothing you can do, but if bub IS viable.. then you can't go far wrong by maintaining a healthly lifestyle.

[SabrinaB39]

I am 40 and currently 35 weeks with my 4th child. My children are 20, 17 and 5. I went through all the waht if's as well.  This pregnancy has been no different than the other's except I am older and it is harder. I went through the stages of testing for DS etc.  My baby girl is due 1/6/11.  Over 10% of women are having their 1st babies over 40. You just need to relax and not worry.

Good luck and Happy 9 months

[adgal]

HI there.  Sorry to be so late responding,  I somehow missed this post.  I had my first child at almost 41 (1 week before).  I conceived naturally and although I had some issues during pregnancy, none of them were age related.  I have a very healthy 10 month old who is the light of my life.  I am currently trying to have my second and if I am successful, I will be at least 42 if not older when he/she is born.  

Yes, we have a higher chance of complications in our late 30's and 40's.  However, they are still not overly common.  The reality is that when we choose to have children anything can happen at any time.  Very few challenges are age related, and those that are don't seem all that scary to me anymore.  

As the others have said...it's important to have the facts and to educate yourself.  But don't let things you read online (no googling!!lol) frighten you...the vast majority of the time everything is just fine.

Congrats and good luck to you!!

[pertykitty]

i had my last baby 6 months ago at age 39.  i also have a 3yr old and a 12 yr old.  my baby has down syndrome and had surgery on her heart in sept.  it was a wild pg with a million u/s, tests, blah blah blah but all i can say is this baby is the most wonderful and special person i have ever met!  there are more risks at higher ages but there are risks at any age.  dont let what betty jo had to deal with influence your fears just as you shouldnt let my experience do the same.  

finding an ob that you trust and love is very important.  find someone that wont tell you not to worry but to  let you know the truth and be there to take the time to listen no matter what the questions are.  

congrats!  there are so many women on here that have had children that are healthy and are over the age of 40!  try to relax and get some extra rest.  eat well and take your prenatals.  i took some that had extra folic acid.  lol age can also increase your chances of twins, now there is something to worry about ;)

[twinbabies]

Congrats on being pregnant, that is wonderful!!! I hope you will keep us posted on how you are progressing. I know it is scary but just definitely talk to your doctor so they can monitor you more closely!! Good luck dear :-)

XXOO

[trh0819]

First, congrats on your pregnancy! Such an exciting time. I, too, am 38 and pregnant. This is my first pregnancy after many attempts at IUI, 3 surgeries and finally IVF. Like the other ladies posted, just try to relax and enjoy this as much as you can. Easier said than done, I know! I'm marked high-risk and I follow my doctor's directions explicitly, but I have loved being pregnant and cannot wait to meet my little love bug on Valentine's day! Best advice my RE gave me was to remove stress from my life. I just avoid situations and people that cause stress, I watch my diet and get plenty of rest, and I call my nurse when I have concerns. I have the best OB and nurse-- makes a huge difference. And my husband makes this experience about a million times better for me, too. Just take it a day at a time and know you are so very blessed!

[renny320]

Congratulations on your pregnancy. I am 37 and ttc my 2nd child. I was nervous about my age but from what I've researched and what my doctor has told me, even though the risk of miscarriage goes up over 35, the odds are still much higher that you will not miscarry and most women over 35 go on to give birth to perfectly healthy babies. I am also encouraged when I hear someone over 35 getting pregnant. I am on my 8th month of trying and sometimes it is easy to get discouraged. Good luck to you. I hope your pregnancy goes well.

[6_And_Counting]

Hello :O)  I am feeling a little more calm this afternoon.  Thank you for your encouraging words.  Those always help a gal.  This is not my first, by the way!  My husband and I have 6 children.  3 are adopted...  It has been almost 8 years since my last pregnancy, but this is the first time I have ever felt any fear about my baby's health.  I am glad to have found this forum to keep up with other mom's in my place.  This is a nice community that I look forward to keeping in much touch with.

[mjmom69]

Congratulations! that is wonderful news. I know it may be impossible, but try not to worry. There are lots of women your age and older who have perfectly normal pregnancies and babies. There are always risks. There isn't anything you can do to prevent a miscarriage if it isn't viable. On the other hand, be sure and make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can so you can discuss any issues that may come up and that can be dealt with. You can just do things as normal, don't add anything new to your routine that might be strenuous like rock climbing or something! Keep active and eat right. Otherwise, enjoy! I am always thrilled to hear of someone older getting pregnant. I'm 41 and have been trying for 1 1/2 yrs with 1 miscarriage. We need all the encouraging news we can get here.
Is this your first? I look forward to hearing about your progress!