Odds of Pregnancy at Age 47?

[Lindy450]

Hi

I'm already a whole week late, with subtle signs of pregnancy.  I just turned 47 and was planning on tying my tubes here in the the next month or so -- and now this?  I can't even find out what the odds of a natural pregnancy at my age are.  Some very definite changes from my "routine" cycle.  I've got some nausea, tender breasts and one negative pregnancy test.  But with my youngest son, my home pregnancy test also turned out negative, even though I was pregnant.  It just seems ridiculous to be pregnant -- we weren't even trying  and my husband didn't even have an orgasm -- he limped out during that encounter (around my birthday).  So it seems kind of like a joke.  I'm about ready to try a test again -- still no period and almost 2 weeks late now.  I keep reading how it's almost impossible at my age to get pregnant naturally.  Any comments?

Lindy

[rukiyar]

You could be pre-menopausal, or pregnant lol

[momof16]

I am 50 and am 2 1/2 months late with pregnancy symptoms.  I went to the doctor and she actually laughed when I mentioned I might be pregnant.  My periods have always been very normal and then they just stopped 2 1/2 months ago.  I also have a new husband as of last May (ex had a vasectomy after first 3 children).  She said she thinks it is menopause, did a PAP and a blood test which was negative for pregnancy.  The symptoms are still here 3 weeks later so I will just take care of myself and see what happens I guess. She wouldn't do an ultrasound because of the negative blood test.

Momof16

[Dad2Maria]

Its not ridiculous, you may be pregnant, Its possible and Its almost imposible  as you wrote. Its really ridiculous to believe that there is not possibility to get pregnant after 45 or even 50 years old. If you are older under 45 or more and you have your period every month you can get pregnat  of course not to easy as a 25 or 30 years old woman but you can get pregnant.
I am 45  and I still looking for my second child after 2 miscarriages and I will be looking  for him or her until I am  48. Its really ridiculous for me when I meet a woman who does not want to try again and again because what doctors say about this, they just want donnor egg or adoption but of course Its up to of them. Good luck.

[LJ307]

I saw your post on the fertility forum and thought you might be pregnant.  But, now reading that your husband "limped out" I highly doubt you're pregnant.  It takes a mans orgasm for sperm to fertilize the egg.  You're probably having menopausal symptoms.  Wait a few more days and take another test for sure.  But, I would relax, chances are you're not preg.  Good luck!

[RunningL8]

I am 46 and trying to get pregnant after two recent miscarriages.  I was told by my Reproductive Endocrinologist, who is very up to date on all of the statistics, that the odds of a natural conception at age 45 are 1 in 200 (or 1/2%).  After 45, fertility drops off dramatically (and most women that age aren't trying to conceive), so they don't even track the statistics after that point.  Also at 45, the miscarriage rate is 75-80%.  So even if the encounter with your husband had been more "successful," your odds of conceiving (and then carrying to term) would be extremely low.  A particular woman's chances can be considerably better, depending upon her egg quantity (as measured by her FSH score).  (I have been pregnant twice since last spring, but still miscarried, so I have a much better chance than most women of conceiving again, but still the same miscarriage rate due to quality problems in 46 year old eggs.)  You can't really go by your "symptoms," as they can be caused by fluctuating hormones (which are common in perimenopause).  Since it's not absolutely impossible you are pregnant, however, you might ask your doctor for a blood test, and then you'll know for sure.  Most women on this website over 45 really want to be pregnant so I hate to share these bleak statistics with them, but it sounds like in your case the low odds that you're pregnant will be good news....

[Lindy450]

Well everyone

Thanks for the comments.  It looks like my cycle was just out of the ordinary this month (I think).  And I'll be relieved, since I'm just not up to another baby right now.    My son has a chromosomal condition (extra Y), and was quite a handful for years.  Although now he's doing fairly well, considering his "disability".  It looks like he has the social skills to hold a job down as he gets older, although he still has severe learning disabilities.  After raising him (he's now 12, 6 feet 1 inches and 190 pounds or so), I have learned so much about disabilities and advocating for children.  I've met a couple moms of children with Down's who have had their kids mainstreamed in school.  One mom was told her son's IQ was in the 50's before she insisted on mainstreaming -- her son (now 18) learned to read starting in 3rd grade (although he repeated this grade) and by graduation was reading on a 6th grade level. He surprised everyone (including mom) and ended up higher functioning than expected.  He is now attending a program for "extended education" which is on a college campus -- and his IQ still tests in the 50's, so go figure.  He will continue to learn skills to become as independent as possible (although he doesn't drive).   Another mom tells me she expects her daughter to receive a "typical" high school diploma, although her daughter has had a lot of accomodations, etc.   Particularly important to these kid's success are strong parent advocacy, and keeping them OFF any psychiatric medications, including "ADHD" medications, which can actually worsen behavior, adversely affect epilepsy, etc.  So -- just in case anyone here receives the prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome, etc. -- just wanted to let you know these kids can still grow up, thrive, etc.  Anyways, I'm more able to accept a special needs child (should that happen), but really prefer a "breather".  My hubby is younger than me, and we don't have any kids together.

If things don't go back to "normal" here in a couple weeks, I'll consider going to the doctor.    I've been like clockwork the last several years, and women in my family don't typically go into menopause until their late 50's or near 60 (which can be good AND bad).  My thyroid medicine was changed slightly in the last month, so maybe that affected things.  Fortunately, I got rid of heavy, horrible periods when my dose of Synthroid was raised about a year ago -- first time in well over a decade my periods were somewhat more "normal", and I had asked doctors for YEARS and YEARS to "Check my thyroid, I think I need more thyroid medicine".  BTW, hypothyroid issues can cause infertility -- just a hint for some of you gals.  Natural ways to boost it are iodine, selenium, and rhodiola -- along with exercise.  Of course, there are those who just need thyroid medicine to be more "normal".

[vma]

You're definatly knocked-up lady!!!

[barrow74]

My mother had my brother at 46, my grandmother had my dad at 48....it could be menopause but you still could be pregnant. Just because your husband 'limped out' doesnt mean that some of his little soldiers couldnt have escaped before then. You dont have to have full intercourse to get pregnant.....i would suggest you try another test in a few days ....and keep us informed. Good luck.

[pkr]

I just turned 51 and am three weeks late and having pregnancy symptoms (nausea, fatigue, etc).  I have never been pregnant.  I  took a pregnancy test last week and it was negative. Does it make a difference if you take it in the evening vs. morning?  I would be elated if I was pregnant and so would my husband.  

[momof16]

I always took it in the morning, but they say it doesn't matter after you are further along.  I took a test yesterday for the fun of it and it is still negative!  I'm 24 weeks now.

[melimeli]

you tood a pg test and it came out neg?

[valleybabes]

Have you tried a blood test?  Sometimes a pregnancy tests wont detect your pregnancy until your second month. I know because that happend to me with my second pregnancy, so I had to do the blood to confirm.

[Tennesseegirl]

do you fill the baby? Im confused... You mean you have gone this long and no dr has said your pregnant? DEMAND a u/s!!! atleast get another dr. that is crazy.. Maybe Im misunderstanding.

[kiaragirl]

I am 48 and have regular periods and have been trying for a 2nd baby with my husband since last May when we got back together after 16yrs.....1st and only child was by him 20yrs ago!! So I`m hoping to hear of others that are trying or have concieved at this late age despite that statistics, it is encouraging so keep us posted ladies!!

[Tennesseegirl]

oh by the way....I say NEVER SAY NEVER.... It can always happen... when you least expect it. smile  Im living proof!! funny how I can smile now..atleast thil the 23rd.. thats my birthday!! 45 and pregnant... aint that special! ....shaking my head... dont get me wrong.. Im tickled pink now. .. but I still have my panic attacks, and  my omg's.. gonna go take a bath and go under water now.. wonderful stess relief these days.

It took us 9 years to have my dd 16 years ago and now we are 25 years and having our second dd.  you keep having those periods? It can happen... dont give up. and I wish you the best..here is some baby dust for  you!!

[momof16]

Yes, I had negative urine tests, went to the doctor at 9 weeks and had a negative blood test.  She refused to do an ultrasound because she said it was just menopause since I was 50 years old.  I had never missed a period in my life until October 14.  I kept having symptoms of pregnancy and went back to the doctor at 16 weeks.  She gave me an ultrasound and there he was!  I just took the HPT yesterday for fun to see if it would show positive. It was still negative and I'm 24 weeks. My oldest child is 28 and I have a 24 year old daughter that is pregnant with me!

momof16 plus one

[reflect8ion]

I'm 46 1/2 and people are always assuming that I can't have any more kids. But am still getting my periods every month. So I bought some ovulation testing kits from the drug store to find out if I was still ovulating. Yep, I'm ovulating every month like clock work.

[Tennesseegirl]

oh wow.. dd too? isnt that cool!!.. is she in the same town?
darn drs!!! cant believe you went thru all that and finally get an u/s for proff.. I bet she felt stupid! glad to hear they are ontop of it now.. geez...

[momof16]

Yea, I think it is really neat to be pregnant with my daughter.  She doesn't seem as thrilled though.  She definitely thinks I'm too old!  My kids are 28,27,24,21,19,19,12,11,11,10,10,9,9,7,7and 7.  The youngest 10 are still at home and are so excited.  They are already fighting to see whose turn it is going to feel the baby move.  I can't imagine what they will do when he is born.  The oldest aren't too thrilled, but I try not to pry in their lives and I expect the same respect from them.  My daughter isn't due until November so I hopefully she will mellow towards my pregnancy as hers progresses.  She lives about 4 hours from me.  

[melimeli]

I want to see a family picture...

your dd probably just wants all the attention on her...

[kiaragirl]

That is SOOOO cool mom of 16 and given me hope!! Look forward to seeing pics of your new son!!

[Savanha]

This is a HOT (meaning exciting) thread...ok...I have to calm myself so that I can write like I have some sense. ;o)  I am floored, because I was going to come in with my story...just heard it from a friend who lives in N.C. & works in a hospital there. She told me that a lady in the neonatal ward who is 56 yrs. old...Did you all see that number? The lady is 56...gonna check to make sure it wasn't 54, but waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay past 50 and the lady got pregnant NATURALLY!! HEY...it ain't over until the Big, Beautiful & Bodaius lady sings and apparently girlfriend is still warming her vocal pipes. I was soooooooo happy & encouraged by that news. It inspires me that I can still carry my baby from my own body...I don't have anything against any other method...not DE or any of them. You as an individual have to come to "THAT" place in your heart where you know... now is the time for me to go in a different direction...try a new way and I am not there.

The story that I've shared is great, but my Gurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrl...momof16 has put the icing all up side the proverbial CAKE. ;o) Sorry ladies...had to go a lil' slang on ya to really make my point. That is the LADY...she brought it to the movies...meaning she made the statement that kicks all those nay sayers...especially negative RE's comments out the window.

See...my thing is this, we all have our own idea of what is good for us. So...if being over 40...some even think 35 is too old for you to have a child...fine...don't have one, but don't be so discouraging as to say these things to others whose hearts desire is to conceive a baby and aren't sooooooo worried about the age factor. I mean I believe we are all mature indivuals and that we are intelligent enough and can research the risk involved w/becoming preg at a more mature age.  BTW: This isn't directed at anyone...just my think out loud mind on download. As I've shared and know that many have read, my bbf was 46 when she became preg...thought she too was going to "sweat-city"(our term for it ;o) for a while, but instead she was very much positive w/baby n belly. ;o) She delivered a healthy & beautiful  baby girl after she turned 47.

It can be very disheartening when you hear someone (usually medical doc) say it's all over for you...you won't be able to conceive period w/your own eggs and definitely not naturally. So, for all the Sister Girlfriends 35 & over...special shout out to my GURLZ 40+...know that it can be done. Go the distance...whatever that is for you and don't allow anyone to take your hope away...DO YOU...whatever that is and however long it takes for you.

I really enjoyed this thread...very diverse in that we all have these different opinions, but more to the point...we have a strong over 50 lady on this thread who is 2 1/2 months pregnant...NATURALLY...it seems...correct me if I'm wrong momof16. ;o)

reflect8ion: You hear what I'm saying girlfriend? Do you! ;o)

kiaragirl: Work it out baby...you can do this!!! ;o) Check out Ms. Lady...momof16!! ;o)

vma: You are too funny w/that reply. ;o)

Dad2Maria: Work it out girlfriend...stay strong

Tennesseegirl: Gurrrrrrrrl...you are so full of baby beauty...I'm just waiting to see how beautiful girlfrriend is going to be when she gets here. ;o) Post plenty of pics of Ms. lady, or was it still Savanha? ;o) Yes...I remember.

Cheers Ladies,
Savanha~

[momof16]

I am now 6 months pregnant and will be 25 weeks tomorrow.  I am really enjoying watching the faces of the doctors who deal with "numbers" every day.  I deal with faith in
God and I know that God can do ANYTHING!  I've seen so many miracles already with our adopted children from Russia.  All should have been dead or severly handicapped.  They are all "normal" today.  Some of them were denied adoption by a judge until God turned things around for us.  We are a family of miracles and I will gladly testify to that.  This isn't to say that I haven't had my share of heartache.  I went through years of abuse that finally turned into physical violence.  I left my husband and raised 8 children basically alone until I met Mark last year.  My 3 adopted teenagers went off the deep end and got into drugs, sex and left home.  Yes, it has been hard at times, but God has answered Mark's prayer for a son, even at my age of 51.  So all things are possible.  

As far as it being harder to be pregnant at my age, I haven't noticed a difference.  I'm still active, although I take naps every afternoon.  If I feel tired, I slow down what I'm doing.  But we love to camp and hike and will be leaving in a few minutes for another weekend trip in our RV with 10 kids and a dog!  I feel great. No high blood pressure or anything.  I'm not a health nut,  or weight watcher or anything.  Just a fairly "normal" old woman!  I asked not to be monitored as a high risk patient unless some problems arise.  I don't like all the poking and prodding and tests.  The prospect of having a Down's child doesn't scare me.  I will raise him with joy.  Right now, I'm loving being pregnant and feel very, very blessed!

Joann

[kiaragirl]

No wonder you got pregnant momof16 with that fab attitude!! You are an example to us all!! THANK YOU!

[melimeli]

OMG I feel like I am 80 this time copared to the last pg... I keep saying being pg at 34 is so different than 28... I am so much more tired this time.. I enjoy it more but it is kicking my butt

[Lindy450]

Hi Momof16 and Everyone Else:

Somehow I lost the address for this site and didn't post for a while.  As an update, I think I might have been pregnant for a couple weeks or so and then lost it.  I'm back to clockwork periods.  I'm not upset or anything -- wasn't quite ready for another kid anyways.  But it's nice hearing comments from all of you.  Women older than 45 are almost treated like aliens or freaks for being pregnant, and told we're likely to miscarry or give birth to highly deformed babies.  But I don't think that's true and most of these women will have normal kids.  So good luck to you and congrats!  Wish you the energy to go along with that young one on the way!

Lindy

[Savanha]

Ladies...

Back on TOP. ;o)

Cheers,
Savanha~

[agamommy]

As I seit here and read your comments, I am blown away of how much love,determination and dedication you (young) hearts have for your family.

Savanha- By the way I love that name. You go girl!!! You tell it like it is.

Momof16- You are an insperation, to this generation. I admire you.

And to all the other mommy's and mommy's to be. The numbers on the cake don't mean nothing, its what is in the heart and sole. Take care and Congratulatons to everyone!

Hopefully soon I will be joining you all on the baby train.

Hugz,
Pamela

[kymoms]

Well I have never posted before on the web, so here goes.  I am 47 yrs soon to turn 48yrs.  My husband and I have been married 16 yrs and this was our second marriage for both.  I had a son previosly and he had a daughter and son.  Our children when we married were 12,11,8.  I then got pregnant with our daughter at age 32yrs.  From there we had four more daughers with a total 5 daughters. Total today is 8.  I had my last planned pregnancy at age 43yrs.  Well  we were just floored this week when I did a preg. test and results were positive.  I tried to conceive with my youngest for a year.  This time we were watching signs and trying to avoid preg.  I am still in shcok and feelings of guilt that I wish to miscarry.  I have had two miscarriages but so far this preg. feel viable by all signs.  I am probably only 5-6 weeks.  So yes it is very possible to become pregnant naturally after age 47 yrs.  I pray for the graces to come to acceptance of this preg.  Also how does everyone handle all the negative comments from family and friends?  My hsuband will be 72 yrs when this child is 18.  Thank you for listening any positive comments welcomed...

[Tennesseegirl]

I turned 45 a week ago... gulp..
when I fist found out I was pregnant... I freaked!! The ob made me feel like a bigger one when he saw me with a big pos!! (just the inpresion I got).. He started talking the testing... the extra bloodwork... etc.. the rate of m/c.. the amnio testing... of course I was still in shock and just wanted to craw under a rock.. but now? I think Its wonderful.. and what a Joy?.. I will get to do again!!  I really dont care what others think.. Im just happy I get another oppertunity to fall in love again... now how special is that? oh.. btw..
funny... NOW.. hes saying I have a body of a 20 year old!!!!!!
I say GO FOR IT.

kymoms.... lol.. you cant look at the Big picture like that... will drive you nuts.. I know.. I did that at first...you need to look at day to day and enjoy just that... smile

[adgal]

I can understand why you would be a little frightened.  I have no doubt though that when the shock wears off you will be excited and feel happier about the whole thing.  As for negative comments...it is so common these days to give birth a bit older, and for those that feel the need to comment negatively, I say ignore them...actually I would be more likely to tell them where to go, but thats not for everyone.  You will be great.  I will be just about 40 when I have this baby (my first), and plan to have at least one more, God willing. As so many have said, age is just a number.  And although we defintely have a slight increased risk for defects, its not that much higher, and we can test for them.
Good luck to you!

[Michellemom]

HI,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! :) What encouragement! Finally, some positive vibes for us "older" ladies. I have been quite discouraged until today when I read this thread! I have felt foolish and selfish for wanting another baby...until today! You all have givien me the boost for the extra mile I have needed! I will only ttc naturally...it's in God's hands anyway. Do any of you take fertility blend or anything natural? Any good stories to share? Thanks again...you have blessed my heart!

Blessings,
Michelle

[kiaragirl]

I just got a herbal supplement that has black cohosh, agnus castus, wild yam root and red sage, which is suppose to balance my hormones but also says not to take if pregnant ???? (didnt see that bit till got home) so hoping all these things will help me tc naturally.

[momof16]

I am 51 and conceived naturally.  I am 30 weeks.

[adgal]

I am 39 and conceived naturally - 3 times since nov.  I did use egg whites last time to help with ECM, but thats kind of a controversial subject as some believe it can cause problems.  I was going to use preseed next time if I didn't conceive this time.  I know, not as good a story as some of our late 40's and early 50's mom to be's (momof16, I swear, you are my hero!!), but I was still told it could be difficult for me.  Don't listen to anything negative anyone has to say, you know your body best.  Good luck to you.

[Martha47]

I found this forum by googling "odds of conceiving at age 47" because I'm in the same situation as you are.  I'm TERRIFIED that I'm pregnant.  I have one daughter, aged 11, and the reason I never had other children is that my pregnancy was a nightmare.  For some stupid reason I never forced my husband to get a vasectomy.

I was hoping to hear that it's impossible to get pregnant at my age, so I'm feeling discouraged.  I rarely miss a period, though my cycles are fairly irregular (anywhere from 19 to 50 days). For women my age who WANT to have a baby, I wish you the best, but for me it would be a disaster.  On top of having to spend 4 months in bed sick, I'm also worried sick about genetic abnormalities.

I can't even take a pregnancy test for another week.   The stress is killing me.

[allip68]

My fiance went bike riding with a 50 year old woman yesterday - she did a triathlon this year and had a baby last year!  She got pregnant at 49.  I loved hearing that and just wanted to pass it along for all women who WANT to have a baby late!  (own eggs/natural pregnancy)

[40smama]

I'm glad to hear all of these women have had pregnancies w/their own eggs - kudos to you and congrats!

I'm going to be the devil's advocate here and say that lots of times women aren't successful in their 40's.  Conception is one thing but carrying the baby to term is another.  The rate of m/c is extremely high due to egg quality.  I could get out links of scientific data to back me up but I know that it's useless.

Of course there are women age 40+ who get pg w/the 'golden' egg but believe me it's not as often as everyone would think.  Sorry to be the downer one here.  

[hollydolly007]

When I told the doc I wanted a baby she was ok about it when my husband was with me. When I next went on my own feeling I had her backing she was very negative with me.  I insisted I wanted a baby so she reluctantly offered advice.  I wont see her without my hubby now.  We have tried for a long time now.  Well a year and a half.  I appraoched a second male doc in order to request chlomid that i had been told about.  Well he just made me feel like a darn fool.  I thought I was back in the headmasters office as a child having not done my homework.  I am on my first bash at chlomid.  All the notices from you older woman have given me sooooooooo much hope.  I am forty five by the way and have never had a child.  I have so much to tell you all but I am worried the world will know who I am! can they find out from this site!  if not I can tell you the problems i have encountered.  They are very private.  I will keep trying for my first child.
good luck everyone

[40smama]

holly - I'm not sure what kind of dr you're seeing, but I highly recommend an re (reproductive endocrinologist) especially due to the fact that you're 45.  I'm sorry your dr made you feel bad.  That's why I suggest seeing the above dr.  They know so much more than a regular ob/gyn about fertility.

My own re had a baby w/her own eggs at 43 so nothing's impossible and she's the first one to say that but she's also a realist.  The ultimate goal is to have a healthy baby & of course a healthy mother as well.

I believe your privacy will be protected on this site.  The ladies here are supportive and give great advice.  I've never seen one who've gone searching for someone's identity.  We're all here to support one another through pregnancy/babyhood.  Btw, I had a healthy baby boy at the age of almost 45 in April (we used donor eggs).

I hope everything works out for you - good luck!

[Savanha]

WOW...this post is STILL alive. ;o) I just want to add my portion. Again...anything is possible...just know that much. ;o) My bff was 46 when she became pregnant. It was all natural, she had NO problems & she had her healthy babygirlf at the beautiful age of 47...all Natural w/o any meds(labor lasted 2 hrs.). To me...it's just beautiful. ;o) Now, she is the oldest, but I also have friends fr. 38-43 that have had babies...some natural & some w/RE assistance. This journey is Personal...you have to do what is right for you & go the distance that's best for you. Yes...that's me, total optimist here. ;o) SSBD to ALL.

Cheers~
Savanha~~

[Shari4]

I'm 42 (43 next month), and trying to have my first child.  All of you are an inspiration to me :)  Good luck to all!

Hugs,
Shari

[Shari4]

More, please!!!

[Hunnybear]

hi  I am 43yrs old and the mother of 3 grown children 19,20 and 21 .. have been in a new relationship for awhile now and we desire to have a child together and have been trying to conceive for 8 months with no luck.....I have irregular menstrual periods.. all my homone tests came back WNL except my thyroid level was a little low.... am on thyroid medication and Provera right now... am also taking herbal vitamins to help with conception.. my left ovary has been hurting a little and my cervix is really sensitive... am hoping to get a good period in 3 to 7 days and then I will be able to test for ovulation. OBGYN says I will need to see a reproductive endocrinologist if I don't get pregnant soon... am so worried that I am not cycling or releasing eggs ..

[40smama]

hunny - I'd see a re sooner than later.  At our age, time is of the essence.  I hope you get your AF soon so you can get on w/ttc.  If you're not ovulating, there's definitely meds to help you start the process - good luck - I hope you get your BFP soon!! - jennifer

[RoyalBlue]

Hello Everyone,

I am 43 years old and two weeks late with my period. My husband and I had three "encounters" that were unprotected. Two of these encounters were right after my period ended, so I cannot even imagine that I ovulated yet. Now a bit of history...

I tried for 10 months to get pregnant with my fourth child.  I stopped trying in March 2008.  I have three wonderful children ages 10, 7, and 4. I realized that my life is good the way that it is.

I am terrified to do a test. I am also wondering if I am in periomenopause.  My periods were irregular my entire life until I turned 40.  After age 40, my periods came every 28 days like clockwork. Naturally I am very concerned.  I guess that I am just looking for a little bit of support from older women who can relate to my situation. My husband is okay with whatever happens, so that is good.

Thanks for listening...

Lori

[alikat1205]

if you are two weeks late a test should be pretty accurate! so if it is negative, you can imagine that your periods are just starting to change with age (i'm 40 so i'm not saying anything negative about your age!).  if it's positive, you need to get to a dr. asap!!!!! it's time to test!

[RoyalBlue]

The test came back positive  today.  I am off to post another topic on this....

[alikat1205]

this is awesome and wonderful news! please update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mommaestro]

Hi!  I just found this site and am very happy to.  I am 47, will be 48 Nov 23rd and am 29 weeks pregnant... due the first week of Nov as I have to have repeat c-section.  I guess this was planned since I haven't taken birth control for 9 years and have one son who is 6 yo.  I have a 26 yo from a previous relationship.  I just thought the lady had already sung and it wasn't possible for us to conceive again.  Finally I told my husband to go get a pregnancy test because either I'm pregnant or going into menopause so either way I have to make a dr appt.  We just looked at each other for the longest time...and had to wait 3 LOOOONG weeks to see a dr and get the first ultrasound.  Our experience this time with doctors has not been as good as when I was 41 and had my son.  This time it seems their attitude is : you deserve what you get (eg Downs Syndrome, miscarriage, etc)  My doc with my son was very supportive, understood the stress and fears of a late pregnancy and actually performed all my ultrasounds; explained what he was looking for and what he was seeing.  This time I'm being treated like I am 25 and pregnant...no different.. they looked at me like I was crazy when I was crying when I thought I was leaking amniotic fluid at 19 weeks.  I know it sounds like we chose the wrong docs...we re on our 2nd OB already and just didn't want to go through one more.  We decided not to have Amniocentisis as it would have 0 effect on whether we continued the pregnancy or not.   With an already high probability of having a miscarriage at my age, I didn't want to increase that by even 2% with the amnio.  I know I'm rambling, but am just thrilled to have the thread to keep up with.  I have had no complications with high blood pressure or gestational diabetes and am just enjoying the journey.  I wish everyone luck

[adgal]

Congrats to you, I just love hearing stories like this.  But your Dr's attitude really ticks me off.  Their job is to help you get through your pregnancy as healthily as possible, not to sit in judgement.  Anyway, congrats to you, and I wish you a healthy remainder of your pregnancy, and a healthy happy baby!!

[kiaragirl]

I agree!! It REALLY bugs me that drs think they have the right to treat people like this..after all, at the end of the day they are providing a service just like any other job that does, and should just get on and do their job! Congrats to you tho!! I am thrilled to hear about your news as we have also been "trying" since reuniting 18mths ago (had a son and lived together 20yrs ago, but split when he was 3) and I`m 48 this month :-( I`m getting close to the point of accepting it aint gonna happen (been using ov tests and preseed) so your story has given me a tiny bit of hope again. THANK YOU!

[mommaestro]

You never know... the doctor I'm seeing now asked me at my first appt if I wanted my tubes tied during the c-section... I said OMG don't you think we are done after this?  And she said the woman she saw before me....50.    As for this team of doctors, I am rehearsing my talk with these ladies before I leave this practice.  I figured I could take 5-10 minutes out of their weekly staff meeting to offer some advice on how to treat patients.  While I was rehearsing last night, I remembered that the doc I saw when I thought I was miscarring was not mine... when I did see my doctor she never mentioned it.  When I hadn't felt the baby move all day another doc sent me to labor and delivery to be monitored... when I saw the next doc, she never mentioned it and none of them have said anything about the ultrasounds...I go in the tech does them and I leave.  So they are not even looking at the chart, or see that everything turned out ok and so don't mention it?  All they have to do to make women feel they are being taken care of is ask ONE laser specific question or statement... like oh, i see you went in for monitoring...that must have been scary, or I'm so glad you came in and found out you weren't miscarring... that's it!  In that whole 10 minutes I'm in their office I would feel cared about and would tell everyone how great they are.  Or if they want to be extra special they could call and just make sure you are ok....   Instead of :  how are you, do you have any questions, ok we will see you in a few weeks.  One appt she asked me if I had questions and I had 4.  After each one she said OK, we'll see you... and I had to say: I have another question...   Ok, I'm done ranting... I just had all this since I was rehearsing last night.   All of my posts from now on will be positive!  We are thrilled and excited to welcome this baby; although the room isn't even touched yet....developing.
My 6 yo son keeps finding things and in his cutsy voice says "this SOOO cute! this will be perfect for Elisabeth!"  I wish everyone a joyous week and a plus on the pregnancy side!

[bessie1]

older woman+poor sperm morphology--what are the chances of a natural pregnancy do you think?


Dear Community,

I am 47 and have been trying to conceive with my husband for the last three years.  (We were married two years ago). My husband is 37, and has very poor sperm morphology--93%of his sperm have abnormal morphology--likely due to an undescended testicle which HE, not his mother, noticed at around age 6 or 7. This problem was corrected, but can still result in infertility.

I have been tested for hormone levels several times over the past three years and my FSH is 4.8, which is really good for my age. We finally decided to try IVF last September and at our first consultation the doctor initially thought I was ten years younger because he looked at my hormone levels before checking my actual birth date.  

Nevertheless, the IVF failed. We had two top grade embryos implanted, but they didn't take. We tried a second IVF several months later and had three high quality embryos to implant. Again no pregnancy. I was devastated, but am still hopeful. We will try IVF again, but I am wondering, hoping that I could conceive naturally. I have this gut feeling that this is how it will work for us. Only 25% of IVF cycles lead to live births no matter what age of the woman, so it is clear IVF does not guarantee pregnancy. (I am not interested in donor eggs. I want my own genes in my child).  So, now to my question.

Has anyone had, or hear about, a similar situation--that is, older women, poor sperm morphology, but natural pregnancy? I know that I am ovulating--I get all the signs--pain, mucous etc. I really believe I could get pregnant naturally if we had better sperm. But we don't. Is there still a chance, do you think? Hoping, praying to hear there is.

Bessie1