When to go for first visit

[PregAt44]

Hi, I am 8 1/2 weeks pregnant naturally (6 1/2 gestational) for the first time at 44 years old. At what point should I do the first prental appointment? I want to wait until 10 weeks, so at least the heartbeat can be detected by then and my miscarriage risk is reduced some. I'm afraid to go to the doctor now and to be told it's too early and I'm probably going to misscarry even though I have no history of pregnancies (due to prevention). I'm in great health with no risk factors except age. Am I right to wait until 10 weeks? My health habits are very strong with meals, prenatal vitamins, exercise, no smoking, alcohol or caffeine. I just don't want the uncessesary lectures I hear are so common. Any reason I should go in right away? I've had 5 home pregnancy tests (had a bulk pack of them). All were strong positives. I figured out I was pregnant at just 3 weeks gestational. Please no negative responses about age.  My grandmother had her last child at 45 and I have several other over 40 success stories in my famly without fertility treatments. Thanks.

[Savanha]

PregAt44,

I am Soooooooooo happy for you and it encourages me. My best friend got pregnant w/ her 2nd child (1st 30yrs. old) @ 46...wasn't even trying~had her @ age 47...so I was very happy for her & encouraged by the pregnancy. I too am 44 and have been ttc for 21/2 yrs. w/ help, but all the time b-4 getting help. ;o) I had 2 mc's...1st chemical & 2nd lost @ 8wks. I am so very hopeful for my son or babygirl or both to come soon. ;o) Hang in there...do what you must and stay positive, encouraged & try not to worry (I know easier said then done). I pray the Lord's protection over your sweet baby and that you will be strong, healthy & full of joy thru out your pregnancy & that you will have a great delivery & a healthy & happy baby! Enjoy the beauty & wonder of your precious gift!

wilm: Loved your story. ;o)  Twins!!! ;o) Was it w/doc-help?


&  RunningL8: Loved your story too. ;o) At 45...I am so encouraged! Was this w/doc-help?

[RunningL8]

Definitely ask your doctor to test your progesterone immediately, as it tends to be low in older women, and don't take over-the-counter progesterone in the meantime (as you can't be sure what's in there, how much you're getting, etc.).  At 44, you should also be taking 1600 mcg. total folic acid daily (so a prenatal vitamin plus a folic acid supplement).  I had my first pregnancy last year at 45, so I'm not intending to sound negative about your age, but prescription progesterone and extra folic acid can help pregnancies succeed in older women....Best wishes to you!

[wilm]

Hia and congratulations.  In my personal opinion the only thing a doctor will do is confirm you are actually pregnant and arrange for you to have your first anti natal visit, which in Jersey is 12 weeks.  I had my first child at 40, didn't listen to all the nonsense and everything went well.  had a m/c at 42 and shortly afterwards fell again, this time to twins, they were born just before my 43rd, full term at 381/2 weeks and are perfect.  The only thing i would say is start taking the Pregnacare tablets (folic acid) asap and don't listen to people's horror stories, just the nice ones, good luck.

[melimeli]

You should go now.. they can see a hb by ultrasound by 6 weeks...  also to set up the nuchal translucency scan you need to get in because that needs to be done by like 12 w

[AshleysMom]

Hi:

I've always wanted to know if my pregs are viable as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, I've had 10 m/cs.  It stinks finding out early on (like at 6-7 weeks) that the preg will not progress during an ultrasound, but it was much worse for me the one time I went in at 10 weeks and they couldn't hear the heartbeat. Then, I had to wait another week to get an US.

At any rate, I'm sure you'll be fine.  Good luck and keep us posted.

[tahariel]

Just wait until you hear that little heartbeat for the very first time, and even at each appointment throughout your pregnancy. It's like nothing else in the whole world. Enjoy!!!

[PregAt44]

ok, I guess it's procrastination, not wanting to hear any bad news. I'll schedule an appointment and get it moving as fast as I can. I would hate to go through a missed miscarriage and not know until later. I also didn't realize a heartbeat could be found already at 8 weeks. Thanks a lot for the advice. All of it makes perfect sense now.

[tahariel]

You probably should at least call to make your ob/gyn appointment now. Sometimes it can take a week or two to get on the schedule and the first appointment is usually around 8 weeks. Age would put you in the "advanced maternal age" category, however many women in their 40s have perfectly healthy pregnancies and babies. It's just that medical statistics have an increased risk curve after age 35. It sounds like you are taking good care of yourself, so things should go well. The key is to find an ob/gyn that you are comfortable with. I love my doctor, so look forward to my appointments. Congratulations and good luck!

[rene67]

Congratulations on your pregnancy.  I would also recommend going in now, they can see embryo and heartbeat on transvaginal U/S as early as 5 1/2 weeks past LMP.  At 44 the miscarriage rate is rather high (30-40%).  Don't worry,  I know many women in 40s with successful pregnancies but it does mean you should be monitored early on.

I am 40 and have had 3 miscarriages since 2006.  The first pregnancy I had 1st prenatal at 12 weeks, but found out the embryo stopped growing around 6-7 weeks.  I felt fine, no miscarriage symptoms at all (it's what called a "missed miscarriage").  It was quite a shock.  So the next two I went in earlier.  Although it was still upsetting, better than waiting and wondering for weeks.

[guinness413]

I would go and make the appt right away just to confirm size and make sure you are on the right vitamins and in the event you need any progesterone supplements and just for peace of mind that all is well. Don't be afraid because quite frankly, it is what it is and not going to the doctor is not going to change the outcome, which by the way I am sure will be fine