Advanced Maternal Age Paranoia

[893572577222631426_652_5]

I had my first baby @24yo
My second @27
My third @30
I recently found out I am expecting my 4th, ans I will be 37 this year by the time I give birth. Just knowing I'm labeled as high risk due to my age has me sooooo paranoid. It is like I've played roulette and could so easily get a baby with genetic defects.  I've had to stop reading and educating myself about this pregnancy (9 weeks along now) because so much of it involves how risky it is to conceive at my age. Does anyone else feel this way?  Paranoid you will have a disabled baby?

[Jennyleigha]

28w/4d healthy girl at thirty five

[LoveCake98]

Hey, settle down. Maybe your hormones are making you anxious--lol. . I think your fear is irrational.  You're not labeled with a high risk pregnancy just because you're 37. The are plenty of other medical conditions that could make you high risk (blood pressure, obesity, diabetes) but your age alone does not. Don't make yourself older than you are.  Take a deep breath. By 37 you should have adopted a healthy, active lifestyle & know what you're supposed to eat so you feel good. If not, I'd be more worried about that

You'll be fine mama. Just because you started having kids In your 20s doesn't mean that having a child now is risky.

[Dragonwings]

I will be 37 when our baby is born. I don't consider myself high risk at all because of my age. I think you should only be labeled high risk if there's complications. As far as worring if our child comes out disabled, I don't. If it's meant for this baby to be disabled, so be it. I will still be grateful for this child. I will love him or her no matter what. I have made a point that in this pregnancy, I will try my hardest not to worry about things I have no control over. I wish you the best of luck and strength to have a worry free pregnancy.

[allisontaylormoseley]

I try not to think about it bc there is nothing I can do about it. Wait to worry about it after you know there is something to be concerned about. Until then, enjoy yourself!

[2242813043791044228_65_5]

I am right there with you I was 25 when I had my son and 27 when I had my daughter. I am now 44 in 6 weeks pregnant. I like yourself have done a lot of Research too, this has only made it worse for thinking something is wrong.I haven't seen the doctor yet but I know there are several tests that can be done to rule out common birth defects. I told myself after I have those tests that I will relax a little and enjoy the pregnancy. Such a special time shouldn't be plagued by constant worry. I hope this helps.

[kiki24115]

I did...and I read a lot like you...but I came across a lot of stats that showed the risk of a baby with defects where still low...I'm 22 weeks today healthy baby boy...do the materna 21 should be offered at 12 weeks...they will do an ultrasound to check neck measurement followed by a blood draw...from that defects if any will be known without doing any amnio. ...relax a little it's okay...congratulations