High Risk Question

[Dralph]

I am 40 years old and about 5-6 weeks pregnant. I was seeing a fertility specialist but we decided to take a break and we got pregnant a few months later on our own! The fertility doctor had me come in to test HCG levels last week and on Monday I was at 790 and Wednesday I was at 1600.  They have me on Crinone to increase my Progesterone and of course all the usual suppliments.  Last year we did have a miscarriage and with my age I'm wondering if I should be taking it easier in the first trimester.  I have asked the doctor and they say no but I am concerned and want to do everything possible to keep this baby growing.  I have asked about seeing a high risk specialist and they say I don't need to go to one until after the first trimester.  Anyone have any similiar situation or advice? My work is not physically hard it is a desk/phone job but it can have stress.  Thanks!

[Dralph]

Thanks buggie - I hope your pregnancy goes well too!

[buggie216]

Oh...also...i had to pay the co-pay for the confirmation visit and then the first OB appt then no co-pays the rest of the pregnancy...so the first two visits i had my copay...then i'll have to pay the high risk co-pays...

[buggie216]

My drs are the same way...they dont intervene until the second trimester because miscarriage is so common up to 12 weeks...i have an incompetant cervix and im "advanced maternal age" i dont have my first appt w/the high risk drs till 12 weeks. My drs plainly say...we cant prevent the inevitable and the vast majority of miscarriages are in those first 12 weeks...i still have my regular OB appts but...no high risk drs till 12 weeks :)

[Dralph]

We had our first ultrasound today and all is well so far!! I am 7 weeks and 6 days along and we heard a good heartbeat.  Looking forward to the next ultrasound on January 10th.  I have a question for those who have had babies already -- I have had to pay a couple of copays - on the 1st appointment for the initial blood work and again for the ultrasound.  My husband said his 1st wife didn't have multiple co-pays, just an overall cost for the whole pregnancy and delivery.  Wondering if there is a wide difference  due to insurance or different doctors.  Thanks!!

[adgal]

They can rise very quickly in early pregnancy.  With my son, mine started doubling every 24 hours, then began to slow down.  Your ultrasound will let you know.  I'm so glad to hear all is going so well.  It sure sets your mind at ease getting happy news like that.  Can't wait to hear about your u/s!  So excited for you.

[Dralph]

Well I just about went crazy yesterday waiting for my blood test results! They were supposed to call in the morning and didn't until 2:30pm.  I was sooo nervouse as my symptoms have not been as strong. But, it was good news!! Now I'm wondering if there might be twins because the HCG level seemed high to me.  I know there is a wide range -- I guess I will have to wait until my 1st ultrasound on Dec 19th (so far away!!).  My first hcg level was 790 on Nov 28th, then on Nov 30th it was up to 1600.  My numbers for Dec 7th are 20,800.  Does anyone have any experience with a jump like that?  I figured even if it doubled every 24 hours it would be around 17,000.

[Dralph]

Thanks for the information ladies! It is hard waiting to see what will happen. I am doing my best to not get stressed and trying to have a positive attitude. It definately helps hearing about all the ladies my age and older that have had successful pregnancies! My husband is already talking about wanting to keep me pregnant and trying for another right after this one. Wouldn't mind twins so I can get it done in one shot. Lol! Not sure if I have the energy for two little ones either way but I do trust that if God were to bless us with two he would give me the energy to handle it!  I'm going back tomorrow for more blood work and will have the results Thursday to see how HCG levels are.  I will update after that...

[xrayz]

We just had our baby 2 weeks ago and I turned 42 the week after she was born. We suffered 3 miscarriages trying to have her. Make sure you are taking folic acid to reduce the risk of spina bifida. I went to a high risk OB but I have incompetent cervix and gestational diabetes and usually develop hypertension towards the end of the pregnancy.  Best of luck to you! Cant wait to hear more as your pregnancy progresses. Husband has already told me he is ready to try again?? Yeah....I dont think so.....LOL

[adgal]

Stacy is correct.  In first trimester there just isn't anything we can do to stop a loss if it is going to happen.  Your not a high risk pregnancy unless you have underlying medical conditions.  I know it's scary.  We read and hear all the scary stories.  All you can do right now is take it one day at a time and know that there is nothing anyone can do one way or the other at this point.  As Stacy said, the majority of losses, especially in our 40's, are the result of chromonsomnal abnormality which happens at the moment of conception.  The good news is that you have just as good a chance of things being just fine, and it sounds like things are off to a great start.  I had my son at 40 and there are lots of other women here who also did.  Keep in touch with us and I wish you all the best!

[stacey10]

really taking it easy wont stop a miscarriage, after the age of 38 its really about the age of the eggs thats the problem, so if you miscarry again it is because of a chromosomal abnormality usually, the egg is fertalised, implantation takes place and the eggs grows for a certain time then stops, it really is hit and miss as to if you get a good egg or not, I hope you have and good luck :)