When is it safe tell others & how worried should I be about birth defects?

[melalb]

I'm almost 36 and recently found out I'm about 4 weeks pregnant.. I have a son who just turned 20 (I was a super young mom) and have always wanted more children but just wanted to do it 'right way'... Now that I actually am pregnant, I keep hearing all these horror stories about 'older women being pregnant' and I'm starting to freak myself out a little.. Any things I should be on lookout for? And..when is it safe to tell others?-- I've heard there's a higher rate of miscarriages after 35

[Johannawes]

Hi..Im 42 with 19 weeks I was scare too about those genétic test, but everything came out negative..I have a 22 yr boy, and 12 yr girl..and I Just found out im having a boy..I Will be 43 when I give birth. .God Bless

[lidilou]

I'm 41 and as much as we wanted to tell everyone we waited until our genetic testing was complete and then the 1st trimester was over. Like you we were overly concerned at the higher risks associated with a later in life pregnancy. It was hard not telling our families. We had to sort of keep away from them. Good luck!

[Blessingbaby15]

My aunt had a baby in her 40s I feel after a certain age its Time to stop but that's just my opinion

[Firsttimemommy090415]

My mom had my brother at 39. He's a perfectly healthy smart soon to be 7 year old. My oldest sister is turning 27 this year. On top of that she was on methadone. I think you'll be ok too:)

[kj_skibum]

43 had genetic tests at 16 weeks and got results by 20. I waited until test results were back so if I had a difficult choice to make, it would be just me and husband.

[babybridges]

I am 34,35 in August any my boyfriend and I just found out we are pregnant! I am so excited to tell everyone and he is too, it's hard not to share our news as I want to do everything possible to keep my peanut safe

[MissouriMommaofthree]

Just make sure you are eating healthy and start taking prenatal vitamins now.  A lot of defects occur early in pregnancy so get started right.  As far as your age, no sweat.  You got this.  I had a girl at 37 yrs old and I'm having a boy two months shy of turning 40 this summer.   Everything looks great so far.  Do it smart.  Eat smart. And congratulations!

[2015Harmony]

I'm prego w #3, I always wait to tell everyone about the pregnancy until 12wks. I'll be 36 when this baby arrives. Talk to Ur dr if U want to do genetic testing early. I did the Free Cell DNA testing for genetic/birth defects..results are better, more accurate & less invasive. There is also the Harmony test for genetics/birth defects. And yes after 35 & on Ur risks get higher each yr, but it doesn't mean that just bcuz Ur older Ur baby will have issues. Relax & enjoy Ur new pregnancy.

[melalb]

Thank you ladies! It's all so overwhelming (in a good way mostly).. I'm thrilled, excited, and scared all at the same time.. I think I'm more scared now than I was 20 years ago lol thanks for your support... Congrats to all you momma's as well.. I'm glad I found this app-- helps to not feel alone

[Dragonwings]

I'm 37, 36 weeks pregnant and I have a 19 year old son. He will be turning 20 a few weeks after our daughter arrives. Just because we are older doesn't mean we are doom to have an unhealthy pregnancy or baby. Try not to focus on the negative. There are plenty of women on here who have had health pregnancies and baby. And there are plenty of younger women who habe had complicated pregnancies. Every women and pregnancy is different. You're not along here. Just take it one day at a time and focus on the positive. Congratulations! Enjoy your pregnancy.

[Sassy1041]

Hi we are the same age and stoy but I'm 31 weeks now and everything has gone great I meet my little man in June my 1st boy :) I didn't tell anyone tell after the blood test maternity21 test that test is done around 14 weeks all came back great I've had ultrasounds more then a younger girls but it's nice to see the baby more if you can really try not to worry all will be ok :) good luck ... If you need to talk I'm her my oldest is 19 so I really know what your going through :)

[emi236]

My aunt was 55 when she got pregnant with her youngest.  Her oldest was 30 at the time.  Alex was born healthy.  The is always a chance of something bad happening. But your doctor will take care of you.  Don't stress. And i personally would wait to tell until you're around 12 weeks or so. They say that is the hump. The risk of MC goes down after that week. Congrats momma. :)