worried about age risks

[barneyspal]

Hi, I' new to this forum. discovered I was unexpectedly pregnant 3 weeks ago and I'm 44yrs old.  I am seven weeks now and struggling to stay positive about the risks of having a handicapped child. Any positive stories would really help me.

[oldermum43]

I'm 43 and trying to conceive. I've had 2 miscarriages but trying to remain positive. Just reading all the posts on here shows that older mums can still have healthy babies so that's something to cling to.

[barneyspal]

Thanks sOOOOO much guys, I was having a bad day yesterday, But it really helps so many positive stories makes me feel alot lot better. will try to relax now and enjoy things but would like to keep in touch with you lot for support. Its true I'm no spring  chicken but I feel fit and healthy physically, now if you'll excuse me I'm going to strangle next doors dog its been barking non stop for 3hours!!!!
Barneyspal

[Alba333]

Hi Barneyspal!  Congratulations!  WOW!  i posted on the general question site on this  very forum about your very thing!  Look at " Ladies not feeling like a spring chicken lately"  post and you will see that you have nothing to fear about your age!  Especially since you are from the UK then you will be able to relate completely!  I'm very surprised with the fact that you are from there and you have such worries.  If you watch the videos I referred to on my post then you'll now what I am talking about. I'm soo glad to find out that women in the UK have a much much more mature childbearing age range than here.  YESSSS!!!! there is a lot of hope! Please see my earlier post you will feel so re leaved! I soooo am!   RSVP Alba

[NZmum3]

Hi there Wendy,
Just to let you know I'm in the same situation as yourself.
I'm 44yrs young and trying to conceive as well.
This is my first message I have put on this web site as only joined the other day.
It's so reasurring that I'm not alone in this world trying to get pregnant at my age.
Good luck :) :) :)
Erina

[JourneyJoJo]

Congratulations!!!  I'm 41, pregnant and will deliver at 42.  Results of genetic testing have showed everything to be perfectly normal.  Try and ignore the hype and just enjoy your pregnancy.

The only thing I've really found to be a problem is the risk of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure).  Eat healthy, reduce/eliminate processed foods, especially sugar and white flour and instead eat lots of fruits & veg (ie, eat a diabetic diet) and reduce salt intake (for blood pressure, though I think there's a genetic influence).

[PamelaBee]

Hello!  Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your pregnancy!  I recently gave birth to a full term, healthy, beautiful baby girl, and I am 45.  I had my son at 43.  It can and does happen!  Try not to worry or stress, many prenatal tests will be offered to you if you are concerned with having a baby with complications.  Best wishes to you!

[rubyinparadise]

A friend of mine had a baby at 43, perfectly healthy with no complications. She is now 47 and trying for one more! :)

[SuzM]

I'm 44 now too. There are tons of stories on the net about women our age and older having healthy children naturally. It's certainly not always easy to conceive at our age but it obviously happens! There are women on this forum who have. My friend's grandma had her last, perfectly healthy child in her late forties. Keep staying positive ! If you look more carefully at those stats you'll see that treefrog is absolutely right. Our risks of having problems IS higher at our age than when we were younger, but the stats also show that we are still much, much more likely to have a healthy child than one with challenges to overcome. Good luck and congrats!
Suz

[prayinforapril2010]

Hey was thrilled to hear your post. Im 43 and 6wks 3 days pregnant. How are you feeling? Are you  happy about this new finding. I have 2 grown boys age 22 and 23 and am a little worried about how they will react.  have you told your daughter yet? As with you im worried as well but I pray alot and am trying to keep the faith for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

[TreeFrog7]

Hi!

The risks, although higher than the risks for younger women, are still fractional. Don't let the statistics freak you out. I am 44 and actually trying to conceive (fancy that!). Yes, you'll hear lots of reassuring stories here.

Best wishes,
~Wendy

[Courtcoop]

Welcome and congrats!
You will see soooo many positive stories of woman over 40 having healthy babies!   They will be coming out of the woodwork shortly!Be good toyourself, relax and enjoy your 9 months!  All will be fine!!