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42 and pregnant
Just found out I am expecting and will be 43 when I deliver. What should I be worried about at this age?
I just turned 39.....will be 39 and a half, by the time I deliver in May. I'm not worried at all. I think it's just in the mind. My advice....don't stress about it, otherwise fear will conjure all kinds of weird stuff in your mind. Just eat healthy ....veggies and fruits, and try and get some activity done for atleast 30 minutes....walking is great. If walking stresses you..let it be.
First off, congrats on your pregnancy, and know your not alone. Lots of us are choosing to have babies in our 40's. My son was born just a week before my 41st birthday. He is almost 4 now and the picture of health. I was a very active member here in those days, and there are a large group of us in the same boat who still stay in touch.
Really, there is nothing different in terms of pregnancy then any other age. You will find your OB will use the term "advanced maternal age" which can make you feel positively grandmotherly..lol. And you may decide to have extra tests that are not typically recommended in younger moms.
Your OB will want to do a first trimester screen. This is a combination of ultrasound and bloodwork which is used to determine your odds of trisonomies 13, 18 and 21. This is more common in older moms, although more often then not children are born typical. Based on these results, your OB may recommend amnio or other ways to determine for certain. My first trimester odds came back 1:13. I did amnio and discovered my son was totally typical, so try not to worry about this, it's just a formality. Some OB's recommend going straight to CVS or amnio, and this is completely your choice. Do your homework, do not be afraid to ask questions, and make sure that whatever choice you make is the best one for you!
Other then that most pregnancies for those of us in our 40's are treated no differently then in younger women. We do have a slightly increased risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and other medical conditions, however the majority of women I know had none of these issues. Being more common does not mean it will happen.
Congratulations again, and I wish you all the best!
Really, there is nothing different in terms of pregnancy then any other age. You will find your OB will use the term "advanced maternal age" which can make you feel positively grandmotherly..lol. And you may decide to have extra tests that are not typically recommended in younger moms.
Your OB will want to do a first trimester screen. This is a combination of ultrasound and bloodwork which is used to determine your odds of trisonomies 13, 18 and 21. This is more common in older moms, although more often then not children are born typical. Based on these results, your OB may recommend amnio or other ways to determine for certain. My first trimester odds came back 1:13. I did amnio and discovered my son was totally typical, so try not to worry about this, it's just a formality. Some OB's recommend going straight to CVS or amnio, and this is completely your choice. Do your homework, do not be afraid to ask questions, and make sure that whatever choice you make is the best one for you!
Other then that most pregnancies for those of us in our 40's are treated no differently then in younger women. We do have a slightly increased risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and other medical conditions, however the majority of women I know had none of these issues. Being more common does not mean it will happen.
Congratulations again, and I wish you all the best!
I've just turned 40. Already got two children. 17 and 7. Am nervous cause of my age too.. Hopefully we'll both fly through this. Is this your first??
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