40 years old and desperately wanting a baby, WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!!

[teddybearkit]

Hi Everyone,
I am new to this site.  I have posted and read the forums in the fertility section however I creeped in to this side of this site and was hoping to hear from some of you fine ladies that might have got pregnant at 40 or over and what you experienced and your journey before successfully becoming pregnant.
Just a quick briefing on my story so far.  I just got married for the first time 4 months ago to the man that I waited my whole life to find.  It's my and my husband's first marriage and neither of us have children.  Two weeks ago we had our first visit to a fertility doctor because although we had not been trying for very long at all, I also knew that I did not have any time to waste due to my age.  I am very much aware of the risks to the baby and also the odds of actually  getting pregnant at my age.  About a month ago I just had one blood test by my regular family doctor to test my progesterone level and it came back low.....which did not surprise me because I know there are certain months that I do not ovulate......however, I should mention that I have never missed a period and my periods are fairly regular although they started to come earlier abou 3 years ago.  So now it comes anywhere between the 25th-28th day.
I truly feel I have entered in to peri-menopause.  I have horrible sleepless restless nights.  Certain days of the month I will wake up feeling as though I just broke a fever because I'm sweaty and damp.  It's certainly not a hotflash though.
There are also certain days of the month where I am soooo hot during the night no matter how low I put the temperature or open the window at night.  Anyway, there are several signs that my progesterone and other hormone levels are all out of wack!  
The fertility doctor took a whole bunch of blood tests from myself and my husband and did an ultrasound on myself and has had me start trackin my basal temperature each morning.
We go back to see him in 2 weeks to find out the results of all these tests.
I would love and appreciate so much any feedback anybody could give me on success stories of becoming pregnant at 40 or over.  And if any of you experienced the same sort of things I am experiencing.
I'm afraid that I'm too far gone with all my hormone fluctuations to become pregnant.
I started to track my basal temperature the day after our first appointment and that was day 19 of my cycle and I was so happy to see that my temperature was high giving indication that I had ovulated but the high temperature only lasted for about 4 days and then started to slowly decline until I got my period.  But now that I am on day 3 of my period, it still has not really gone down that much.  Still higher then it should be after getting you period.  
HELP?!?

[teddybearkit]

Thanks to everyone that welcomed me on to this site and thank you for all the encouragement!
So I have done all the initial hormone testing and cultures....etc....as well as my husband and everything is so far in the normal range.
I was really excited to get the results back from my fsh levels as they were at 4.5.  I was really scared about the whole FSH level business.  From what I understand a 4.5 level at my age is good.
However, now I am going for daily blood testing for 10 days consecutively prior to ovulation so that they can see what my hormones are doing at this stage in my cycle and then I will do post ovulation blood work again to zero in on my progesterone levels.
One thing however that I'm a little concerned about is that they have mentioned during this daily blood testing (I'm on my 4th day) that my LH levels are a little high..... they are between 10 to 12 but they are saying my FSH is still around the 4 to 5 mark.  
From what I understand your FSH and LH should be relatively the same.
Does anyone have any experience with having higher LH levels then FSH?  It would have been ok if my LH was high due to ovulation....but that was not the case.
Anybody?

[adgal]

Hi there, and sorry for the belated welcome, I am just seeing this post now.  My story is much like Prevatt's.  I met my husband at 35, we were married at 37 and started ttc at 38.  I too conceived fairly easily, but experienced 5 losses along the way.  I just had my son (first child for both of us) 8 days before my 41st bday.  

It sounds to me like you are doing everything right...seeing a specialist and tracking your cycles.  I will say that ovulation predictor kits worked well for me, temp tracking did not.  If you want to try ovulation predictor kits, my personal favorite was the ClearBlue Digital Easy.  It is pricier, but for me was well worth it.  Try using it earlier then recommended.  Perhaps start on cycle day 9 instead of 11.  It's very possible you are just ovulating earlier then you think.  Honestly, I don't think 40 is all that high a risk factor.  Higher perhaps then our 20 and 30 something counterparts, but still, most babies born to moms in their 40's are just fine.

Good luck to you!!!  and welcome to our community!!

[mandolin999]

Hi there,

I am 42 and 8 weeks pregnant with my 4th, all conceived naturally with no trying or intervention. My first pregnancy ended in miscarriage when I was 35, my first child was born when I was 37, 2nd at 38, 3rd at 40. I know its unusual but I hope it will be an encouragemnt to you that it can happen. I'm completely overwhelmed with the news of this new one, exhausted, miserably sick and still can't really even believe its happening. Not to complain - I know this is a blessing! But 4 in a row at this age is a lot.

Best of luck to you...

[thistime000]

Hi
I am 43 and 21 weeks pregnant.  Natural conception after 3 miscarriages in my late 30s.
So lots of hope for the over 40s :-))

[sherrysb]

I got pregnant at 39 and delivered at 40.  I used Fertitlityfriend.com to track my period and ovulation.  Great site.  I also to prenatal vitamins before getting pregnant and as I have mentioned before ( i know the women here gets tired of me saying this, but I TRULY believe in Pre-Seed.  Don't forget prayer.  It didn't take long for me to get pregnant and some of my husband's sperm was abnormal.

[Courtcoop]

Hi Teddybear and welcome!

I am 41 years old  and  29 weeks pregnant with our first child.

Never thought it could happen, told I had bad eggs and health reasons I could not.
I just let it happen knowing the odds were against me. I charted my LMP/ovulation days.

We were lucky and it happened first try. We were never using protection but also never focused on baby making. It probabaly helped that I laid on my back with legs elevated for an hour after trying...LOL...well, it worked! a week later BFP. Must have been my one good egg left. My son is healthy overall and we are so ready!

Don't stress out, and enjoy trying!  

[Iseira]

Relax.Breathe.Hide that thermometer for now.A basic medical evaluation and pelvic assessment is the first step and that includes your thyroid function.Once you have no medical illness nor physical problems, hormone assays can be redone later.
You're only forty and you need to have regular sex for at least six months before you both get further evaluation.
I can tell that you're anxious and that level of stress will not help you to conceive because it will affect your body's chemistry.It will also affect your marriage because sex will just be a task to get pregnant.
Congrats on your marriage-enjoy it and give yourself that six-month window.Good luck.

[NZmum3]

Hi and welcome.You must be so glad you found this site like I was.
Everyone is so lovely and caring.
Good luck with your doctor appointments and stay postive about everything.
I just wanted to share with you my situation.
I'm nearly 45yrs and 9weeks pregnant.I had two miscarriages last year but didn't give up hope or trying....
This will be my partners first baby,he is 47yrs.
I have three other children and three grandchildren.
We concieved naturally.
It is still early days for me but I'm so postive that this time everything will be fine.
I'll keep you in my thoughts and wish you all the very best.
Please keep us posted.
Lots and lots of Aroha (love in Maori) and baby dust.  Erina :)

[prevatt77]

Sorry I missed this post to me:  To anwser your questions:  Yes, I was ovulating every month and tracked my temps for months.  Getting pregnant for me was easy, it was staying pregnant (I had 5 miscarriages).  By me charting I new by my numbers every month I was pregnant.  I never had any abnormal temping.  

Just don't give up...follow your dream and it will happen for you too.

Debbie

[Surprise42]

Hello Ladies. Thanks for the Congrats Teddybearkit and Hopefulcb!!! I did not chart my basal temperature. Did not expect for the pregnancy to occur soo soon. The doctors appointment was today and went quite well. The ultrasound photo is beautiful and showed the heartbeat and movement of the baby. According to the doctor all looks good. The first friday in February will be my first trimester screening.  The screening is to evaluate and ascertain information as it relates to genetic disease. Other good news, the ultrasound revealed I am actually 12 weeks 2 days not 10 weeks which the doctor guesstimated based om my lmp.  This new date 8/8/10, places me closer to seeing my new bundle of joy.

[Hopefulcb]

Congrats surprise42 and Nola! How exciting!! I can't wait until it happens to me (trying to be positive that it will indeed happen one way or another).

[nola0805]

Hi.  I also met my partner later in life.  I am 39 and was fortunate to conceive naturally after 3 months of trying.  I am not sure what OPK you are using but I highly recommend the OvaCue - it was very expensive (around $300), but it was the easiest and most accurate for me and it gives you a 7 day advance warning of when ovulation will occur.  It is digital and there for much easier to read than the urine tests (which never worked for me - I thought I was not ovulating) and the saliva based microscopes.  Although I will have to say that I used both the OvaCue and the microscope for a few months and both detected ovulation on the same day.  I also took FertilAid for almost a month before I conceived (but who knows if this is effective or really even safe).  

Also, a work colleague of mine who is 43 went in for testing to begin the process of IVF (she was going straight to IVF), only to find out that she was already pregnant, naturally.  She is now 18 weeks pregnant with a very healthy baby.

Best of luck to you!

[teddybearkit]

WELL CONGRATS SURPRISE42!!  WONDERFUL NEWS!!  AND GIVES US 40 GROUP GOOD HOPE!!
Can I ask if you had been charting your basal temperature when you were trying to conceive?
GOOD LUCK AT YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT AND AGAIN, CONGRATS!!
keep us posted!

[Surprise42]

Hello All! wanted to share some wonderful news. I am 43 years old and and now about 11 weeks pregnant. We began trying in September 2009. We decided to try naturally and SURPRISE, SURPRISE. Everything is going well. The last ultrasound detected the heartbeat how incredibly wonderful.  I had a bit of a scare at 6 weeks when the first ultrasound did not detect a fetal pole. However all is fine now. However, I have my next med. appointment tomorrow. Can't wait to see the updated pictures from tomorrows ultrasound. Good Luck to woman like myself who desire to have a bundle of blessings.

Surprise42

[TreeFrog7]

Just had to chime in and say I'm also from Canada. I grew up in Toronto and now live in the north woods.

Good luck, everyone!
~Wendy

[Hopefulcb]

Hi Teddy

Cool! I'm from Toronto too!  We met with the fertility Dr tonight and he confirmed that all the tests were normal... Good egg reserve, etc ... He did ask me to redo the SONO as since they have unsuccessfully tried it twice that may be where the problem is (he promised he would do it himself this time).  I'm probably having it done this weekend.  He has not suggested Clomid or anything else at this point until all tests are done.

I haven't noticed any signs of perimenopause and the OPK has always shown that I ovulate (although the timing varies between 10-14 days)

I wouldn't worry yet until you have all your test results and then you will see what they suggest for you.

Good luck!!

[teddybearkit]

Hi there....I'm from Canada also.  Toronto actually  Well it sounds like your tests are giving good indications that things are fine and I'm very hopeful you will get pregnant!    Has your doctor suggest Clomid?  Do you ever feel like you may be already showing signs of perimenopause?....sometimes I feel like my hormones are so out of wack especially about 1.5 weeks before my period.  So hot during the night and very restless sleeps?  You?

[Hopefulcb]

Sorry it posted before I could finish!  I'M also 25-28 days but last month I was 30 days! Thought for sure.... But preg test was neg the AF came.....  

I'm from Canada. You?  Good luck and perhaps we can all support each other. It really helps to hear all your stories and know that I'm not alone!!!

[Hopefulcb]

I'm not sure which test they did specifically but he said that the FSH and other hormones were normal.  We had a repeat PCT so waiting to hear the results from that and will probably have to repeat the SONOhystogram because they couldn't complete it the two times they tried (perhaps something wrong there??)

we also have been using ovulation urine tests for a few months but haven't tried the temperature yet.  I usually can tell when I ovulate but the OPK is helpful

[teddybearkit]

thanks so much Ecologic....yes I've done 2 OPK's but they never showed I ovulated....so I do believe some months I don't ovulate.
Athough it's important to say that I have never once missed a period.  I know that you can still get your period but not ovulate but I would think if that was the case then your periods would really be irregular and they would look a lot different.  Mine, even though they started coming earlier with age...they are always between 25-28 days.  This month was on the 27th day.
And they are the same they have always been.  Not too heavy and definately not too light.  And I never spot during periods.
So I'm not sure about the whole not ovulating thing.
:(

[teddybearkit]

thanks so much for the link TreeFrog7.  I'm sending you tons of babydust and keeping all fingers and toes crossed for you.  
I read your story.  Good Luck and PLEASE keep me posted on your progress....anxiously awaiting ;)

hugs

[teddybearkit]

thank you so much for your replies.  I think the thing that concerns me the most is that I have only ever done 2 OPK and they never showed that I ovulated.  So I do believe I have some months that I just don't ovulate anymore.  Athough it's important to say that I have never once missed a period.  I know that you can still get your period but not ovulate but I would think if that was the case then your periods would really be irregular and they would look a lot different.  Mine, even though they started coming earlier with age...they are always between 25-28 days.  This month was on the 27th day.
And they are the same they have always been.  Not too heavy and definately not too light.  And I never spot during periods.
So I'm not sure about the whole not ovulating thing.
:(

[TreeFrog7]

Hi and welcome!

You're in good company - I am 44 and TTC #1 - nothing yet, but who knows?

Some of us also contribute to (or lurk on) the "TTC Over 40" group here:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/TTC-over-40/show/516

Hope the link works...
~Wendy

[Ecologic]

I am pregnant with my 1st child and I am 41 (got pregnant at 40). We tried for 4 years: for the first 2 years I was diagnosed with unexplained infertility, meaning that all the tests I had in a fertility clinic looked OK and they had no idea why I could not get pregnant. Then we did an IVF, this ended up in a miscarriage. After that I was finally able to become pregnant naturally but I had 2 more miscarriages before getting a viable pregnancy (I am 24 weeks pregnant now).

If you do not want to loose time, I recommend that you look into an IVF now - if your finances allow it as it costs about $11,000 from your own pocket. At age 40, there is not much time left when you have never been pregnant before. But do run all the tests first to see what's going on exactly with your system and your husband's system as well.

Basal temperature: it was a complete waste of time for me, my charts were always weird and I quickly switched to ovulation kits, first simple ovulation kits then a digital monitor (they're the best). I always ovulated every single month, but ovulating does not mean you have a good ovulation. Make sure to drink lots of water during the ovulation time to increase your mucus production as well. Good luck!