Pregnant at 43, need advice on some symptoms

[Zoe2B]

Hi all. I'm almost 5 weeks pregnant (my first time) and am 43. Here's a little history.... I was told that I would never be able to have my own baby after getting back really high FSH levels. This doc said IVF with an egg donor would be my only option. Saw another specialist who was more hopeful, but still was told the odds of using my own eggs were against me because of my age. I started acupunture and herb supplemtents, positive affirmation CDs, and tried relaxing! 4 months later, I became pregnant. We are so happy! But it's scary too because on my first trip to the OBGYN all he did was tell me all the risks and the terrible things that can happen, with nothing positive to balance that info out. I've beaten the odds so far, and I have to remember that!

I have a couple things going on that I'm wondering if others have experienced. Night sweats started a couple nights ago - it's not terrible, but it's noticable. I also started feeling this sort twinge in my lower abdomen, on the left side, just above and to the left of the pubic area. Someone else described it as a "stitch", like you used to get in gym class. Good description!  It's not super painful or anything, but it's new, so I am curious about it. It comes and goes. The other question is about breast tenderness. Mine were REALLY sore after conception for about 2 weeks straight, and seem to be less sore now. So of course I'm worried because I want as many standard symptoms as I can get so I can feel like this pregnancy is going to be successful! I would have thought that my breasts would become MORE sore as time goes on, and not less sore.
Any input would be so appreciated!!!
Thanks.

[pcarsey]

Hi Wendy,
CONGRATS!!! I would switch doctors ASAP! You need a doctor that makes you feel at ease not walk on pins and needles just because of your age! Someone who will support you in being a first time mommy! There is no age limit on being a first time mom! I think it's absolutely incredible that you conceived without any meds!

I have a 17 yr old DD and a 10 yr old DS and I am currently pregnant, just found out last week, although the doctor isn't sure how far I am. But I too have night sweats and that can be annoying!! I think it has something to do with your basal body temp being somewhat higher during pregnancy. I wouldn't worry about it. I sleep with a fan on *hubby freezes his butt off and I just tell him to get another blanket*. The twitch could be many things but I would guess it is from your uterus making room for your little bean! As long as it isn't a burning or very painful twitch then I would think you are fine. As far as the breast thing, mine hurt every so often, sometimes it's like they are full to the gill and then they don't have a pain one. I think it's just the ups and downs of hormones. Have you had your progesterone checked? I have heard the higher the progesterone the more full the b00bies are. Although, my progesterone level is 32.8 and mine isn't painful. They are however noticeably bigger.
That is all the info I can give you, I hope it helps! Congrats again and a Happy Healthy Nine Months to you!!!
~Patty

[Zoe2B]

Thanks SO much for your post! This is so great, having a place to go to, to receive and give support. Congrats to you on your pregnancy! I'm very happy to hear that you are going through some of the same things as me. Whew! I haven't had my progesterone checked. I see the fertility specialist for our 6 week sonogram to check the embryo's "viability". I don't like the sound of that!  I don't know what else they will do on that appt (on 9/26), maybe he'll check my progesterone levels.  This is all so new to me. I feel very naive. He will continue to see me through the 10-12th week, and then I'll have to go to an OBGYN from there on out. I am definately looking into other OBGYN's! Maybe a woman will be more compassionate and positive. In any case, I'm on a mission now to find someone else. Thanks again for your info! :o)

[40smama]

Wendy, I'm almost 8 weeks pg and am 44 although this isn't my 1st pregnancy.  Anyway, my symptoms like nausea and fatigue really didn't kick in until last week.  I did have the sore boobs although it kind of came and went.  I'm glad that you're switching to another dr who will be more upbeat about pregnancy in the 40s.  I know that there are lots of scary stats out there, but there are tons of success stories as well.  Hope this helps and good luck to you!

[shesherm]

Wendy, Congratulation!  Yeah you may wanna swithc DR's you really want someone in your corner being positive.  my BB's never really got that sore.  The pain is normal as long as there is no bleeding.  try to relax and enjoy the ride.  happy and healthy pregnancy

[stacyb321]

Im 43 and want another baby - can you tell me what risks your doctor told you?  thank you - and congratulations on your pregnancy.

stacy

[Zoe2B]

The risks he warned me about were the down syndrome stats, chromosomal abnormalitites, and various pregnancy complications he said that come with my 'advanced age'. I think those are "standard" complications, but they increase with age. Since this pregnancy has already beaten the odds, I don't want to all of a sudden go into a mental state based on fear, which is what that visit did for me. Luckily, surrounded by love, support, and the strength and experience of others, I'm moving back into my positive and hopeful state. Thanks for your congrats, and good luck to you! Follow your heart. Remember, I got pregnant after being told it was IMPOSSIBLE. :o)

[Zoe2B]

Thanks SO much for your posts and support. You are all very special women, and I am so glad to have found you. :o)

[hot stuff]

I'm 40 and my tubes clamped 14 years ago, start my last period early and only went 2 and half days my breats are really sore and I have had some nausea not a lot what are the chances of being pregant? I'm scared to test?

[pcarsey]

You should probably test, I'm not sure what the chances are. Maybe the clamps gave way and you are pregnant. You could also just have something else going on. Maybe pre- menopausal symptoms. You aren't too young for that you know. My friend is 26 and went through it 2 years ago. It started out with her being late and nausea was strong. The next month no period at all. Now she has nothing.. no periods, no more hot flashes, no more anything. So.. test.. if it comes back negative then go see a doctor. I don't want to scare you or anything. Just telling you it is possible.

[CuriousGeorg]

Hi Wendy.  Congratulations.  I too went into the DR's office and was met with nothing but horror stories and terrible statistics.  I went in to discuss getting pregnant (I am 38).  I could barely make it out of there before I burst out in tears.  I am seeing a new DR next week for a "preconception consultation".  A fancy way of saying that I need some questions answered.  This new DR is a male (the first a female).  Don't think just because a DR is female that they have a more nurturing bed side manner--- mine didn't.  Hopefully, I will hear some upbeat statistics this time.  Good luck to you.

[Zoe2B]

Thanks for your post. Interesting (and disappointing!) that a woman was your first DR. Good to know, so I don't have any expectations. I guess the goal here is to find a DR who is compassionate and positive to balance out the daunting stats we are faced with. I have an appt with a new one as well, but she wouldn't see me until my 8-10th week. Good for you in doing the "preconception consultation". I never heard of anyone doing that. I hope you find a more positive DR too, because this is so emotional for us as it is! Now that you have your prenatals, relax, and start trying! ;o) Take your time with the OBGYN, so you can find one you like. I'm going to do the same. I have my fertility specialist who is monitoring me for the first 10-12 weeks (even though we surprisingly got pregnant on our own!), so I have some time too.

[azqtpies]

Wendy,

Congratulations!..... Sorry to hear your dr was so insensitive. MANY women actually a large amount are having or starting families after the age of 35!!!!!!!!!!! so this is no longer a strange occurance. This has become soooo very common. Though I will say it is much more worrisome with all the testing that they do. I am 38 and 8wk pregnant, with my 4th my other kids are 8ds 19dd 22ds. My dh has no children of his own, so I went vthrough a tubal reversal this past june so we could have one baby together. I was afraid of a tubal pregnancy at first , thankfully a U/S confirmed the baby is in utero and last week we got to see our lil peanut heartbeat! That was tooo cool!. You might be able to see your at your next U/S too. I would as well find another dr (obgyn) what a a##, what nerve they have. My breast were really tingly the first few weeks, and very full feeling, I know longer have the tingly and the fullness is there more so at night, and they are sore on and off. I have read that the symptoms will flucuate. So I would not worry, I too get the twinge pinch pulling lil pains, doc always says its just the uterus growing, as long as you have no bleeding you are fine. We go on Oct 16th for our NT testing, nervous but hope we get good news and find out what the sex is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well good luck to you, know there is alot of here in your same shoes, so post here with any questions or comments. There is always a great person here that will answer you.. and welcome to the oldies....lol

Kelly

[Zoe2B]

Kelly,
Thanks for your post! Glad to hear about all that you wrote. Good luck to you on October 16th!  I noticed that you are in Phoenix. I am too and would love to get the name of your OBGYN, if you are happy with them.
Thanks!

[jamomma]

hi, it is refreshing to have someone in my age group to talk to.  I will be 42 in January and is 6 weeks pregnant, awaiting the results of my hcg tests.  At 5.4 weeks the dr had not seen ftal pole.  I am hoping that this will change for the better when I go back to the dr.

With regards to brest soreness share your experience, but am trying not to be too concerneed.

Congrats and hpe everything works out for u.

[35andHopeful]

Hello Ladies,
I have been reading your posts and have gotten the nerve to post something for myself.  I just want you to know that I appreciate being able to read about your experiences.  I am almost 36 years old and my husband and I are trying to have a baby.  We were married (the lst for both of us) a few years ago (age 33).  We wanted to be married a couple of years before trying to conceive.  I conceived a baby in Feb. of this year and lost the baby at 11weeks.  Of course I was devestated.  I was overjoyed when I found out I was pregnant again in September.  We waited four months to try again based on my ob's advice to wait three cycles.  I just had my second D&C last week at 8 weeks pregnant.  All my life all I've ever wanted was to be a wife and a mother, but wanted to wait until I was blessed with the right man to marry.  So in the mean time, I focused on my career.  Now that I am married... I want babies.   I keep hearing comments from non-medical folks and doctors alike.... reminding me of my age and how much of a high risk it is.  As though I have done something wrong by waiting until I found the right man to marry and have children with.  I am so upset.  But, it has been a comfort to me to see your posts and to see that it is indeed possible that I too could have a successful pregnancy at 36.  I am the youngest in my family and my mother had me when she was 35.  And back then that was not common.  So, surely today I should be able to give birth too.  I do believe in God and I do believe that He is able to get me through this and hopefully bless me with children of my own.  I truly do understand now, more than ever, that children are not an entitlement, but simply a gift from God to be treasure every day.

God bless, and I will continue to read your updates.

[stephie4]

my symptoms seem to be lessening too.

my breasts/nipples were sore for first 4 weeks, now i'm 9 1/2 weeks, and i don't feel pregnant at all.  no soreness or swelling.  my morning sickness was all day every day, and now is just gone.

and i thought i should be urinating all the time, but i'm not.
so i'm worried too.  i feel like there is nothing i can do, but to wait for my 12 week ultrasound which is on the 12th of Nov.

i looked up the sore boob thing in my preg. book, and it says it usually starts up at the 13th week,  so maybe it will come back at 13 weeks.

nausea dissapates after 1st trimester, so i'm thinking maybe it just went away early, knowing some people don't even get nausea, and i didn't have any nausea with my first pregnancy (son is 11 yrs. old now).
i'm going to post this as a thread and see how common loosing symptoms is. stephanie

[Hicalibre]

Hi everyone.  I'm so glad I found this site.  I'm 43 and already have two beautiful children of 9 and 11 years.   Periods have been regular since my last child, except for a couple of times when I was feeling a bit stressed.   I'm writing because this month I'm a bit worried.  I have had this awful cold and cough and have taken a lot of medication.  My period was due five days ago and it hasn't turned up yet.  I had a bit of normal cramping a couple of days before I was due so I rushed out to buy my pads then... nothing.  The cramping is still there, I have had a lot of night sweats (which I thought were associated with the cough etc) backache, boobs tender.  I took a hpt yesterday and it was negative (for my other children I tested a day after due date and it showed up pos).   Also today (after napping in chair before I went out to do a course at college) I nearly fell asleep during the lesson and also was fighting to stay awake on the bus home!!! Am I lazy or is there something not right here?   Am I going through my change? Could I be pregnant again?   I have been with same partner since my son's birth and using the very unsafe pull out method and have not got pregnant.   If I am pregnant I'm worried about all the medication I've been taking for about 3 weeks.

[Spamom]

I am 43, and I got pregnant with my daughter at 39, I had a perfectly normal pregnancy, they did not even treat me as "high risk"  I can't believe some of the postings I have read, if I were told any of that stuff at my first drs. apptment, I would have been stressed out throughout the pregnancy!  I am now 6 weeks pregnant again, I have had two misses since my daughter and I am praying that this one goes full term.  I know the negatives, but chose to think of all the positives!!  Good luck to all.  Say a prayer for me, I have an US at the end of the week!

[lilbit_17]

I wouldnt worry about lack of or disappearing symptoms. I'm almost 10 weeks and the only symptoms I have experienced are night sweats, fatigue and off and on breast tenderness. I know all is going well because I saw a little heartbeat last week . Good luck to you and your bean :)

[Dee77777]

I'm going to be 44, have 1 child and want another.After I had the first,my doctor was not encouraging me to have another one.What a downer but I want another one.TTC,what else can I do for this to happen?Am using Ovulation trackers and am hopeful.Good luck to you.

[suzy8]

I'm also 43 and saw this thread and wanted to add my comments.  I'm now 17 weeks pregnant.  I have a 16 year old daughter and tried to conceive again in my thirties but nothing happened.  I've read that older women really should be getting progesterone supplementation in the first trimester since that is the most common cause of miscarriages the older we get (we don't produce enough progesterone until the placenta starts to take over the production in the second trimester).  I didn't read about that until after I was already through my frist trimester and was a bit concerned that my doctors didn't say anything about the progesterone supplementation (there are 4 of them in the practice I am going to and we're supposed to rotate our appointments with all 4 of them since I won't know which one will actually deliver my baby).  They aren't treating me as high risk and made me wait until I was 8 weeks before seeing me for the first time.  Luckily for me, nothing happened in the first tri and I've made it this far.  

I did have night sweats as well, sometimes so bad that I had to change my pajamas in the middle of the night because they were so soaked through!  I also had very sore boobs all through the first trimester.  They are not sore at all now, I think that stopped soon after I entered the 2nd trimester.  My morning sickness is also gone finally, I had it really bad from 6 weeks until 15 weeks.  Even last week was still uncomfortable with bad heartburn and indigestion and a funny taste in my mouth.  

I really think it's a miracle that I'm pregnant, and have made it this far.  My doctor is not treating me as high risk and I'm getting all the tests done that I should (first tri screening, NT test, AFP test just done today).  I'm having a level 2 ultrasound at 18 weeks to check for defects.  I have decided to NOT do an amnio unless any of the test results give me a reason to do so.  So far the tests have been good, with the exception of the scare we had with the NT test.  The first readings were 2.5mm to 1.7mm and my doctor had never seen readings that high (although it is still within the normal range of being under 3mm, they never see anything over 2mm) so I was sent to a see a high risk specialist.  They used a better ultrasound machine (and maybe a better tech as well) and got a reading of 1.7mm.  The baby had also flipped to the other side so perhaps the reading were different due to that as well?  I don't know but I'm happy with the 1.7mm reading!  Bloodwork from the frist tri screening came back normal too so all is good so far.

[suzy8]

Correction to what I said about the NT test, I meant to say the readings were 2.5mm to 2.7mm the first time, and then 1.7mm when we had the test redone with a specialist.  Just wanted to clarify that in case I confused anyone!

[Dee77777]

Thanks Suzy, That's wonderful, beautiful news. I have hope. thank you.

[TrenaR]

I am 42, will be 43 in January. I just found out I am pregnant last week. My sons are 19 and 20. I am amazed by God's miracles! Nervous, but amazed. Because it has been so long so much has changed. I never had an altrasound picture. I didn't know the sex until they were born.

I too have had the night sweats and "full" breasts. Glad that's all normal. My first appointment is next week and I should be 6 weeks 3 days. I'm guessing because of my age they will do an altrasound then? Any ideas?