44 and pregnancy symptoms

[murbear27]

I am 44 years old. My period is over a month late. I have symptoms such as breast tenderness, mild nausea that comes and goes, dizziness, bloating, gas, increased appetite, cramping in the abdomen and lower back that comes and goes, increased urination and incontinence. I took a pregnancy test and it was negative. It was a cheap test, the first one I used from the pack didn't even return a result, it was defective. Results are negative but the symptoms more appear as pregnancy versus perimenopause. I am  healthy, last pap was 2/18 and results were all normal. Could I be pregnant or am I too old?

[specialmom]

So, have you had any other children?  Usually pregnancy symptoms like you describe are much further along in pregnancy starting at a minimum of 6 to 7 weeks into it and beyond.  Pregnancy tests are pretty accurate and if you've missed a period, you would likely get a positive if you use the test correctly and you are pregnant.  You are awful young to be beginning menopause but never say never.  Your doctor could do a blood test and would be able to tell you.  Otherwise, it could also be a hormonal shift causing these types of symptoms which are right . . . are often what we have due to hormones.  

You aren't necessarily too old to get pregnant at 44 but without intervention, it's not that common.  And carrying a baby to term at 44 is also an uphill battle.  Most women have depleted eggs and a true shortage of quality eggs left.  But it can happen.  It's less likely if you've had no other children.  good luck and let us know what happens.  Touch base with your doctor is what I'd do now.  

[murbear27]

I have two other children. The tests I've taken I've never taken first thing in the morning, always later in the day and after drinking alot of water. I was told I could not have any more children but no real testing was done around this. My family also has a history of women being told this and conceiving in their later years.

[specialmom]

So, you can try a test in the morning and if you still aren't convinced, go for a blood test.  44 is really late for natural pregnancy.  The statistic that I've seen of naturally occurring pregnancies at that age is 3 to 5 % with an even lower percentage being viable pregnancies.  That's why it is really important to get seen by a doctor if you DO think you are pregnant. My guess is you are probably not pregnant but you know your body and I don't.  I got my babies in (as a first time mom) just under 40 years old.  I was part of that career woman sect that waited to have kids and felt lucky it actually happened!  I have many friends who never could conceive past 40.  My sister got pregnant unexpectedly and had a healthy baby boy at the age of 42.  So, I know it DOES happen.  So. my doubts don't mean much to your real life.  :>)  Ca you just fast forward and go to the doctor for a blood test?