35+ and pregnant: Q and A for looky-loos -- need input - Page 2

[umsami]

I'm 41 and will be about a month away from 42 when this one is born.

All of my babies (this is my fourth) were born after I was 35. So, I've never known a non-AMA pregnancy.

With DS1 and DS2, I did the quad screen... and then had numerous U/Ss due to gestational diabetes.

With DD1, I did a nuchal transluceny, quad screen...as well as numerous U/S due to gestational diabetes.

With this little one, I've done nothing. We too came to the conclusion that since we would not terminate, there was no reason to do the screenings. No desire to go through a CVS or Amnio either. I'm sure I'll end up with a bunch of U/S near the end.. BPPs.... NSTs.... but I expect that.

I haven't gotten many comments on my age, but it's more on the fact that I'll be a Mom of 4. I live very much in a two kids and then you're done type area--so having three kids already qualifies me as a HUGE family. LOL

I did read an article that women who are able to conceive in their 40s naturally and carry a baby to term live longer.
http://thestir.cafemom.com/pregnancy..._having_a_baby

[BlackSheepPDX]

I'm 36, due with my second in August. My midwives haven't blinked about my "age," particularly since I'm a very healthy, very athletic person, with no reason to think I have any risk factors. No one has said anything about it to me, except according to my mom some of my aunts/cousins wondered if I was "old" to be having a baby. Just because they had all their kids before 25, I think. I opted out of all screening/testing the first time, and have no change in position on that this time.

I also think the fact that this was completely unplanned (we SWORE we were only having one, but my IUD failed) has our friends laughing at us more than wondering if we're too old.

[LiminalOne]

Ahhh, it's so good to see this thread! Thanks for starting it.

Age (40)

Due date: 12/11

It's taken us three years to get pregnant for the third time around and now that we're here, I'm trying not to let all those stats get me down. With my second, at 35, we had a lovely HB, no testing or intervention. Now at 40, I feel totally different, much more risk averse. I can't even think yet about where to seek care, an OB where I can get the high risk vision and some of the testing that I might want, hospital midwives, which will be somewhere in-between, or the homebirth midwives. I can't imagine giving birth at a hospital again, but I want to respect the fact that I'm no longer 31. I really need an attitude adjustment. I love everybody's positive energy..


Angie in Maine
Mama to Finn 6/01, Theo 4/05, and a little elf coming 12/10

[karen1968]

I'm 41 (42 at delivery) and due 11/25. We are planning our first home birth after being induced for pre-e (with CNMs) with DS. LiminalOne, I wouldn't let age alone be a factor in your decision on homebirth or hospital. You have two successful pregnancies under your belt, so good for you! Our one concession to age/homebirth will be a detailed anatomy scan at 20 weeks to ensure there are no problems with the baby that would require immediate medical attention at birth. Our midwives don't offer this, but they can refer us to an imaging clinic and it is covered by our insurance.

FWIW, I know a woman locally who birthed a 11lb6oz baby at home at age 42. She is my inspiration!

As to the OPs questions...we haven't gotten too many questions/concerns yet, and none of them have been age related. All of our family knows we are planning a home birth, and they also know we are open to hospital birth if circumstances warrant. I think your answers are spot on so far (even though mine might be slightly different!). Will you share with us any other questions you get? It might help us all be more prepared. I find I'm at my worst when someone asks me something I haven't though of!

[oakparkveggie]

I'm turning 42 next month and pregnant with my 3rd. I'm not due until December 6th, so haven't told anyone outside of my local AP group yet.

I was 34 with my first and 37 with my second. I never got rude comments, but I've been told that I look young