AMA Check-in July 2019

kagesstarshroom

Hello! This is a monthly thread for those who are of Advanced Maternal Age. 

Due date/W+D: 

Age? 

FTM/STM/etc?:

Upcoming Appointments? Questions?

Rants/Raves?: 

Any specific AMA concerns?

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets?

orbmaker

Due date/W+D: 3/18, 5wk3d I think 

Age? 35 as of last Monday! I just became advanced! 

FTM/STM/etc?: STM. I was 33 when I delivered my daughter, who is now 16 months old. 

Upcoming Appointments? I have my first appointment with my midwife group on 8/13, when I’ll be 8 or 9 weeks. 

Questions?  Not so much. 

Rants/Raves?: I’m glad they don’t call it a geriatric pregnancy anymore! haha. 

Any specific AMA concerns? I’m just debating whether or not I want to get the genetic testing panel. We skipped it the last time around.

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets?

I believe it’s likely! It’s gotta be out there somewhere. My husband is actually kind of UFO weirdo and has been trying to convince me that Bob Lazar is telling the truth about spacecraft at Area 51. :P

kagesstarshroom

@orbmaker HBD a few days late! I just finished reading the chapter in EXPECTING BETTER by Emily Oster on genetic testing & I think I'll be getting the noninvasive one first and then one of the invasive ones only if the noninvasive shows up positive. She does a good job laying out the facts so that you can make your own decision. 

Due date/W+D: 3/21 5w0d

Age? 35

FTM/STM/etc?: FTM

Upcoming Appointments? Questions? My first appointment is 8/1, a little earlier than they would normally do a first appoint. but (((TW loss))) bc of my history of loss, they wanted me in a little earlier, which I am grateful for, though I opted out of any HCG testing or anything like that. (((TW done)))

Rants/Raves?: I'm having an anxiety filled day filled with a severe lack of productivity. The heat index where I live has been in the 100s for about the past month, & I think it's contributing to my anxiety/depression. I just want to go for a walk to clear my head, but it's 100 degrees out. Doesn't help that DH is working all weekend.

Any specific AMA concerns? I am sure none outside of the "usual," though if I have any questions or concerns along those lines I'll pop back in here.

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets? I also believe it's highly likely! I feel like it would be... almost impossible for there not to be life on other planets? I don't know if it quite looks like it's been imagined on Star Trek, but I think, somewhere out there, there's something. 

keeksie84

What's up old ladies!?  Kidding...sort of 

@orbmaker HBD!!  Welcome to the club!  I just turned 35 last month and have a 15 month daughter. 

@kagesstarshroom Thanks for starting this thread.  I hope your anxiety is calming down.  My husband works weekends too and I get really bored/anxious/unproductive without him around too.

Due date/W+D: 3/12 6w+2d

Age? 35

FTM/STM/etc?:  STM  My DD is 15 months

Upcoming Appointments? Questions?  This Friday the 26th

Rants/Raves?: Raving about the bowl of kimchi mashed potatoes I just ate - don't knock it till you've tried it.  So good!

Any specific AMA concerns?  Not sure if this is AMA specific:  I had an US on Thursday because of some pain on one side and they saw a subchorionic hematoma.  The midwife did not seem concerned at all, but I went down a long, dark Google rabbit hole and have sufficiently freaked myself the F out.  I'm really hoping that it is smaller at my next scan on Friday.  

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets?  Space is soooo vast - it would be impossible to prove that there isn't life somewhere out there so because of that I have to assume that there is life somewhere.  Wait, are you asking about life only in our solar system, or anywhere in the universe?  Ahh, thinking about this makes my brain break.

puppylove8910

Thank you for starting this @kagesstarshroom!

Due date/W+D: 3/27, 4+2

Age? 36/37 when I deliver

FTM/STM/etc?: STM, DS is 2.

Upcoming Appointments? Questions? First OB appointment is 8/13. I'll be 7+4! 

Rants/Raves?: I'm just so thrilled to be pregnant again, but still very cautious as I had a chemical pregnancy in April. I think I'll feel a lot better after my first appointment.

Any specific AMA concerns? Not really. I'm healthy and in good shape so that should help with pregnancy and delivery. I had genetic testing done with my DS at 10 weeks and will definitely do the same as I'm 3 years older now.

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets? I do believe there are other life forms on other planets, but not in the form of a human being. I'm more fascinated with the idea of parallel universes!

puppylove8910

@orbmaker Happy belated birthday to you!

@kagesstarshroom I'm sorry your anxiety level is high! I felt extremely anxious for a few days following my BFP which I remember being my normal from DS. It died down a bit as my hormones are settling a little. I hope you get some relief soon!

Step away from Google @keeksie84   I'm glad your appointment went well! 

janice9821

Due date/W+D: 3/10

Age? 34, but I'll be turning 35 in October so I think I'll be considered AMA, right? 🤷‍♀️

FTM/STM/etc?: This is baby #3.

Upcoming Appointments? Questions?  First appointment Tuesday. I'll be 7 weeks.

Rants/Raves?: Rant: I am so freaking clumsy when pregnant. It's unbearable.  Rave: Pad Thai is the most delicious thing ever invented and I can't get enough right now. 

Any specific AMA concerns? Not yet.  I'm going to try not to worry unless the doctor tells me I should.

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets? More likely than not.  The universe is a big place. It may not look like anything we would recognize, but life in some form, yeah, probably. 

EmilyLove25

Due date/W+D: March 12th/6 weeks + 3 days

Age? 36 (37 in October)

FTM/STM/etc?: This would make me a THIRD time mom!

Upcoming Appointments? Questions? I am too scared to make an appointment, but I am going to call tomorrow…

Rants/Raves?: Rant: How is tomorrow Monday? Rave: It’s going to be a lot cooler tomorrow!

Any specific AMA concerns? Oh yes, all of them. **TW** Had a lost in May, so I am on edge about not having another one. If I can see a healthy baby, my next concern will be the chromosomal issues. I did Informaseq with DS and will definitely do that again. I’ll have the blood drawn as soon as they’ll let me, so around 9 weeks!

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets? I think it must exist in SOME form… bacteria for sure, right? I hope it is out there, and I hope we learn more and more about it! Now do I believe in anthropomorphized aliens who want to take over our planet? No.

 

@orbmaker My OB practice no longer considers a woman AMA unless they are 37. You’re a spring chicken!

@kagesstarshroom I hope you are getting relief from the heat tomorrow! We are here in Ohio finally!

@keeksie84 I’ve never had a SCH but every woman I’ve known with one went on to deliver healthy, full-term babies.

@puppyloves8910 Yay we are age twins!

@janice9821 You’re so young haha! I always wonder that, because with insurance it can make a difference in some instances for testing. Like what is the OFFICIAL AMA age. My OB practice now considers it 37!!!

treetop19

Due date/W+D: March 7 

Age? 38

FTM/STM/etc?: third time mom

Upcoming Appointments? Questions?  Have my first midwife check in Aug 12. 

Rants/Raves?: 

Any specific AMA concerns? I'm concerned about genetic defects due to my old eggs.. sigh.... *TW* - my last pregnancy (at age 37), I found through the early non-invasive test that the baby had down's syndrome, and we ultimately lost him right at the start of the 2nd tri due to complications.  I am soooo nervous of a repeat -    so to anyone considering the early testing, yes, go for it!  while it is painful and shocking to get the answer sometimes if it's not the answer you want, I'm glad that I knew earlier on - it made the loss make sense, otherwise, I would have not known why I lost my baby and would have had to go through an expensive autopsy. in any case, if my baby would have made it, I would have been glad to know he had down's ahead of time anyway so I could be prepared.  that's not the kind of surprise I would like sprung on me at a child's birth. I even had to ask my midwife for the test, as he didn't know it was a 'thing' available for AMA moms. I learned about it from the March 2019 BMB.

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets?  Idk.. I used to be terrified of the idea of aliens as a kid.  I'd rather not think about it. 

bluguitarhannah

Due date/W+D: 3/10

Age? 41

FTM/STM/etc?: First time Mom

Upcoming Appointments? Questions? 7/26 2nd ultrasound

Rants/Raves?:  HCG rose slowly. Then 1st ultrasound baby was a week behind in size.  Dr. said not overly concerned but am waiting two weeks for 2nd ultrasound.  At least it's on Friday and may decrease my anxiety one way or the other. 

Any specific AMA concerns? I have a donor embryo so the age of the donor Mom was 23.  My BMI is 31 and if I understand correctly my age will mostly impact the uterine line and overall health vs. health of embryo.

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets?  Anything is possible don't think we have the technology to really now.

stassischroeder

Due date/W+D: 3/13 | 6+3

Age? 35

FTM/STM/etc?: STM, DS is 15.5 months

Upcoming Appointments? Questions? First u/s on July 31st

Rants/Raves?: I'M SUCH A MOODY BITCH

Any specific AMA concerns? Just holding my breath until I get the NT scan and NIPT results. 

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets? The universe is so vast that I can't imagine there aren't other life forms out there!

____________

@orbmaker insurance will most likely cover NIPT and NT scans since we're AMA. 

@kagesstarshroom can you go for a walk in the early morning or evening to beat the heat?

@keeksie try not to stress! I've seen hundreds of women with SCHs on TB and a VERY, VERY small percentage of them have any complications resulting from them. FX for Friday!

@emilylove25 WUT?! While I'm flattered that your OB doesn't consider mothers AMA until 37, please don't tell my insurance! I'd rather not pay for NIPT or NT scan OOP this time!

@treetop19 first of all, I'm so sorry for your loss. Second of all, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with your perspective on early testing. I, too, had to ask my OB for the test last time. She was going to gloss right over it and I was like "back up you conservative agenda pushing as*hole. I want the damn test" 

@blueguitarhannah FX so hard for Friday  

bluguitarhannah

I'm glad some insurance will cover 35. 

@kagesstarshroom I'm trying the early morning exercise and I have access to ac walking track at work.  Just have to not be lazy.

@treetop19 Very sorry for your past loss.  I think early testing has a lot of value. 

kagesstarshroom

@stassischroeder I have made the early evening walk happen twice so far, but it's a hard balance bc I don't want to be walking around alone at night, but also when the sun is setting it's still garbage hot. LUCKILY we have no high temps in the 90s this week!(!!!!) 88 is the highest! As long as the feels-like temp is under 100 & the humidity isn't TOO bad, I can make something happen at a more convenient time of day, I think? (Evening = making dinner, DH is getting home, I love garbage primetime TV...)

@bluguitarhannah Hope your appt. on Friday goes swimmingly!

Also, I am pretty proud of us for all having the same answer to the GTKY pretty much. Not that there's a right answer, but I feeeeel like people even 30 years ago were less accepting of the possibility of life on other planets?

ALSO, now I'm scouring the details on my health insurance policy trying to figure out what is/is not covered--they're so vague at some points it's not easy =/. It says "Diagnostic Services" are covered--so vague!

aprileia

Due date/W+D: 3/3/20 & 7w2d

Age? 35, 36 by delivery

FTM/STM/etc?: FTM

Upcoming Appointments? Questions? 1st appointment is July 31st - nervous, excited and anxious. Also interested to hear recommendations on which tests are most beneficial/necessary to ask about.

Any specific AMA concerns? Nothing in particular, just a general anxiety that something could go wrong that wouldn't have if I had kids earlier in life. Know it's silly and hoping the first doctor's visits will start to alleviate this.  

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets? Maybe not like ours or anything we can comprehend, but there has to be something out there! 

stassischroeder

@aprileia once again, I'm going to recommend reading Expecting Better by Emily Oster - she has a great chapter about the different testing options, as well as the (slightly) increased risks associated with being AMA. AFM, last pregnancy I did the NIPT and NT scan and will likely do the same again. If anything worrisome shows up on either of those tests then we'll look into doing an amnio. 

kagesstarshroom

@aprileia I second the above!

@stassischroeder That particular chapter (I've only read through the first tri rn--taking it tri by tri...) has a few sticky notes in it for me. So helpful. I'm about to demand royalties from Oster for us. 

stassischroeder

@kagesstarshroom for about 3 seconds I considering buying the hard copy and posting pics of applicable paragraphs/pages. Buuuuuuuutttt that just isn't right. I would, however, consider handing out copies to all of my FTM friends!

EmilyLove25

@stassischroeder Have you read Emily Oster's new book Cribsheet? It sounds great. 

stassischroeder

@EmilyLove25 I looked at it online, and I'm not sold on it yet mostly because of mixed reviews. From what I've read, some the studies and data quoted in Cribsheet are less reliable and/or credible than the studies she refers to in Expecting Better because of small sample sizes, etc. Not saying I won't buy it, but I'm expecting to less thrilled with it. 

puppylove8910

STMs, were your early pregnancy cramps way more frequent and noticeable this time around? Mine are pretty constant, but mild to moderate. No spotting, etc. Everything I have read seems to lean towards normal. I just don't remember it being like this with DS! 

keeksie84

@puppylove8910 Yes!!!  I don't remember having any last time.  This time I'm having constant mild to moderate cramping (abdomen and lower back) as well!  I'm also not spotting, but after finding a SCH on my first US (I went in for the US because I had more pain on one side than the other) I'm constantly worried that something isn't right.  

puppylove8910

@keeksie84 it's crazy! I'll get some relief throughout the day, but most of the time I'm cramping. It's all over and sometimes feel it in my back. But for the most part, it's in my lower abdomen. This definitely doesn't help my PGAL & AMA brain, but it sounds like many STMs are feeling the same way. Thank you for sharing! 

ruby696

Hey everyone!

Due date/W+D: March 29th/4+1

Age? 38

FTM/STM/etc?: TTM

Upcoming Appointments? Questions? Nope. I refuse to be seen before nine weeks *TW* because of prior losses between 6-8 weeks. It's just too stressful. *End TW* My RE ordered betas today, so we'll see how those look.

Rants/Raves?: My tests are getting darker and I had a positive digital, so I'm starting to feel less pessimistic. 

Any specific AMA concerns? Oh, all the usual. I know I don't have great egg quality, so I'm really just hoping everything is okay. 

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets? I would be shocked if there wasn't. The universe is just too big for us to be the only ones. 

stassischroeder

@puppylove8910 I feel like I've had about the same amount of cramping for both pregnancies. Very early on I had back pain, too, but that's mostly dissipated

@ruby696 So glad you're here!!! I also pushed my first u/s appointment back to almost 8w because I had a really stressful first u/s with DS at 6+3. Also, how did I not realize you're a TTM?!?!

ruby696

@stassischroeder I don't bring it up much on the boards I was most active on - TTCAL and Infertility because we don't talk about LC.  And yes to late U/S's! With my losses, I kept having to go back and it was horrible. With DD, I had my first at nine weeks and it was so much less stressful.

sanza241

Due date/W+D: 5w

Age? 36

FTM/STM/etc?:FTM

Upcoming Appointments? Questions? 8/8

Rants/Raves? My crampings and backach are becoming more freuent but not as strong(or I’ve got used to their strength)

Any specific AMA concerns? Nothing specific, but as PGAL, my mind is mostly there right now!

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets? I think it is possible, we amcan only see/understand a tiny little bit of this universe, so no reason to reject the idea!

jenEP

Due date/W+D:  7 weeks, 3/9

Age? 34, will be 35 next month

FTM/STM/etc?: TTM to 16 mo and 3.5 yo girls

Upcoming Appointments? Questions? Optional appt at 9 weeks, NT scan at 11 weeks (aug 19)

Rants/Raves?: moody and nauseous

Any specific AMA concerns? Nope

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets? Absolutely possible!

EmilyLove25

@ruby696 I have followed you on TTGP and am glad you are here! I also want to say that your comments re: the timing of an appointment summed up my feelings EXACTLY. I never ever ever want to go through the, "come back in a week and let's see." It is so drawn out and there are ups and downs just to lead to a down. No thanks. I've really been having a hard time even making an appointment, and after reading your comments I had the courage to call and just schedule one for 9 weeks + a few days. THANK YOU! 

ruby696

@EmilyLove25 Lol, you're welcome! I wouldn't wish the weekly visits on anyone. Ugh, they're just so awful and gave me so much anxiety. The receptionist is kind of surprised when you ask for a date that far out, but there's really no good reason to go earlier.  They can't do anything for you that early and nine weeks is still early enough to get set up for NIPT. Win-win!

EmilyLove25

@ruby696 YES! I was like "and OMG you can also then put the order in for my Informaseq blood draw." Totally a win-win. And exactly, I wouldn't wish those visits on my worst enemy (was also fun paying for them after the fact...grrr....).

ruby696

Oh jeez @EmilyLove25 I didn't even think about having to pay for the visits. Talk about salt in the wound.

kagesstarshroom

@EmilyLove25 I still owe *so much* from my visits that led to & procedures that helped end my mmc earlier this year =/ 

EmilyLove25

@kagesstarshroom It's really unreal. I paid as much for my loss as I did to have my son. No joke. I'm sorry you are there too. UGH.

mondo77

Hello! I thought this was ask me anything and was curious about it... then realized I am also of advanced maternal age.

6w 2d
Age: newly 36
STM: I have a 3 year old son
appts: ultrasound 8/9 and genetic blood screening later that month (is it nipt?)

Concerns: I saw a physical therapist this year for pelvic floor/diastasis recti - my son was close to 11lb at birth. I wish I had gone sooner.  So keeping up with safe exercises is a goal during my pregnancy.

kagesstarshroom

@emilylove25 Yes, it's close to the max. amount that the insurance says a PG will cost in its literature that I, of course, with my Capricorn Moon and Rising, scoured upon first finding out I was PG at the end of last year. I tweet about how much it costs sometimes bc no one seems to understand the added...grief! of that! I'm also.... a graduate student? Therefore, I get paid next to nothing & have to have my insurance thru the ACA...therefore... it's not great insurance, but at least it's something? BIG SIGH.

kellsbells78

3/15/20, 7 weeks

41 (will be 42 time of delivery)

STM, a ten year-old son from previous relationship.

Initial OB scheduled 8/8

Questions - this pregnancy is a surprise (a happy and welcome one for me), but my partner has concerns given our ages (he's 49).  He says he's on board.  He has no children of his own.  He likes the idea of becoming a dad, just wished it had happened fifteen years sooner   I'm trying to figure out how to tell my son, though I still have time to figure it out.  Any suggestions?  Anyone with middle-age kid(s) from previous a relationship?  It's difficult to keep quiet because my son can tell I'm not my usual self (I'm now exhausted, nauseous, etc).  We're currently taking our summer trip (just him and I) and it's very slow going for me, with daily afternoon naps, early bedtimes and late mornings.  

Rant: How did I put on ten pounds of bloat in two weeks?!  My boobs are huge; I already look like I'm in my second trimester with my belly pooch.  And the nausea.  This preg is much different than the first time around.  So glad to have disovered this community!   It helps reading your thoughts and shares

Any specific AMA concerns - I'm worried about possible genetic conditions.  I work in the perinatalogy imaging field and its a challenge to separate myself from what I work with.  The statistics quoted are worrisome.  I made an appointment for when I'd be over 8 weeks, to make sure I'd be good and pregnant when I go in .  My caregivers for this pregnancy will actually be my coworkers which will be good in some ways but awkward in others.  Here's hoping and praying for the best! 

GTKY:  If we're in here, they're out there....we can't be the only ones.  

ooooner

3/16/20, 7w4d
35, will be 36 next week
STM
With my 1st pregnancy I had morning sickness so bad I couldn't keep anything down. This time around I have no morning sickness at all and it has me worried, though not complaining. First baby was a boy so maybe I'm having a girl or my body is more used to the hormones? Ist baby was born Nov 2015 so it's been awhile since I was pregnant though.
1st ultrasound scheduled 8/7. I'm still in denial till heartbeat is confirmed and haven't announced pregnancy to anyone besides SO and bff. 

Semuelle77

Due date/W+D: base do on LMP it should be 3/28, 5 weeks 6 days

Age? 42

FTM/STM/etc?: STM, had DD just days before my 37th birthday 

Upcoming Appointments? Questions? First appointment on 8/15 for ultrasound, NIPT shortly thereafter (I had MaterniT21 last time.)

Rants/Raves?: I was just about to make an appointment for an eye exam, since my astigmatism seems a bit worse. Now I have to wait. And I just bought super cute frames for my new prescription! (Silly, I know.)

Any specific AMA concerns? This was not a planned pregnancy, so I am worried over the fact that I hadn’t been taking prenatal vitamins and I had a drink or two during those first few weeks. Now that I am over the shock/surprise, I am getting excited. I am just worried about everything. Will there Ben a heartbeat? Will it be a single or twins? (It’s a higher chance for multiples over 40!) How can we afford daycare? Will the NIPT come back normal? Thank goodness I was already seeing a therapist for my anxiety!

GTKY: What are your thoughts about the possibility of life on other planets? I am too much a fan of Star Trek to not believe life must be out there. It just feels awfully unlikely and egocentric to think we are the only ones. Will we ever encounter other life? Not in our lifetime. It’s fun to imagine and dream, though.