Pregnant after 35
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So, what is different in prenatal care when you're >35?
DH and I are considering TTC #3 sometime in the next year and I turn 35 in a couple weeks. What will be different for me compared to my previous PGs? I don't feel any different than I did 2 years ago, so it's kind of weird to me that they may treat me differently. When I was PG with #1, they weren't even recommending the 11 week NT screening!
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Re: So, what is different in prenatal care when you're >35?
Thanks! That is very good to know.
Nothing really. At least not for me. I was never considered high risk and my OB's have rarely mentioned my age. The only time they say anything is to let me know which tests are recommended for women over 35, but they let me make my own choices about testing without judgement. I didn't get any extra ultrasounds and my appt schedule is the same as anyone under 35.
Others may have had different experiences.
This. I found that they fussed until shown there was no reason to fuss anymore.
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Well, since I beat the odds and got pregnant at such an advanced age, I decided I would start binge drinking and chain smoking.
Seriously, there's no real difference in prenatal care per se. A few more tests. Maybe being a little more cautious about some food choices or exercise routines because I'm in my 40s.
My OB actually told me I've had fewer problems than some of her other patients who are much younger. She thinks that's because I'm not worrying about every little ache and pain like some people. Having a laid-back attitude certainly helps.
Nothing to write home about, although an amnio was recommended to be considered before my NT results. After my good results the doctor said to do it if I wanted to have an absolute answer, but that it was of course totally up to me. Also, I will have a 30 week scan to check for growth, which I was told was because of my age.
My friend who was 39 when she got pregnant opted to see a perinatologist along with her OB because of her age.
I am hoping to bring home a healthy baby boy or girl around May 1. I am also 37 years old. My only other child was born in 2003, when I was 31. Because of my diabetes, asthma, and later I found out my AGE, I was labeled as high risk. While getting my blood pressure checked on a 1st tri visit, I looked down on my chart and saw A.M.A. written on it. Bored, I asked what that meant and was told "Advanced Maternal Age". Although she advised me not to be offended, I kinda was.
Unlike friends and family who went 1x a month until their third trimester, I went once a week to both my OB and an endocrinologist. The endocrinologist visits were, ahhh, excruciatingly frustrating, chasing my blood sugar around, examining every nuance of my eating habits, and hearing lectures about risks. (I should admit at this point, I had a very poor attitude about being pregnant that first time).
My guess is that age by itself is not enough to consider you high risk, unless you are in your 40's, but rather that it is other co-risk factors like your weight, other diseases, and family history that increases risks. (My family has a history or both twins and miscarriages). I hope not to be considered high risk this time (that means I am hoping for your prayers, folks!), but I will try to enjoy the ride regardless.