- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Pregnant after 35
KarinaN2012
member
38yrs old 1st Pregnancy
KarinaN2012
member
Hi Ladies,
I am 38yrs old and I am 6 weeks pregnant. I am SO VERY HAPPY and EXCITED about this new journey but at the same time a little nervous, mostly because of my age and the risk involved. So far I've had it pretty easy, no morning sickness, just a little tired, dizzy and my boobs are very sensitve. I know I should feel lucky but I want to get all the symptoms. It would make me less anxious about my little one being ok. I have my first OB visit in 2 weeks. What should I expect? I just hope they don't want to poke and probe me throughout my entire pregnancy.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: 38yrs old 1st Pregnancy
Hello and welcome. Don't let the AMA title scare you. I was 38 when I delivered my DS. He was perfect. I had a completely uneventful and boring pregnancy with no complications of any kind. Being over 35 does not automatically make you high risk.
They will do some prelim blood work to check things like your blood type (to determine your rh factor), make sure you have immunity to several diseases like Measles, check for any STDs (this is STANDARD and has NOTHING to do with you or your history). They may also check your progesterone and hcg levels. They will take a medical history and get your starting weight. They may send you for a dating u/s around 7w to check to see that everything is ok and to confirm your EDD.
You will likely see your OB monthly until about 28-32 w. Then every 2w unitl about 36-38w. Then weekly. You will likely be offered the NT scan around 12w and will have your anatomy scan between 18 and 22w. You will have a Glucose Tolerance Test around 26w (give or take a couple) and a group B strep test in the few weeks before your EDD. Unless there are complications there won't be much else.
At your regular appt, you will be weighed, do a urine test, have your Blood Pressure taken and have a phsyical exam (usually just external, where they measure your bump and listen to baby with a doppler). In the last couple of weeks they may do internals to check your cervix etc.
Remember this AMA tag was assigned 40 years ago when most women were having their kids in their early 20s. With the advances in medicine and the way people better take care of themselves now, 35 is not really AMA anymore.
Congrats and welcome to the board!
I think the PP answered your questions about hwat to expect the first OB appt. and beyond!
I'm 38 and due with my first in 2 weeks. I didn't have early symtoms really and am thankful. I was very tired my second tri-mester and the swollen feet and now hands that I have now are definitely making up for any of the other stuff.
I know it's all worth it...but believe me if you can get away scott free of some of the lousy symptoms you should be psyched. I know I've had it relatively easy so I try not to complain.
Good luck with everything. The poking and prodding is minimal and worth it and really if you get yourself a laidback Dr. you'll even have less poking and prodding.
I think the first post in response to your post pretty much sums it up.
I am 38 and pregnant with my first as well. I am a high risk pregnancy on top of AMA status. I will say, I am just about 19 weeks and things have gone very smoothly.
I did have the NT scan as recommended. That did give increased risk in terms of having a child with Down Syndrome because of my age. However, we stuck with our original decison for no amnio. We are okay living with the what if's. You can always choose to have the amnio if you want to eliminate any questions.
Just try to relax and enjoy the ride! I know that is easier said than done, but it is an awesome experience!
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and good wishes and all the helpful information, all the posts really has put me at ease. I am so happy I'm not the only 38yr old that's having her first baby. I don't feel so alone know :-)
I will try not to stress and take it day by day. I'll just keep praying for a healthy baby and thank my blessing for my tiny sweet pea.
My fist OB is set for July 11th and I just can't wait to meet my new OB. I has to change to someone different as my original OB was sued for malpractice 2x's within the last 4yrs. I didn't feel confident in him anymore. I did research and was able to find someone new. I just hope it's a good match. I will keep you guys posted.
Good luck to all of you and I can't wait to hear your progress reports in the coming weeks.
BFP #1 5/27/12- m/c 7/9/12 @ 10w2d (cytotec induced @11w).
Fibroids, Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism
BFP #2 11/18/12 EDD 7/27/13
I too am 38 (will be 39 next month) and this is my first pregnancy. I am about 6 weeks and I had my first OB appt on Monday and the realization for me only hit when I saw that tiny little heartbeat on the screen. That being said, I don't think I'll be getting over the shock until the kid is in college.
I think the best we can do is relax, not get too stressed about all the AMA stuff, and really try to enjoy our pregnancies. I will send good wishes and thoughts your way. Congratulations!!
congrats!!! I'm with you girl! I'm 38 and first time pregnant, so I TOTALLY understand what your're going through. However, the excitement part overrides everything else
Take your DH to the first two appointments. I heard the heartbeat on the first one and was able to see the baby on the second one.
Everything else I'm not going to take him because it's really just poking and checking (at least for me)
I'm 11 weeks and 2 days, so I'll be doing the journey with you...best wishes on everything!!!
reb562 due date January 14th 2013
Congrats! I will be 38 when I deliver.
The first test is pretty comprehensive. Along with what everyone else said, wear comfortable clothing that you can take off easily. Do bring your husband. I brought my husband (first child for us) and my mom (first grandchild for her), and the ultrasound show was probably something none of us will forget. Not sure if your OB will do that for you at 8 weeks, but for us, it was week 11, and the baby was a jumping bean. We were all thoroughly amused and tickled pink that we saw this tiny thing dancing on the screen.
Oh, drink lots of water. I think given the AMA title, you'll be giving up a good number of vials of blood for all sorts of tests. Again, not sure if this is for everyone, but given my age, they took 11 vials of blood for a host of blood tests. I actually had to go back today to give several more to retest so they know it wasn't a fluke. (Got word I had low blood sugar and high blood pressure on this end so it's going to be a rough ride on this end.) Anyway, good luck!