Pregnant after 35

Birth Defects

I have the same concerns as all pregnant moms, and with a chance of downs being significantly higher at my age (43) I am confronted with what I learned from my last pregnancy.

My 4th child had a lot of congenital issues. She had a trach hole in her neck for 2 years, and fed by tube, decreasingly until she was 3. She was born with low muscle tone and small jaw (which they tried to fix at 1 month and messed it up worse).

She still drools at age 12 and is a bit "slow" and "young" for her age. But she is the LIGHT of my life. Just a big joy. I kind of feel like my Father in Heaven picked her issues just for us, in a way. 

SO while I absolutely want to be tested for downs syndrome to know. I feel like having a child with Downs syndrome is would not be a misery. I will love that child like I do all my children and learn to deal with the issues. There are so many programs and helps out there nowadays, too!

I'm trying to attach a picture of my baby Katie with a trach tube around her  neck. And a picture of her with my 18 yos this summer. (She can't smile properly due to muscle issues and the damage from her first surgery).

Re: Birth Defects

  • I don't know if it was clear, but as much as I do not wish for a child with birth defects or down syndrome, and even worry somewhat that it will happen... I remind myself that it will be ok and I will love my child and be able to raise him/her.
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  • I would try not to worry so much about your age. Ladies have been having babies in there 40"s since the beginning of time. Lol! My mom had me at 42 the next month she turned 43. Sometimes things as you know happen, but it does not mean it will happen again. I did not get any tests done for downs. I just had my complete ultrasound at 20 weeks and everything looked great so I was good with that. If something would have showed up I would have done extra testing. Anyway congrats and try to enjoy being pregnant because it is such an amazing gift in it's self! :)

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  • Do you think it would give you peace to know or to not know? You have such a great attitude of love and grace toward your child. You mentioned that God knows what he is doing. I believe that too. Blessings with your new LO. Hugs! - Cookin'Quiltin
  • This post touched my heart. <3  This will be our 3rd. I've never tested with any of my pregnancies. I know myself and I'm a chronic worrier.  If I knew something like that.. I would worry myself to death.  I just pray and know that we would love and accept our child either way exactly as you have. :) Babies are miracles no matter how they come to us.  
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  • Just to reassure you and everyone else;) the study for the increase of downs with maternal age shouldn't be used. It was a French study done in the 1600's , that ridiculous , middle age was literally 15-18 yrs old most people lived to be about 35-45. So,when a women gave birth at 40 it would be like our grandmothers doing it! I applaud you for your wonderful view and out look! It touched my heart also:)
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