For those who conceived at 37 or later

SleepingBeauty79 · December 2014

How long did it take to conceive? And what were your fertility issues if any? Thanks so much for your feedback.

niknak1208 · December 2014

I was 36/Almost 37 when I conceived this time. I just turned 37 in November and I conceived in September. I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). We tried for 2 years with my son. I was 31 then. I never needed IUI's or actual procedures but a lot of ovulation stimulation. I got pregnant on my 3rd cycle with Femara/Ovidrel injections but miscarried at 5 weeks. I got pregnant with my son naturally the cycle directly following my miscarriage. I got pregnant with clomid 3 years later and lost our baby girl at almost 20 weeks. For reasons unknown, my water broke. I had months and months of testing after that with no abnormal findings. Got pregnant with my daughter about a year after that with Clomid.

This is a surprise baby. I will never be on BCP again. I was on yasmin before all of my PCOS issues started and I know that there's no scientific evidence regarding this but based on the research I've done and my experience.. I just know it messed up my cycles. So I'll never do it again. But I'm not someone who typically gets pregnant without Clomid or Femara or something and I obviously know what days to have sex and not have sex. It must have been in God's plan because here we are at almost 16 weeks with baby number 3.

I was high risk with my daughter and they technically treat me as high risk now because of my loss. I had weekly cervical length checks after 16 weeks with my daughter. Started Makena injections at week 17 through week 37. Because that protocol worked with her.. that's our protocol this time. We still don't know why my water broke early but we think that my cervix opened and my bag of water slipped through. So we are doing the same protocol as we did last time and hoping all works out.

Good luck to you!

Samuelismomma · December 2014

Conceived my DS at 39 first month, no problems. I had him 6 weeks early( not age related:)..) then 3 losses not sure but could of been from BV due to large tear on cervix from DS's birth, or age. BV aggressively treated. Month later pg with DD now age 42. I'm the exception not the rule. My moms side has history of having children older. I have a lot of friends over 35 who have problems:( if you don't conceive within 3 months after 35 I would get testing done with OB at least , then RE if possible.

ksgsmu · December 2014

I was 37 and it took 2 years, countless IUI's, a miscarriage, failed IVF cycles and more money than I care to share. I have DOR ( Diminished Ovarian reserve) and hashimoto's with hypothyroidism. I worked with an RE almost from the beginning. I wish I had frozen my eggs when I was in my early 30's.
I have friends who are older than I am who have had no issues at all and friends much younger who are struggling to get pregnant. You just never know! Best thing is get a good RE, get the testing and make a plan!

NicoleWI · December 2014

Everyone is different and there's no way to predict your situation until you start to try. We have been very lucky with fertility. I conceived very quickly each time (first or second cycle) with no help (at 33, 35, 37 and 39). I hesitate to post that here as so many ladies went through years of treatments to conceive, but I also don't want you to think you will necessarily need help. The vast majority of our friends have been having babies in their mid to late 30s and many HAVE needed help/had lots of issues, but some have conceived right away. Good luck. Also, be sure you are charting/understand ovulation and timing, or you could waste a few months right off the bat.

tlc35 · December 2014

I conceived the first time this spring at 36 first cycle trying but that ended in a loss. This is cycle 6 TTCAL, now I am 37, and the first cycle with an RE. I was going through my testing and we found out my lining was thinner than desirable so when I was about to ovulate I was given a trigger shot started on vaginal estrace and progesterone supplements after O. I am only 5w3d so I don't know if this one will stick yet.

ETA: My testing showed that I have good ovarian reserve.

lcwed · December 2014

At 36 it took us 5 months to conceive, but that one ended in a miscarriage. After my miscarriage, I conceived on our 3rd cycle trying. The only issue I've had was the miscarriage which the Dr. believes to be from a bad egg due to age. Conceiving my first at 33 happened right away.

Tsuga76 · December 2014

I was 37 when I conceived, now 38 and am 34 wks along. It took nearly a year after going off BCP. We were pretty actively trying the whole time though I didn't start temping until a month or two in. Started seeing an RE after about 7 months of no luck. All the tests came up fine, though my LP was on the short side of normal. We were starting to seriously consider Clomid when voila. Patience is hard, really hard, but if there are no apparent underlying problems, sometimes it's just a matter of time (and timing!)

tlc35 · December 2014

Here is the thing though, our experiences really mean nothing to you. Fertility varies so much anyway, and even more so in the 35-40 age group. I know people who at 37 have good egg reserve and others who have such severe diminished ovarian reserve that they have been advised to go straight to donor eggs.

jcdorsey74 · December 2014

I was 37 and not trying when I got pregnant with DS. Had him when I was 38. He was 5 weeks early, unknown as to why he was early. No time in NICU thankfully and went home with us two days later.

I'm 40, will turn 41 in March. Due April 14th. We also weren't trying, so another oops. I am the exception to the rule though.

ewenner · December 2014

I agree with what several other PPs said that everyone is different. I conceived at 36 after 12 months of trying (will be 37 at delivery). DH and I had a consultation and testing with an RE, but we were very fortunate to conceive naturally.

I recommend temping and charting ASAP, if you're not already doing so. Buy the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" - it will help you to educate yourself about your cycles and charting. Typical recommendation is that if you have been TTC for 6 months, schedule an appointment with an RE for initial testing for you and your partner. Best wishes to you!

Dancerppf · December 2014

Everyone is different. I had my first 2 days after my 35th birthday. I have PCOS and I've been told as long as I can remember that I'd have issues getting pregnant. The year before we got married my gyn put me on birth control pills. Two months before the wedding he took me off and we started the ovulation kit right after the wedding. I got pregnant within 45 days. Now at 37 we went straight to the ovulation kit. Again pregnant within 45 and I'm 7 months into this pregnancy. We are definitely blessed. The trick for me was that I hardly ovulate so getting my body ready a year in advanced helped. Wishing everyone the very best.

supersarah77 · December 2014

As others have said, there's no way to know how it will go for you until you try.

I thought I would have a hard time getting and staying pregnant because my mom and sisters have all had significant health issues (hypothyroidism, endometriosis, fibroids so bad they required a hysterectomy at age 38).

However, I was fortunate to conceive DD in the third cycle of trying without tracking at age 35 and DS in the first cycle of trying with tracking at age 37. By tracking I mean charting my basal body temperature every day, taking daily ovulation predictor kits, and timing sex with every day around and during ovulation.

Cliffhaven · December 2014

We got lucky and conceived first try. I was 39. No health issues though.

travelnut11 · December 2014

Everyone is so different though I do find everyone's stories interesting (and heart-breaking in some instances). I have 3 close friends who are all pregnant right now plus me: 3 are 37 and 1 is 34. Here's how it's gone for them:

1. Me: started trying the month I turned 37 and first cycle had a chemical pregnancy. On 5th cycle I got pregnant again and am currently 21 weeks. Should deliver two weeks after my 38th birthday if baby is on time.
2. Friend #1: started trying for 3rd child when 36 (other two she had in late 20s). Got pregnant within a few months but ended in ectopic. Had to wait 3 months to try again and took another 6 months to get pregnant. She's about 10 days ahead of me.
3. Friend #2: starting trying when 36.5 and took 10 cycles before she got a BFP. She's 9 weeks behind me and will turn 38 two weeks after baby is born.
4. Friend #3: now age 34 and I'm not sure how long she's been trying for sure but we think its been about two years. I'm not as close to her so don't know all the details. I hear she's about 10 weeks now though she hasn't officially announced.

I think all of my friends would agree that things really started happening for them when they got aggressive with OPK. I got pregnant in the shortest amount of time but I was very aggressive from the beginning and used the Clearblue Fertility monitor. My friends started out with the relaxed approach and when that wasn't working they switched to digital OPK and that's when they got their BFPs.

Good luck to you!

Bigboneded · December 2014

My DH had VR in Nov 2012, started trying in Jan. (I think failed implantation that month) we got BFP in March and MMC at 17 weeks, T21 baby girl :-(. Okayd to start trying right away, no luck, met with RE in Jan, hated him.
Told I couldnt get a pregnancy to term without IVF and DE, due to age, weight, thyroid. GYN gave me Clomid, 2 cycles got BFP, now 34 weeks with twins.

do your research, find a doctor you can trust,we did supplements, DH took fertility vitamins, I temped, OPKs, and Softcup to keep sperm I place. We feel blessed to have gotten here :-) Also history of AMA in my family. Brother born when mom41, Grandma started family at 40, had 4 children....
Best of luck to you!

af2004rn · December 2014

My third baby was a surprise baby conceived at 39. Our son just turned 2. We were on no BC. Our 2nd child, was conceived at 37 and it took 10 months. Our firstborn was conceived at 35 just 3 months after a miscarriage. The first pregnancy (a loss) took almost 2 years.

My point is that, it is a wide range even for the same person. If you are trying to get pregnant, I highly recommend a book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Also, the website, www.fertilityfriend.com is fabulous.

jab9371 · December 2014

I conceived the first month I tried at 43! I was completely shocked and feel truly blessed as many of my friends much younger than me struggle with fertility. Everyone is different.

newenglander71 · December 2014

Conceived the first month I tried, just a month before I turned 41. No health/fertility issues.

NanSee3 · December 2014

I have PCOS and have conceived naturally and without trying for all three of my pregnancies. I was 31 when I conceived the first time, a few days shy of 35yo the second time, and three months shy of 37yo this time. (But, as the others said, my info really doesn't relate to your circumstances). I wish you well!

Mrs.McIrish · December 2014

Almost 4 years. We started in August 2010 when I turned 37. It never happened. More IVFs than most people could ever fathom. Ultimately we used donor eggs and even needed 4 transfers for DE to work. I finally had twin girls last month. You never know where you will fall on the spectrum. But I got the babies I was meant to have.

Fortunecookie2015 · December 2014

I agree that ymmv. I'm 38, and we started TTC just after my 38th bday. We conceived 5 mos later. I tracked my bbt and timed sex to take place during the days before I was likely to O (opk's didn't seem to work for me). I'm overweight, but otherwise healthy.

I have friends, though, who had unexplained infertility or other medical conditions that interfered with their fertility. My plan was to track whether I O'd regularly (I did), and if we didn't conceive w/in 8 mos I was going to a fertility clinic.

Bobbie1227 · December 2014

I am 37 and the first time we conceived it took us 4 months. Sadly I miscarried at 9 weeks. When we were able to try again it took us 4 months again. I am currently 15 weeks and will be 38 next week. I was told when we started trying that age as well as my thyroid would slow us down a bit so both times we were actually surprised by the length of time it took.

MisDawnD · December 2014

I am currently 39yo and 15 weeks pg. My husband and I have been trying naturally for over 12 years. I have never conceived unless it was a chemical that I was not aware of. I have never (my entire life) taken any type of birth control. No tracking, just very regular sex:) I honestly had almost given up, but my husband kept encouraging me that it would happen. I have always had very painful and very regular periods. My ob said I had endometriosis, but that was all they diagnosed me with. My infertility to them was unexplained. In October I started having symptoms and was so shocked that my "miracle" had actually taken place when I got a BFP. I agree with everyone else who says that everyone's situation is unique to them. I just really wanted to post to encourage others that in God's timing I truly believe all things are possible. Good luck to you!

Radiantly · December 2014

Hi, I'm 37 now (as of Sept 23) and just got my BFP - I'm 4 weeks!

My signature tells the story... 1 year exactly of trying (including timed sex and temping), and 5 months before that of NTNP. Good luck!

I highly recommend downloading Circle & Bloom visualizations. They helped me immensely. I think it cost about $50, but you put them on your iphone and listen every day it's a different recording, and guided positive imagery along with relaxation. You start over with day 1 on your period day. 14 is ovulation day but I usually ovulated late (18 or 19) so I would listen to 13 and 14 a lot, haha.

I also recommend Maya arvigo abdominal massage (you learn from a practitioner and then do it yourself every day - different techniques during luteal and follicular phases)

Also, nutrition from Nettles infusion, and Red Clover (check out Susun Weed for info about that.)

Hope this helps!

nf0kss · December 2014

I also was one of the very lucky few who have been blessed with no issues. I'm 37 and conceived in one month after nearly 10 years in the pill. My sister took about a year to conceive her first and she was 35. i don't like tell my story too much becuase I appreciate and respect all these women who went through so much, but i do want to remind everyone you don't have to assume you will have issues becuase of your age. Your path is your path....everyone is different. Just happy we have all made it to where we are and are blessed!

yazssiel · December 2014

I am 36 years old and in sept of last year had a miscarriage . This year I had my baby that was born sleeping at 36 weeks and now resting in heaven.
Last week I went to the doctor and they told me I was preggo again!!!!
But I already knew because I had a hpt 10 days before my missed period and it was negative but I had that test done late at night so the next morning early in the morning I tested again with the hpt from the dollar tree and it was clearly positive!!!!!
Now I am going to another doctor and praying to God that my baby be here with me in August of next year!!!!
So I am happy but scared and so is my hubby because of our loss.....
I have older kids 4 boys and 3 girls and my sleeping angel
But he doesn't have any and he gets very emotional when he sees other babies and tells me why can't he have his own even thought he loves and cares for my children....
I was taking depression meds because of my loss and now I stop taking them because I don't want to harm my baby or babies....so happy holidays and thank you for taking the time to read my story!!!
Have a bless day everyone and baby blessings to everyone!!!!!

MaxandRuby · December 2014

I conceived at 41 and baby is due 4 days before I turn 42; however perinatologist stated he probably would not let me go past 39wk.

As for trouble/ease at getting pregnant, I couldn't tell you. We were not trying/not preventing (pull out method). We had no issues getting pregnant with our first two (I was 34 and 35 at the time) so I am going to guess everything was just the right circumstances this last time.

Rowansmom08 · December 2014

Im in a similar boat. Love reading al the different experiences

Radiantly · December 2014

@yazssiel‌ I am so sorry to hear about your sleeping angel. Pray that this one is ready to start anew!

xilahn · December 2014

I had an appointment with an infertility nurse after a year of seeing how things went (and a couple of possible early early terms) which started off with the epic history and blood tests, including tracking with an ovulation prediction kit. My cycle has always been a little unpredictable in length, and it turns out my ovulation was later than normal so we just weren't getting the timing right. I got pregnant that month at 37. I'm 26 weeks now, and will be 38 when I deliver...which apparently should be some kind of miracle because if you look at my medical chart, it lists my pregnancy as "elderly." Apparently I should be putting walkers on the registry for me and the baby because I'm so oooooold and unbelievably decrepit [insert eye roll here]

stever · December 2014

I was 38 when I conceived DS2. We have no fertility issues and conceived our second month of trying.

csjsmom · December 2014

I had my first at 30 (was 29 when i conceived)It took 2 months. I had my second at 34 (conceived at 33) it took about 9 months but my cycles were all over the place. 23 days to 59 days.

This time I conceived at 41, turned 42 last month and I'm due next month. It took about 9 months. I was told after testing that I would have to do IVF with ICSI. However I did conceive on my own without assistance of any kind.

Our issues were my age (hormone levels looked ok but "older") and my partners sperm. Overall count was a bit low, but only about 2% were moving correctly which wasn't even a high enough number for regular IVF.

I have a friend of a friend around my age who is seeing an acupuncturist for fertility issues who said her odds were pretty much the same naturally as with IVF.

Beckyboo71 · December 2014

I conceived my first child at 35. My next pregnancy, I conceived at 42, but miscarried at 10 weeks. I conceived my current pregnancy at 43 after trying for about 8 months. I had no health issues, and everyone is different when it comes to fertility.

JJBoden · December 2014

Two one hit wonders..one at on my 38th bday and one right before my 41st. I am a fertile mertile! Z( my baby at 32 was also a one shot deal)

Gina2015 · December 2014

I'm having my 4th baby in June and I just turned 37. I wasn't planning on having any more. my youngest is gonna be 3 in April.

Doridoodles · December 2014

Had my 3rd in 2011. I had a MC 1 year later..and am now expecting. Got pregnant right after I turned 39.

Praying for a sticky bean.♡

yazssiel · December 2014

Thank you Radiantly I just got a us and my baby is ok prayers to everyone including myself and have a bless New Years everyone

nyc2015 · January 2015

Elderly at delivering at 38? How about 43!!

38 sounds young to me. But I won't let my number age make me feel old. Believe we are as young as we feel we are and if we eat right, no processed foods and exercise, we will age very well.

I'm very early on.. Just trying to stay positive and praying it goes well.

Wishing you all the best in your pregnancy and remember--you're YOUNG! (really!)

Lbdelacruz · January 2015

I got pregnant on our first try at 37, almost 38. I miscarried at 8 weeks at the end of March. It took my body a few months to have normal cycles. I got pregnant again in August. To our surprise, we are having twins. I'll be 39 when they are born.

travelnut11 · January 2015

How's this for a crazy story: my sister-in-law (by marriage) has a 39 year-old sister with a two year-old and just found out she's pregnant with triplets. All naturally...no fertility meds. Two are identical and one is not. Mind=blown.

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