Mom's over 35+ ...with added mental/physical concerns

new_ivf · May 2016

- Just curious how many here are over 35+?

- Is this your FIRST child?

- Do you have other medical conditions (mental or physical) that concern you in pregnancy (i.e. anything from depression (pre-natal or post-natal, Thyroid disorders, PCOS, Diabetes, weight management, fear of birth pain, or whatever)?

Being "advanced maternal age" (I'm 40, wondering if I'm the oldest one in this group!) poses more risks which I am learning about (complications, Down syndrome, delivery complications, longer recovery time, etc). This is my first pregnancy, and although I'm in great health - I do have mild hypothyroid and chronic depression/anxiety. I'm honestly not worried about Zika, but more concerned about the well-documented risks of Down's syndrome, Post-partum depression syndromes, birth/developmental defects and scared about child birth in general!!!

Thought this could be a good thread to discuss the different challenges that come up for those of us in the over 35+ bracket :-)

Josie3=5 · May 2016

I'm 37 years old and this is my third child. I had PPD with my first and didn't recognize it for a good 8 months so it was a ROUGH go the first time around (had my first at 32 years of age). Neither my husband nor I understand that I was not going through a normal post-partum experience since none of our friends had kids either. I was terrified of a repeat performance with #2 but, with me setting every therapeutic safeguard in place, it didn't happen. It was amazing and glorious. Now that I've had a horrifying experience and a fabulous one, I hope that i'll recognize if I need help with my third.

This may be a UO but I will definitely be doing a CVS this third time around and getting an idea about the health of the baby. My BFF went through IVF and had her second at 40 years of age - she had the embryos tested before implantation and one of them did test Down Syndrome. They elected not to implant that embryo. Her second baby is healthy and the most amazing baby ever.

new_ivf · May 2016

Thanks for sharing your story!

Good to know that you were able to catch PPD the next time around. Did you set up therapy appointmments? I'm curious what things you did to safeguard yourself? Seems extremely common, and I am nervous about starting antidepressants if I will be nursing.

By CVS, I'm assuming you mean pre-genetic testing? Our RE did not suggest this, however, we will definitely do the amnio (even though invasive) because of the chances for Down's. I am very worried to say the least and hope that everything is OK!!! Baby dust to you!!

Josie3=5 · May 2016

new_ivf said:

Thanks for sharing your story!

Good to know that you were able to catch PPD the next time around. Did you set up therapy appointmments? I'm curious what things you did to safeguard yourself? Seems extremely common, and I am nervous about starting antidepressants if I will be nursing.

By CVS, I'm assuming you mean pre-genetic testing? Our RE did not suggest this, however, we will definitely do the amnio (even though invasive) because of the chances for Down's. I am very worried to say the least and hope that everything is OK!!! Baby dust to you!!

To answer some questions:
1. Re: PPD - I checked in with the therapist that treated my PPD with #1. I actually put it off until the last minute (39 weeks pregnant with baby 2) bc I was refusing to even consider that I could get cursed twice. Then reason and my DH made me realize I was being foolish and not protecting my family by having a plan in place. She took me in quickly and we designed a plan: if X happens, I will have DH call her by X time. I can't trust myself to call bc i rationalized that the depth of my depression was 'normal new mom' hard the first time. Long story short (I'm simplifying this a lot - there were many more steps and decision points that I can talk through if you ever need it), I never developed PPD the second time around. My H and I were giddy with how 'easy' things could be when you don't have someone crippled with mental health issues, despite our son having health issues the first year of his life. My H, my BFF and my therapist were all 'on watch' to challenge me if they saw signs developing again. Those, and the pre birth counseling (2 sessions) were key in making me feel like I had a safety net.

2. CVS- chorionic villus sampling - can be done at 10-13 weeks rather than amniocentesis, which is done later. Both are genetic tests, with CVS carrying SLIGHTLY more risk of miscarriage than amniocentesis. BFF went through IVF and they actually did genetic testing on the embryos before transfer. So they knew the sex and genetic profile of the baby from day 1.

baby dust to you! It's so hard to make these decisions and there's a lot of things to navigate through. Hope you find your path forward.

Josie3=5 · May 2016

Also ask your practitioner about materni21, which I thought was done later but apparently can be done as early as 10 weeks. It's a blood test, noninvasive and pretty reliable. I forgot about this until just now, which is silly bc we had it done with DS. I'll discuss with a genetic counselor of there are any benefits to CVS vs. materni21 before I do anything.

https://www.sequenom.com/tests/reproductive-health/maternit21-plus#provider-references

awknyc · May 2016

Hi I'm also 35, this will be my 2nd child but 3rd pregnancy. After my first back in May 2014, I was diagnosed with mild hypothyroidism. It's weird bc I didn't have any symptoms, but my blood work showed otherwise. I feel like I was so carefree with my first pregnancy but now I'm so nervous about this one after my recent loss. Hopefully we all have happy and healthy pregnancies!

lochness · May 2016

Hi! Checking into the old farts thread.

Just turned 37, first child, was not planned. Still pretty early though, so it still feels like a holding pattern as far as viability goes.

No health concerns really, other than my usual anxiety about pretty much everything that has transformed into worrying about chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects due to my age. I am on Lexapro, which I've now read can be a 3rd trimester issue, so that may be an issue at some point. My first appointment is still 2 weeks away.

LoveIsOwlYouNeed · May 2016

I am 36, and this is my second. I don't have any concerns myself, other than just generally being worried about things I think we all worry about, including the trisomies and Down Syndrome.

new_ivf if it helps I know two women who had babies at 40 and both babies were and are perfectly healthy. They maybe came early but they are totally great and so are the mommas.

carin · May 2016

I am 40 but will be 41 when the baby is (hopefully) born.

This is my first pregnancy.

I don't have any health issues.

Being of "advanced maternal age," for now, I'm really hesitant to believe its real since the risk of miscarriage is higher. As far as down's syndrome and birth/developmental defects, I am just making sure I will have all of the tests I should.

At my first visit, I brought a list of age-related risks (diabetes, etc) and asked my doctor about each of them. He has encouraged me to relax and enjoy my pregnancy and let him worry about those things. I know and trust him. I'm surprising myself by actually being able to not stress too much which I think is also important.

Smiley-1980 · May 2016

Hi All, I'm 35 yrs old.

This is my second child/pregnancy.

I don't have any heath issues but our first child was conceived through IVF after 2 yrs of TTC because DH has a low sperm count. This pregnancy was a very welcome surprise, we had just stopped preventing in January.

GhanimaAtreides · May 2016

If you are interested, my hospital had their MFM specialist do a presentation for over 35 which I attended. They later posted the entire presentation to Facebook. I think it's about 45min or so.

ETA: They showed a pretty in depth chart about what your odds for downs/birth defects was. It's really not as scary as you would think!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1397867506905970&id=299626526730079&_rdr

luvbug426 · May 2016

- Just curious how many here are over 35+?
38....39 when due

- Is this your FIRST child?
First pregnancy unexpected

- Do you have other medical conditions (mental or physical) that concern you in pregnancy (i.e. anything from depression (pre-natal or post-natal, Thyroid disorders, PCOS, Diabetes, weight management, fear of birth pain, or whatever)?
PCOS, overweight, fear everything isn't OK, Man-child hubby (hubby's contributions hehehe)

ccarrozza1 · May 2016

Yes, I am 38 and will be 39 in September. This is my second child. My first was born just last June. I have depression and anxiety and I had PPD after giving birth and then even worse after I weaned this winter. I have pretty bad back problems and was having them treated when I found out I was pregnant so the timing was scary because I am not finished with my spinal therapy.

b4ebeth · May 2016

I will be 40 in a few weeks. This is our second. My first was only born 11 months ago and 1 day before my 39th birthday. Try not to worry too much. I did last time because of age, but it also meant I got more ultrasounds! I hope this pregnancy is just as easy. Don't let the age freak you out too much. Just be healthy and enjoy.

b4ebeth · May 2016

I gotta remember how to change my signature ticker too! Lol

MrsF. · May 2016

Hi all, I'm 37 and this is baby number 5 for us

Not too worried about age tbh, have been through PPD twice but now know what works for me so not too concerned! Main worry for me is this will be my 4th C-section as 3 of my babies were breech. Wishing you all a healthy and happy journey ahead

susykat77 · May 2016

Hi all! I'm 38, 39 once baby is born. This is my second pregnancy but hopefully first rainbow baby. We transferred 2 donor egg embryos. I struggle with anxiety mostly but it manifests as depression as well. Currently medicated and hoping to get off the meds. I'll also be seeing MFM due to blood clotting disorders. Trying to enjoy this pregnancy as I was just a nervous mess for the last one and that obviously didn't work.

hayleyarp · May 2016

39 here! Mommy to DD Nov 14. I see why my mom had babies in her twenties.... so tired chasing after my little girl this time around, trying to squeeze naps in, all while working from home. Cue the violins! Yes, @b4ebeth awesome that we get more ultrasounds. I go in tomorrow at 6 weeks. So proud of my aging mommas In this club

ccarrozza1 · May 2016

Did you give birth in November this past year 2015?
I am about the same number of weeks I think and I gave birth to a girl June 9, 2015...so a little less than 1 year between giving birth and getting pregnant. Not planned but I guess I don't have too many more years to have another right?

b4ebeth · May 2016

@ccarrozza1 We were the same group last time! My little guy was born June 9th as well. Not planned for us either, but we are getting used to the idea. Still a little shocking. 2 in diapers at the same time. We have joked we won't even know what the terrible 2's are yet!

hayleyarp · May 2016

@ccarrozza1 DD was born Nov 2014, so not as close as you and @b4ebeth. You two are rock stars. Don't they call this 'Irish Twins'?

mmkl · May 2016

Hello, I'm 39 will be 40 when I deliver, had my last child at 23. So pregnancy is definitely different this time. The term high risk is kinda scary. I worry about every little ping and ting that goes on, but trying to stay as calm as I can lol

jenadenise · May 2016

Hey Everyone!

I'm 44 and 5 weeks pregnant. This is my 3rd natural pregnancy in my 40s, but will be my first child (hopefully). I've always taken very good care of myself - clean diet and plenty of exercise - so I don't have many issues. My big concern is that I have a mild form of osteogenesis imperfecta, which is brittle bone disease. I constantly have fractures and currently have a compression fracture in my back - ugh! I really don't know how well my back is going to handle the eventual watermelon, but I guess I'll just cross that bridge when I get there!

mjolk · May 2016

I'm not in this category, but my partner is in his 40's. So while I have no worries with me, I do wonder if genetic testing is something I should do? I know paternal age is associated with higher risks of down's, but I'm not sure to what degree.

EH112212 · May 2016

I will actually turn 35 in Dec. The NP told me i will have to check with the Doc when I am in for my ultrasound if he is going to classify my as AMA. My first pregnancy went awesome and had no issues until delivery, which ended in a c-section

ccarrozza1 · May 2016

@b4ebeth Wow! That's amazing! We are the same schedule! I am still in shock about the whole thing. Getting used to the idea also. So nice to have someone else in the same boat!

MangomamaFL · May 2016

I am 38 years old (39 by January). This is not my first pregnancy. I am grand multipara (# births >5). Currently I haven't been diagnosed with anything that would make me high risk. I am meeting with my primary care physician on Tuesday to review labs. Depending on how this meeting goes I might transfer my care to the birthing center where I had three previous births.

ewelk · July 2016

I'm 36, will be 37 when I give birth and this is my first baby:). I have hashimotos thyroiditis which makes me even higher risk for miscarriage (had one in April:( ). I'm almost 11 weeks now and will have genetic tests done on the 14th and my second ultrasound, the first looked great! My husband and I are just staying positive as stress kills and I think just makes it worse. I know we are meant to have this baby and I'm happy I'm an older wiser ftm:). So happy to have this forum with other older mamas!!

Knottie25816533 · July 2016

I will be 11weeks tomorrow- which is also my 35th Birthday. FTM. Hubby is 37. Pregnancy started out as twins but we found out at 8wks that one no longer had a heartbeat. OB thinks most likely due to a chromosome issue so he is not recommending any testing for Down syndrome etc. Says results could come back positive from baby lost(since body has not absorbed yet) and that I would just worry more. Makes me worry either way since idk what chances are that remaining baby may have an issue. I'm otherwise pretty healthy besides anxiety/panic attacks for last 4yrs that I am on medication for and wish I could be off.

Teach123 · July 2016

I will be 37 when this LO is born. It's my second child. My son is 3. I am more nervous this time around just because I now know how much can go wrong. I had a scary birth experience with my son. He was IUGR, and apparently my placenta was not good. I will be watched more closely this time because of the problems I had last time. I'm hoping none of that happens again.

BiJiHaCa17 · July 2016

Yes I will be 39 when this one is born. I have two other LOs, DD 06 last one in Nov14. A few minor issues with bleeding after delivery has me worried again, but Drs chalked it up to me being a redhead. I also have food allergies that effect me more when pregnant so that is a constant worry but we are dealing with it.
@hayleyarp I think we were in the same birth group DS was born Nov 9.

wispymel · July 2016

I am 38 and will be 39 come the due date. I have had 2 mmc and I have a lot of anxiety. I also get night terrors, though apparently I haven't had any full blown episodes this pregnancy. The Dr said they won't harm the baby unless I hurt myself by falling off the bed or something.

jennyg628 · July 2016

I am 42yo and 13 weeks pregnant with my first. Due January 16th. My OB is making sure I get all of the genetic tests done and is going to see me 2x per week after week 32. I am healthy with no preexisting conditions and everything is going well. Scary and exciting at the same time!

Goodkarma72 · July 2016

I'm 44, and had a previous miscarriage, so I have a lot of worries. Testing looks pretty good so far, but I'm still waiting on results of Zika testing, since I traveled to Nicaragua without knowing I was pregnant. My final CVS results should be in any day, but I already have preliminary. I hope I'll feel better after full anatomy scan, which my dr will be performing at 18 weeks. I'm currently 13 1/2 weeks, but still haven't announced to anyone but family and best friends.....

allisoninDE · August 2016

Hi all! I'm 39, will be 40 when the kid comes. I don't have any special mental or physical concerns, other than being of "advanced maternal age" and the worries that tag along with it. I wanted to check in and say "hi" and see how everyone is doing. Hi! How is everyone doing?

ceclarlinetlo · August 2016

I might suggest starting a new thread for this - unfortunately the original poster suffered a loss and will get notifications each time someone posts.

Edit: typo

Mom's over 35+ ...with added mental/physical concerns

Re: Mom's over 35+ ...with added mental/physical concerns

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