From the article: Is pregnancy after 35 safe?
Pregnant over 35? There are lots of things said about being pregnant over 35, and few of them are positive. Sure, you can hear about the increased risks of genetic issues, prenatal testing, and everything else that bothers a pregnancy of advance maternal age. But the truth is, there are many very positive aspects of being pregnant. The maturity, the typical financial stability, and general well being. What's been your view of pregnancy over 35? Share Your Experience
Baby 31 and 35
- One pregnancy at 31 and one at 35. Both went fine. The only difference was at age 35 I was reminded of my age at every appointment and the risks involved. This caused more anxiety than doing any good. The end result was a healthy baby.
- —Guest Steph
44 and having my first
- I got married at 42 and secretly "knew" it was too late for a baby. Soon after, I went to an IVF specialist for tests to determine if I really was "past it" (which I was sure I was) and the Doctor confirmed the opposite - that I had a healthy body, good hormone levels and should have no trouble conceiving. But I did... Two whole years later, to the amazement and joy of my husband and I, I missed a period, did my tests, and nearly burst into tears on discovering I had conceived naturally. I chose to do genetic tests a few weeks back and have a 99.7% probability that at I'm carrying a healthy baby. Had the results gone the other way, I would probably have still gone ahead with it.. but of course I can't say that for sure though... I've had no illness or nausea, and have carried on with work and travel without anything other than an occassional attack of incredibly sore nipples. I'm sooooooo happy!
- —Guest judy K
Great!
- I had my first baby at 34 years old and now I'm 35 and 25 weeks pregnant with the second. Both pregnancies were easy (this one has been very easy until now, but still some weeks to go...), no sickness, no vomiting, no nausea, only 9 kg in my first pregnancy, now it seems I'll be the same. Been very active with the first, 2 hours minimum of walking pe day plus aqua gym; now I can only go to aqua gym, the 2 h walk is no longer possible with a toddler... No complications, easy birth, painful but not that painful, no epidural, easy recovery. I hope the second birth will be as smooth as the first one.
- —Guest rox206
Having my 4th at 35
- This pregnancy has been easy, although I have definitely been more tired this time around. I blame that more on having a 7, 5, and 2 yr old to care for than anything else. I have been healthy enough to carry on with all the responsibilities I currently have. We did have a red flag come up on this baby's nuchal screening, so we went through genetic counseling, an amniocentesis, and a fetal echocardiogram, but all the testing has come back showing no signs of any problems with our baby. I am now almost 37 weeks and it has been a really good pregnancy...as easy as my other 3 if not easier. I had 2 miscarriages at age 25, but all my babies since have been born very healthy. Conception this time around was took the shortest time of all.
- —Guest TXMom
Miracle
- I conceived at age 35 with no assistance other than prayer. although with three prior miscarriages I was afraid to get excited. After confirming a heartbeat by ultrasound, I began to relax. My only complication was mild preeclampsia which began in my third trimester. I gave birth at 37 weeks. I came in for my induction and was already in natural labor. My son was born without intervention and has been very healthy. Twenty one months have passed. I hope to conceive another, but it has been slow going.
- —missusgoodbar
2 after 40
- After 3 failed artificial inseminations over a year with many crying nights worrying that it was too late for me... I FINALLY had my daughter at 40. She is perfect! The pregnancy was smooth. I had no morning sickness or any major problems. I did have the backaches and some swelling. She is 7 months now and I'm 41. I find out this week my second is due in January! Shocked but so happy. I hope all goes well this time around.
- —Guest Tina Marie
Baby at 38
- I had my first child last year, at age 38. I had a fairly normal pregnancy with some negative symptoms like nausea, nosebleeds and let's just call them hems for short. I stayed fit throughout the pregnancy (with a regular exercise routine and healthy eating). I gained almost 40 pounds, but it only took 5 months to get back to my prepregnancy weight (lost 25 lbs the first two days). I'm now 39 and trying to get pregnant with number two. Just made an appt. with an RE after trying for 8 months. Good luck to all the women who are TTC!
- —Guest baby at 38
Almost 40 now...
- I was almost 37. It went very smoothly and it was the best feeling ever. I had a great gyno. I'm even trying again, now, close to 40.
- —Guest lola
Pregnant at 35
- In regards to comparing the difference between being pregnant over 35 and under 35, I can answer for both. My first pregnancy was at 25. Obviously I had more energy, but at the same time I also had the same back aches and tiredness that most pregnant women feel. I didn't exercise during my first pregnancy 10 years ago, but do now during my fourth. So what do I feel now? About the same, maybe even a little stronger since I am exercising but so many more things have changed, I now have 3 younger kids to care for, a business to run and a super busy life. Being an older mom is just as fulfilling as being a younger one, and it definitely helps to be healthy and physically active, our bodies are weaker with age and it's up to us to reverse this weakness and be as strong as we can during later age pregnancies.
- —Guest Michele
2 pregnancies after 38
- I had my two children at 39 and 41. Both were delivered vaginally and with no pain meds. My first was induced due to preeclampsia, but was born just fine. My bp with both was labile in the last 2 months, but other than that I had great pregnancies and birth experiences. My second child was almost 10 pounds, and I only pushed 3 times and she was out! Best experience of my life, and wouldn't change a thing. I would love a third, but hubby says he is too old and tired!!
- —Guest Kim
