Is anyone else over 40 TTC?

Honestly id start taking pre natals and cutting out caffeine/foods you shouldn't eat while pregnant just to help prepare your body.

I'm not quite 40, but am of "advanced maternal age" (36). We conceived naturally and are expecting identical twins (the fertilized egg spontaneously split in two, opposed to fraternal twins where two separate eggs are released by the mother before fertilization). Don't stress too much about all of the statistics. Stress will only hurt your chances of conceiving. The chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby are still in your favor. Definitely start seeing an OBGYN. If and when you do get pregnant your OBGYN will likely also refer you to a maternal fetal specialist. They will be very attentive, perform regular ultrasounds and run every test under the sun. I've seen the specialist every other week since week 12 (I am now at week 30) and we are all doing just fine. I'm obviously not able to be as active as I was a decade ago when I was pregnant with my daughter. That has more to do with there being two babies, not my age.

My mom had my baby sister at 43 without any complications and without TTC...she thought she was going through menopause & ended up pregnant lol. Baby sis is 13 now and perfectly healthy.

I honestly have done a TON of reading (probably too much) because the stats scare the bejesus out of you. I have cut down on my caffeine intake (although that hasn't gone so well when i'm tired and need it). I did download an app on my phone that tells me when my fertile days are which is now. We did it once (I know..TMI) since I have been fertile and he is convinced I am pregnant. I am trying to not stress about it and just enjoy the sex and married life. I really think that hurts ones chances. Thanks for the encouraging stories. It helps to know there is hope and is others out there who were successful.

I would make sure your healthy first. how old is FH? Also make sure you can afford to take off the entire pregnancy you will be on bed rest if not all the majority of the time. an fitness instructor at my studio had a baby last month over 40 but bed rest the entire time. Sadly I know more stories of miscarriages and complications from the women in my family over 40 with unplanned pregnancies but then again they were unplanned. good luck get a doctor NOW and preferably one who specialized in high risk pregnancies.

FMIL was in her early 40s when she had FSIL. She had had a few miscarriages before that pregnancy and she was on bed rest for a majority of the pregnancy. At least half of it. Not to scare you, but it is definitely more risky. Absolutely get an OB! That should be number 1 on your list.

My littlest brother was a....surprise....to my parents. My mom was 41. He was perfect. I'd have to respectfully disagree with Faran--my mother did have some considerable morning sickness to deal with, but that was how she'd been with all her pregnancies and didn't have to do with her age. There was no bed rest involved. Sending a prayer your way for a little baby! Best wishes!

ETA - take really good care of yourself! Run a lot if you can to build up endurance and natural energy. Again, best of luck.

My husband is 41 and we are both healthy. I'm not sure I agree with the bed rest thing as I know plenty of woman who have had babies in their 40's and haven't had to be on bed rest the whole time. I plan to get an OB soon though and will have a conversation about this. Thanks for the encouraging words, Randi. I haven't run in quite some time but am an avid walker so maybe that will work to my advantage.

I know a couple of women who have had babies in their late 30s/40s, and they were fine and the children are fine. They did it naturally. I guess it depends on the person. I will be 38 when I get married next October, and if it's in the stars FH and will try to have at least one child before it's too late, if it's not already. I'm actually scheduled for a myomectomy (to remove a submucosal fibroid that may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. That's all I'm doing. FH will probably get his sperm checked out too once he's on my insurance (he's a professional chef and has terrible insurance and I work for the Federal Gov.) Good luck to you!

Thanks Maria! Same to you. Keep us posted and I am sure it isn't too late for you.

I'm right there with you. I'll be 42 in November and FH is almost 46. Neither of us have any children but we would like to TTC after the wedding. The statistics are scary, but many of my friends have had healthy babies in their late 30's and early 40's. Unfortunately many also were via IVF which scares me, but being healthy increases a positive outcome.

Good luck to you and DH!

ETA: FH not DH quite yet.

Double post

My SIL is pregnant (due in 4 weeks) with her first at age 37. She had some trouble conceiving at first, but it was only 1 yr. which I know can feel like an eternity, but in the grand scheme of things, it all worked out.

I currently found out that I am 5 weeks, but am having major miscarriage symptoms. Either way, any age, things can go wrong or take time. The positive thing is that you both are healthy and hope that you guys conceive rather quickly!

I will be turning 37 the month after our wedding. I just called my doctor to chat about hormonal birth control, trying to conceive, etc. For the other ladies reading this thread and wondering, she advised me to go off of hormonal birth control (I use the ring) in the next few months. She'd like me to be off it for 6 months before the wedding, then we will actually "try" for 6 months before a referral to a fertility specialist. She said once I am officially "trying", I should also be taking a pre-natal vitamin. I actually just went to Costco today to get a multivitamin so that I can get into the habit of taking one daily. Another thing the husbands can do is to take an over the counter fertility test. That way you'll know immediately if he will need to head to the doc for further testing. This is something I'll speak with FH about as the wedding date gets closer, but he was completely open to it the first time I brought it up. The other things that I need to be more diligent about now are exercise and diet, but what better time to work on that but now! Lastly, I'll be limiting caffeine, alcohol, and all of those other things (sushi, deli meat, etc) that you are not supposed to have while pregnant while we are TTC because I'm in the camp of "can't hurt, might help". I'll probably also start tracking my BBT once my periods become regular after stopping birth control. I'm saying prayers for all the other ladies who are in similar situations to me that our dreams and hearts will be fulfilled and at peace, no matter the outcome.

I skimmed, but get the book taking charge of your fertility on Amazon!

My mom was 40 and then almost 42 when she had my last 2 siblings. They are both healthy as can be.

@laurie. I would talk to an OB. I'm 33 and will be 34 when we plan to try. They already gave me the "later years child bearing" chat. Scary and sad especially when all you have been doing is trying to be responsible and make sure you were ready. Now someone is telling me it's almost too late?!

I also had a rubella test and some other blood work done when I told her about our plans. I think that is your best place to start. Best wishes!!

I can't believe you are considered "old" to have a baby @ 34. I feel like that is young. My husband seems to think I am pregnant since we did it twice during my fertile time and he thinks it won't be an issue. Who knows though. Good luck to all those trying and keep us posted. Baby dust to all!

My second cousin (not exactly sure of full process) but had a son in her early 40s! it is absolutely possible, just a few more precautions. Talk to your dr, and he should talk to his. they will best prepare you for your journey ahead!

Do you live in the South or somewhere where most women have their kids before 30? Having kids in your 40s is pretty common where I've lived (Los Angeles and NYC). I suggest you do some research on this topic before you freak out. I know this is an old post but this goes for anyone trying to get pregnant at the "end" of their fertility window. Back in the day BEFORE decent birth control, it was pretty common for women to have babies in their 40s. Anyone from a religious Catholic family knows this as well! The numbers on birth rates for women in their 40s are very misleading IMO. It's very individual. And you won't know until you try. I suggest reading Rebecca Fett's book "It Starts With the Egg."