Pregnant Again at 35 (Almost 36) a Bit Nervous

I had my first child at 40. Find a good high risk Dr and have the baby in a good hospital. My daughter is perfect. There will be extra tests and you may need to go on maternity leave early. Relax take it one step at a time. J.

Hi C.,

Congratulations! I was 35 at the beginning of my 2nd pregnancy and 36 when I delivered. They didn't label me high-risk or anything different than my first pregnancy 4 years earlier. Everything went very well, no complications.

Best of luck to you,
J.

C.,

Don't stress. I was 38 when I had my daughter (now 2 1/2)- I was supose to be 39 but she came 16 days before my birthday & 12 day before christmas.

I did do the triple screen (really a quint-screen) & would not do it again, due to the false positive results that caused stress until I had my level 2 ultra-sound. I did not do the amnio either.

I have a friend that was 38/39 with her first & 41 with her 2nd (both now teens- oldest is 16 yr). I have another friend in her late 30's with both of her girls. I think her oldest is no 9. And another friend was 41 when she had her daughter- now 10- that one was also a suprise.

I was stressed when I found out I was pregnant with alcohol consumption & being on prozac for PMS.

I did deliver 6 weeks early, my daughter was in NICU for 5 days. (I didn't think it was necessary). Over all my daughter is happy, healthy (very minor GI stuff) & extremely bright. She is the pride & joy of her parents & both sets of grand-parents.

Hello C.,

I am Dr. J., DC from Fit for Life Health Services. We are a chiropractic office that focuses on holistic family care, pregnancy and pediatrics. Anyway enough about me but with our moms that are "in the risk for age with pregnancy" you will do wonderful if you keep your mind set that way... I do believe and do see personally in the office that mind over matter is very key to a sucessful prenancy and delivery. With that I do always recommend to my mothers a few things:
1. Stop doing all the chores at home even though you feel like you can. Here is a list of chores that can cause you pelvic floor and uterus to move in a torque position that is h*** o* the baby and you: vaccuming, getting laundry out of the dryer, unloading the bottom of the dishwasher. Those are just a few but anything that you have to bend over and twist your body in any way is something to steer clear from.
2. Take your pre-natals very regularly!!!!
3. Most mothers by 2nd trimester have to add protein into their diet (if start having headaches alot this is a big sign) because the baby is taking to much of the mother's nutrients. I suggest an egg white protein shake or whey protein but not soy because it seems to be too h*** o* the mother's stomach during pregnancy.
4. Also I can not stress enough to do kegel exercises, cat and camel yoga poses and streches.
In short you will do great but due to your age they put you at high risk. Obviously the first trimester is the key so decrease your outside stress, relax, and spend time for you!!!!
Warmly,
Dr. J. DC

I had my first child at 38 and I am 6 months pregnant with my second and I'm now 41. I have had no complications whatsoever so don't sweat it and enjoy your pregnancy!

I had a baby at 39, 40, and 41! All healthy.

Hi! Found out I was preggo at 38 "surprise", just turned 40 in April, Dra just turned 1 on the 1st of August! Dont worry! If your healthy, things will be A-OK! Just got a call from my dear friend today, she's preggs and just turned 40 in January! Your still a youngin!! Congrats!

Dont worry I had my third son when I was 38, he was a big surprise also as my last son was born 14 years ago to the day.If you are a healthy women things will be fine ,they try to scare you with the things they say,you could get the test for downs syndrome if your to worried, I didn't want to get that test done and my son turned out fine,and my pregnancy was wonderful no complications at all.So try to enjoy this pregnancy.Good Luck !

Haven't you heard that 35 is the new 25? You have nothing to worry about. I had my first child at 34 and my second at 36. My second pregnancy actually went a lot easier than my first. So age is just a number.

C., Congratulations! There were SO many responses to you that I've run out of time to read them all. I had my first and only child 3 months shy of my 44th birthday. A girl that weighed 10 Lbs 3.8 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long. (We build em big! LOL)
The BEST thing I did was keep a VERY positive mental attitude and NOT listen to ANY negativity! I had an "I can do this" attitude from the very beginning and I truly believe that helped tremendously. I agree with the others that advised you to be careful about what books or articles you read and what movies, TV and negative news stories you watch or listen to.

My Dr. offered the amnio however, told me it was my decision and made sure I knew the risks of miscarriage that were involved. I told him that regardless of the results I planned on having the baby, he then advised that I prob. wouldn't want to do the "triple blood test" either, esp. since results were often a false positive. (I later found out that HIS wife had a miscarriage from an amnio).

I did have one visit with a "high risk OBGYN" per his suggestion. I believe he did THAT just so I was informed about what the risks truly were. That Dr. did not scare me, she just stated the facts so I could make an intelligent, informed decision.

On my last Dr visit, two days before the due date, when I was not dialating at all, my Dr. wanted to induce and I opted not to. I did have a C-Section and was glad I did because I had more strength and energy after not having to go through labor.

I had the BEST of care. My Dr. and nurse practitioner midwife were AWESOME! The entire maternity staff at Northwest Medical Center in Margate, Florida were like ANGELS! I was truly "cared for" and cannot say enough about them.

At 44, I pretty well knew that this was going to be my only ride down this road, so I decided to relax, be positive and enjoy it, and I did! I had NO morning sickness, NO stretch marks and NO gestational diabetes, despite the size of the baby.

She is now a happy, healthy and VERY intelligent 8 year old little girl who was evalutated for gifted in Kindergarten!

Wish I could do it again cause I really regret not having a sibling for our daughter. (Right after I stopped nursing her, I went right into hot flashes and menopause! Mr. Dr. said that a "light burns brightest right before it goes out!"). I am SO glad that I did not miss out on this. I absolutely inhale our daughter!

Take a deep breath, in fact, take LOTS of them, relax and enjoy this journey. You are going to do GREAT!

Be blessed!
S.

Hi, C.! Congratulations!

Please believe me when I say that turning 35 (or 36) does NOT automatically mean anything bad will happen to you or your baby. Statistically, you may be a little more likely to have some issues, but it's just a slightly higher chance of things that we all risk when we have a baby.

I had my second child two months before I turned 35 and everything was far easier--I knew what I was doing, had great care and a great rapport with my midwife, had a faster labor and recovered quicker. My mom had her fourth child at 42, and one of my best friends had her FIRST at 49. All healthy, normal pregnancies and babies and moms.

Eat healthy, be active and involved in your life, enjoy the process, surround yourself by people who love you and make you feel good. And read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin. It's a wonderful, practical, real description of the many fabulous ways birth can happen. Very good energy!

The biggest thing I would recommend that you beware of are the books, tv shows, friends and caregivers who may have you best interests at heart, but who tell horror stories and give fearful advice.

And beware the extra tests--know the risks and benefits of any test you take. Just because of my birth year (2007-1972=35 years old) I was automatically signed up for an amnioscentesis when I went to get my ultrasound. My midwife did NOT order it! There was no way I'd get a test with a risk of causing miscarriage when it could only tell me if my baby might have certain defects. I was going to have the baby either way. But I would have never known I was signed up for it until the ultrasound if I hadn't called about the insurance.

Good luck! Enjoy this beautiful time!

WHEWWWW lot's to think about. I was 39 when I got pregnant with my son and 42 when I got pregnant with my daughter who is 31 weeks in utero.

With my son, I didn't have one test on him; I did do ultrasounds but that was it. My doctor at the time told me misinformation. He said that women that age never have tests that come out good. He told me to have an amnio and to see a genetic counselor. I did see the genetic counselor and all they do is scare you. There is a genetic resessive gene in my family but my husband is not Jewish and they pushed him for testing. He refused. He does not have one Jewish relative.

I will tell you this; if you and your hubby are from a certain part of the world, genetic testing should be done. I had genetic testing done while I was pregnant instead of before. If I had to go back, I would have opted out of the genetic testing as my husband is not Jewish and doesn't have one Jewish relative. You are pregnant now, so I would not do it.

35 is young; there is a tribe of people believe it or not in a part of the world that have children in their 60's. Their faces have the skins of babies.

This time around I did do the triple screen to see out of curiousity how the tests would come out. They came out perfect. My doctor's office scheduled these tests. I did not. They said that I could cancel at any time.

I wanted to see how they would come out and then I would make a decision on any further testing if we decided to do so.

They scare women under 30 as well.

Please have a positive attitude and don't listen to horror stories. When I was pregnant with my son, I wouldn't watch the news or read certain books.

This pregnancy, I'm doing different research. I wanted to have a VBAC but there are risks with that and I don't take risks with my baby's. Every woman is different and I do have a little bit of hypertention with my pregnancies. I normally am very healthy but hypertention runs in my family. Mine is pregnancy induced. Plus, I may have a small birth canal; This is your second child; so enjoy it. Not sure if you had a regular birth or c-section but your second delivery should be even easier.

My doctor's office only does repeat c-sections. I did find a couple of doctors that do VBACS but decided on a repeat c-section as I don't take risks like that no matter how small. I do know of people who have had successful VBACs and I have read different accounts on the other way. That has been my dilemna.

I had a tough labor with my first baby but that's because the staff at the hospital was terrible. My doctor this time assures me that this time will be different and that they hired new people. I love my doctor and he is the reason I am staying at his practice. If he did VBACS, I would try for one.

Have a wonderful pregnancy and enjoy it!! It is such a miracle from G-D.

C. - Congratulations!!

I had my son at 41. He was a surprise, but the best surprise of my life!! I had an easy pregnancy, which shocked me. My only complication was that I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I adjusted my diet and had no problems after that. I worked right up to the end. My OB decided to induce me 3 days before my due date. My son is almost 2 and is perfect!

My suggestion is to get a good perinatologist. You'll be fine!!!

Hi C.
First Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you!! As far as your age - yes, there are more statistics for pregnancy over 35 - you will be considered High Risk - & your Dr will want you to have an Amnio (totally up to you). But let me tell you something, I had my first child a wk after I turned 39 & Preston will be 5 this October!!! Totally healthy, intelligent child. I was shocked that I was considered I risk - ignorance is bliss!!! But there are books "Your pregnancy over 35" to educate yourself. There is more testing - but truthfully - I never felt better. I exercised everday, ate organically & was truly relaxed.
I would love to have another child & although I'm going to be 44 next month - we're going to give it a shot (after 40 getting pregnant is even harder & birth defects increase) - but I'm putting it into the good Lord's hands and if it happens so be it.

I'm sure everything will be great!!! Good Luck

K.

Congrats!!! I too was pregnant (for the first time at 35)and am currently pregnant with my second at 36- yes I think they will be 16 mo apart. I understand your concerns as an "advanced age" pregnant woman and have them too. I am also a nurse who has worked in the past with sick babies so I was very nervous cause I know alot about what can happen. According to my OB I was more closely monitored and not allowed to go past my due date - which was fine by me! I also went to see a perinatologist and had a very detailed ultrasound at 18 and 22weeks. All went pretty well- I did have some trouble with hypertension at the end- but nothing that was not controlled. I recommend exercise and watching what you eat ( sodium and fat content )especially in your last trimester. Just walking is great for your psyche and your health. Hang in there- many of the risks are much greater after 40 so have great hope and I also found relief in prayer. All the best to you and your family and take care of yourself.

I was 36 with my first and 38 with my second. My doctor for the first was great! My doctor for the second -- not so great... He sent us to a genetic "specialist" because I was "old." The doctor there kept saying I had a high chance of having a baby with a "syndrome." He didn't even say Downs Syndrome; he just kept saying syndrome. Fortunately, the nurse who did our ultrasound told us that the doctor had to say that to cover himself and that the baby looked perfectly fine. And the baby was perfectly fine. She's stressing me out now that she's older, but that's another story...

I know of a lot of women having children in their 40's. I don't think you have to worry if you follow doctors orders, eat right and get the proper sleep and exercise....Congrats to you. You'll do fine...

Oh dont worry that much. I had my son at 36, it was the easiest pregnancy i had,being #3. 67 minutes to deliver him and not 1 drug. The dr's will get you worried about your age but in all reality no matter what GOD gave you that child and no matter what your going to love him/her the same way

Congratulations!!!

What you can do is RESEARCH.
some opt to not do any tests.
others, like me go for 'controversial' tests like
the CVS test (I say 'controversial' ONLY because it's almost unheard of here in FL!!! but it's COMMON in the REST of the USA!!!)

do your research! you'll be fine!

Hi C.! Take a deep breath and relax. All is well. So much of what you have heard about being pregnant after 35 is just not true. The statistics are misleading because the percentages are based on total numbers and because there are less women over 35 having children (although this number increases every year), the percentages are higher even though the numbers are actually very small. I hope that makes sense.

I had my first child a few days before my 42nd birthday. I had a wonderful pregnancy with no complications whatsoever. I have met many women around my age and older who are having children. This baby is a gift and meant to be. Enjoy this wonderful experience!

J.

C.,
Congrats on your surprise pregnancy!!
I am 35 & just had my 2nd son 9 weeks ago. The risk for chromosonal (sp?) issues are increased at 35, but not like they are at 40. I opted not to do an amnio, but did a level 2 ultrasound with a maternal fetal specialist who looks very closely at the baby. I also did the quad screen which is a blood test for Downs Syndrome, Spina Bifida (sp?, & another neural tube defect. That will give you the odds. My son is perfect!! We are even thinking about having a 3rd in the next 2 years. You should be fine.
H.

I'll be 35 in a few months and we're in the process of making baby #2. I'm really not all that concerned about problems b/c they happen to 25 year olds as well.

Hey C. H, don't be nervous about getting pregnant at your age. When I got pregnant with my first child, I was 37 and had another child at 41. Now, I am 51. An amino was suggested with my first pregnancy but I rejected it because of the word "risk". I don't like that word, scares me.
Every women is different. Just listen to your doctor. If you trust him/her, trust him/her. K. S.

Congratulations!! Dont be nervous~ like you said, life is good and you are in good hands. God knows what He is doing ;) I was also 35 when I had my "baby" who happens to be turning 10 in November! He older brother was almost 4 when she was born and the timing couldnt have been more perfect... Just about the time he was starting school, she was the most fun and I had all that time to myself! I did have problems with my blood pressure and was forced to quit work early (which I was going to become a stay at home mom anyway)but other than that, she and I were perfectly healthy. Just eat right (the weight is harder to get off the older we are) exercise,(you will feel better) and listen to what the doctors tell you. The average age for women having children is getting higher and higher.. You are the perfect age! Congrats again!

Ps.. my boy was 5.5lbs and 4 weeks early, my daughter..... 10.1 lbs and came the day we were going to induce bacause they thought she might be big...LOL

so true that every pregnancy is different!

Enjoy!!! Just after my 40th birthday I found out I was pregnant with my first. Everything went great - a few extra dr. appts. To us the extra attention ment we got to see and hear our daughter more often. She is just perfect!!

Congrats!!!!
I would say to calm down.
I had my 3rd child just shy of 42 and it was my easiest healthiest pregnancy.
Enjoy it!

Oh C. congrats!!!
About 2 weeks ago I read a very extensive study on downs syndrome and older moms. The y found that it is NOT true that the older you are, the more chance of a downs baby. In fact they said that most children born with downs are from younger women! There are tons of screenings for this and that and frankly most are done incorrectly and scare the heck out of you. Most important things are: are you healthy? do you eat well? drink enough water, get enough rest? do you take drugs, drink or smoke? I believe as we get into our 30's we are more wise to the world around, less willing to take chances and learn how to be in charge of our body. You are NOT old. Enjoy this time, enjoy your 4 year old daughter and great husband and make this pregnancy fantastic!

Peace!

Have not read any other responses, but I can assure you many women have healthy pregnancies after the age of 35. I had my FIRST at 36, my second at 38 and my third at 39! All VERY healthy, and VERY happy!

Best wishes and good luck!

K.

I had my 3rd child when I was 36.5 and asked the doctor what kinds of special tests I'd need to take and what I needed to know being "so old". He almost laughed at me and said he doesn't start to get concerned until after age 40--- yet my SIL was prego at the same time and a year older than me and HER doctor had recommended all sorts of tests--- so you just need to find out what your doctor has to say. Make sure he/she really thoroughly explains every thing to you if tests are recommended, such as which ones are optional, what they are testing for, what preventative things can be done if any, what the risks are of actually having the test done, etc. 35 is actually young nowadays!

Congrats!!!!!!

Don't let your age make you crazy and remember for every horror story you hear out there, there are hundreds of happy stories. Take good care of yourself and have faith in your higher power. I was 40 when my last surprise came along and I have no regrets. :)

I don't think you should worry... especially if it's not your first pregnancy.
I became pregnant with our first child at 35, delivered at 36 and became pregnant with our second at 37, delivered at 38! Absolutely no complications (I carried to term on both, in fact my first was induced post-due date and 9lbs 5 oz... my second was induced a bit early at 38.5 wks and still 8lbs 6 oz... both healthy and both delivered vaginally.)
I'll be celebrating my 40th on Wednesday... we just returned from Disney World this weekend... to celebrate my 40th early and take the kids for their first time! Such fun! I tell people, I don't have to say I'm a 40 year old Mom... I only have to say I'm the Mom to an almost 4 and almost 2 year old... and leave them guessing!
Being of AMA (Advanced Maternal Age) will allow your doctor to give you more routine U/S and testing, if you would like. With the first we did genetic counselling and found our risk of a genetically "unhealthy" baby was extremely low... did bloodwork (triple screening) and the OB/GYN advised us the probability of miscarriage from an amnio was higher than our risk of having any genetic problems with the baby... so we didn't have amnio with either child.
All the best on baby #2... it's worth it at ANY age!
Congrats,
T.

C., nothing to worry about! I was at that age with my first and I'm 37 right now and am 34 weeks pregnant and I haven't had any issues... Women these days are having kids at a much older age and with all the technology out there, you'll be fine. God Bless you during your pregnancy!

Congratulations! I got pregnant at 36 and had my daughter right before I turned 37. I had a wonderful pregnancy, no complications and felt great the entire time. We had an amnio done just in case, and that actually wasn't that bad at all either. I have many friends who have had children into their early 40's and all have had great experiences.

I had my first at 40, my second at 42. Relax ad enjoy your pregnancy. The statistics will freak you out at the amnio visit, but ultimately no one is given a guarantee. Many, many women have healthy babies later in life today. Dont let the worry take away the joy. Just remember holding your little girl when she was newborn and think you will have that awesome feeling again. A word of advice. Make your little girl a BIG part of the pregnancy and start referring to your new baby as our baby asap. The more she sees herself as a caregiver, the easier a time she will have with jealousy when the baby arrives. Congrats and lots of luck.

Hi C.!
Don't be too worried...I had my first at 44! and he's perfect (really). I had to go to the ROC (Regional Obstetrics Center) for frequent sonograms than a younger person, but he turned out more perfect than I could have imagined. Just stay healthy, well fed, and rested.
Good luck!

Congratulations! I was 37 when I delivered my son and 40 when I delivered my daughter. Both pregnancies had their issues, NOTHING MAJOR - and both my children are VERY healthy. By issues, I had major nausea for 4 months with both and gestational diabetes with both. The diabetes may have been age related because I am healthy and no family history. However, I was able to maintain it both times with diet and exercise AND both times I did not gain a lot of weight - kindof an added bonus :>) My husband and I did meet with the doctors - there were tests that they have to tell you about but it was left to us which to have or not. I was nervous but kept feeling in my heart that the babies would be ok and they were. There is something to be said for mother's intuition. Doctors do have to tell you ALL the risks and possibilities - they are getting sued like crazy lately, especially OB's. However, medicine is also more advanced and there are so many people having babies later in life.If you want to read, there are plenty of sources. I found that a lot of these added anxiety so I chose not to read a lot. Sounds like things are going well for you in your life so I would relax and enjoy the ride! I'm sure all will go well and since your daughter is 4 - she can actually be a "helper" with a lot of things for the new baby. Good Luck!

Hello C. H.

Congratulations!
Don't worry, thinking a positive. make sure eat good healthy and relax.
Last year, I just turned 40 and got pregnant. my baby boy was born last Sept and is perfect healthy. he weighted 10lbs and 5 oz, while I had a gastational diabetes. Dr requird 2 weeks early induce. I assume that Gyn/Ob send you for high risk pregnant clinic because of age for cautious and make sure everything normal though sonogram and blood test etc... it is very common in after 35. I was told by high risk pregnant specialist. there are low ratio of baby having down's syndrome and any body defects this time.

Just think positive and enjoy with pregnant Congratulations again. Enjoy bring a new baby in your family.

Hi, just to let you know, I had my second child at 36 and my third child at 39! And I had the last one at home, with just me and my husband. Please listen to your own intuition...and take care of yourself! Drink lots of water, get lots of rest, eat right, keep the major stressors away, and there's a greater chance that you will stay healthy, well and strong! Good luck with everything ande congratulations!

V.

Don't worry. I was 35 when I delivered my twins. They ran a few extra tests while I was pregnant, but nothing crazy. They did want to do an amnio, but we declined, so they did an extnesive ultrasound instead to look for Down's markers. Everything turned out great. I will warn you that I am struggling to get my belly back to normal! Good luck to you and relax=)

As long as you are healthy, don't worry - women are having babies much, much older than you. I had my first at 34 and my second at 35 - no issues with either. Try not to think about all the scary things you hear and enjoy the adventure! Congratulations!

Don't worry about complications! I know many women over 35 that have had no problems with their pregnancies. I am pregnant with my first at 36, soon to be 37 years and have no fear. The only thing I'd fear is doing all the testing because they are not conclusive and I know many moms that have stressed through their pregnancy thinking something might be wrong with their baby and they were perfectly fine. If you are healthy and take care of yourself, you and your baby will be fine! Don't buy into the fear!

Don't worry - You will be fine. I just had my 2nd child at 37 yrs old with a c-section and with my 1st I was 34 but delivered at 35. I don't want to minimize the fact that at that age you are considered high risk and you have to keep an open mind to the possibilities of complications, but don't let them overcome your mind with fear and worry until it is warranted. Age alone is not the factor. If you've been perfectly healthy quite likely you will be fine delivering this time. Some of the testings they give are false positive, they thought mine was growing outside of my uterus, was going to be down syndrome, and I had bleeding and a prior miscarriage, and all that news overwhelmed me and caused me unnecessary scares, but these tests had to be done, and my baby and I came out perfectly fine, no complications in the end - saying all that to say, don't base your fears totally on age or test results, all else fails, have faith and you will be fine.

Nothing to be nervous about. I was 30 when I had my first child, 36 with my second. The body is amazing. Be sure to get the right balance of nutrition, exercise and rest and nine months will fly by. Avoid stress triggers, if at all possible.

Both my girls were born happy and healthy. My first wanted out a week early, and my second was content to stay in for another month if we let her. It's so funny to see them now 22 and 16, they are still the same. The first runs at 100 mph, and my second loves her quiet time.

Congratulations! You'll do just fine.

Congrats!!! I had my first and probably only child - a beautiful baby girl-11 days before my 41st birthday. It depends on who you talk to and your doctors. My ob/gyn said that I can still have another healthy child, but suggested I do it before I am 45. Risks always go up more after 35. But GOD bleseed me with a healthy beautiful baby. When I asked my doctor, when I was pregnant, if he felt I was too old, he said 40 wasn't too old to have a child. She was born in Charlotte, NC in a big medical center with many experienced doctors. Opinions will vary. I do believe sometimes that 40 is the new 30!!! I hope this helps, it's in GOD's hands, Godspeed and good luck.

We had a big surprise too. I was 38 when we found out we were 9 weeks pregnant & did not even know. I delivery a very healthy 8lbs, 13oz baby boy at 39. I did not do any of the test, they only stress you out & there are alot of false positives at our age. No matter what was going on he was still going to be our child. Good Luck & don't worry. Everything happens for a reason.

Everything will go great same happened to me I'm 36 my son is 5 months old now, and perfect.lol congratulations
What a blessing it turned out to be.

My boy is perfectly healthy. Had him at 37. Don't worry!!

My best friend just had her 2nd at 36, my mother-in-law had her two at 38 and 42, my aunts were 39 and 40. I'm sure I could go on.

I understand how you feel. I had my first child at almost 38. Try not to worry. I don't know how far along you are, but I would hold off telling the good news until after the first trimester. My first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage at eight weeks. Then I had my daughter, who is very healthy. And I just had a miscarriage two weeks ago. Yes, it does have to do with age, but please don't worry, you are still young!!!

I had no complications, just two miscarriages. And you can always have an ultrasound and amnio to ease your anxiety and so you can see how healthy your baby is. Good luck!!

I was 45 and delivered my son at 46 with no problems. I did have an amino just to make sure there were no big problems to prepare for. Once I got beyond that test I was much calmer about all those complications that we hear so much about. Good luck and congratulations!