Trying to Conceive Another Child: Need Some Tips/help/insight

Updated on January 24, 2015
M.A. asks from Chicago, IL
7 answers

Hi All,

My husband and I are trying to have our 4th. We've tried 4x, but in between that I had laparoscopic surgery to take care of a ruptured ovarian cyst I had in July(apparently, the cyst left a blood clot on my ovary, which delayed healing and thus me needing surgery in November). Anyhow, I'm 37, my hormone levels are within normal, but reflect my age! My questions are: 1. Does anyone have experience with cysts and what was your fertility outcome. 2. I'm scheduled to see a fertility specialist in about 4 weeks. I feel like I'm jumping the gun a bit, but also don't want to waste time...thoughts? for those who have seen a specialist, what was your experience like. Was there an outstanding specialist you saw in the chicago area? 3. Are there any other procedures/tests my own ob/gyn could do prior to seeing a specialist. I've tried accupuncture and chinese herbs, but want to take a break for now as it is costly and, I'm not convinced. I eat clean, exercise and conceived my other 3 easily. My children are 8,6 and 2.5. Thanks in advance!

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So What Happened?

Thanks to all who chimed in! I just found out I'm pregnant....1 day before the scheduled fertility appointment. Fingers crossed that all goes smoothly and I to all who said "It will happen"....you were right! Hard not to stress about all this!

More Answers

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

Just wanted to wish you luck, and assure you that seeing a specialist is a good move because of your age. Not sure where a prior poster got the info that it takes an average of a year to get pregnant, but that is just not true. The stats below, which were published in a journal on reproduction, show that about a third of women get pregnant on the first try, and two thirds within three months. The usual recommendation for women over 35 is to see a specialist after 6 cycles of trying. Like you, my three biological children were conceived easily so if I had trouble, I'd be concerned because I know my own body and track record and it would be weird to not be instantly pregnant. Everything is probably fine but I just wanted to say that I understand where you're coming from!

38 percent were pregnant after 1 month.
68 percent were pregnant after 3 months.
81 percent were pregnant after 6 months.
92 percent were pregnant after 12 months

I do have cystic ovaries but none of them have caused issues (painful rupturing, etc.), they're just something that show up on an u/s for me. They haven't affected my fertility at all.

You obviously have an awesome track record, which is great! The specialist will be able to do really detailed testing of hormone levels, ovarian reserve, etc. to rule out issues and lay out a plan. Probably not things that your regular OB can do, unfortunately. Just be patient, try to relax (I know, I know) and best wishes to you and your husband!

2 moms found this helpful
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J.G.

answers from Chicago on

Just stop trying. Relax and just let it go. Chances are, you will end up pregnant.

You have tons of time. I had my last at 41. :-)

1 mom found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

On average it takes your average couple 12 months of trying to achieve a pregnancy.
So some couples will get pregnant right away while others will take longer than a year.
Some women can conceive easily at your age while others can't.
You'll just have to see how things work out.
Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.H.

answers from Dallas on

I think you are doing everything absolutely right. Good luck and baby vibes to you!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.M.

answers from Boston on

Focus on having sex every day during the ovulation period!

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R.B.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried NFP natural family planning is great for teaching you how to monitor your cycle and know when you are ovulating and your peak fertility days. You basically chart your basal body temp every morning but you need a book to teach you the patterns.

You don't have to be catholic to Use NPF I'm sure you can find a more secular version of it.

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J.W.

answers from Detroit on

I was 35 when I got pregnant with my second. 7 1/2 years after my first and VERY planned! LOL I used the fertility calendar on babycenter.com to help with my cycle (although I was never very regular to begin with) and when I would be most fertile. I did have an early miscarriage before I got pregnant with my daughter. Not uncommon, although more common as we get older. 3 months later I was pregnant again. The way my doctor worded it to me was "Yes, you are 'advanced maternal age' according to the books, but it is not like you turn 35 and BOOM everything goes crazy. It is all gradual. Just know that you will be at a slightly higher risk for miscarriage (this was after I had the miscarriage) and it may take a little longer, but at this point there is no reason for concern".

I completely understand not wanting to waste time, but I would give it a few more months.

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