pregnancy at 44

[Barney's pal]

Hi, despite being on the pill for the last 7 yrs I've just discovered I'm expecting again at 44yrs old. My partner is thrilled, but I'm terrified. All I've ever read about is bad case senario's in women who give birth at this age. There seems to be so many risks of a handicapped child, I'm worried sick. I'm also wondering how I am going to break the news to my 15yr old daughter. She has been the only child until now. My partner isn't her dad, & when her friends mum's and partners have been expecting, they have all taken it very badly. Any advice appreiciated.

[ganesh]

You want the baby don't you? Is it just that you are worried about it being normal? You will be able to have all the tests you want at that age so you shouldn't worry about those risks. And you've got a live in babysittter already,she may take the news better than you think. Good luck!

[tamborine]

Oooooh, that's special, envy-envy-envy! Had my last, same!

Your body is fit to conceive.....all will be well, just look after yourself, keep positive and welcome the future babe, keep us here informed; we love new births. cheers!

[annie0000]

My sister had her first at 39 nd her second at 43 - both were fine - it is reasonably common place for women to be having babies in their 40's now and you will get all the tests available. As for your daughter, she is a teenager - you can't predict how she will take it - she may even put on a front of hating it, but secretly looking forward to having a baby about the house. However, she is on the verge of adulthood and will soon be out and about making her way in the world while your little one will still be a baby or toddler, so in a way, in a year or two she will not be bothered even if she is upset now.

[sara3]

it would be riskier if it were your first.

I wish you lots of luck, try to enjoy the attention and look after yourself.

tell your daughter asap. it would be terrible if she found out through someone else, or felt you'd been keeping it from her. let her join in with the decisions and choices, even if she picks some Abercrombie babygro's ;o)

[redcrx]

44 isnt old nowadays. I know women having their 2nd or 3rd at that age too

Many hospitals now offer a nuchal scan, which is the 12 weeks scan where measurements are taken and they look out for certain markers for Downs etc,

You could also consider going privately (as i did) and getting a combined nuchal and blood test. You have a small window of time to do it in, and you need to get the bloods done at your GP and post them off but its apparently pretty accurate with the risks. For my age wiht my 2nd the risk of Downs was 1 in 260 but the combined test gave me a 1 in 4000+ risk.

take a look at this company http://www.babybond.com/nt-scan.php

[caththecrazy]

Congratulations

When I had my first there was a lady at ante natal who had a 16/17 yr old daughter and the girl was really iffy about the baby. After he was born I saw the daugher out with him and she was as proud as punch. Sometimes see them together now and she's like a second mother to him.

Hope all goes well and get lots of rest.

[Barney's pal]

thanks you guys, you put my mind a bit at rest,you only ever here the bad stories on the telly. Guess I will have to tell No 1 Daughter sometime. Liked the bit about the Abercrombie babygro's, I need a laugh at the moment.
At least I have a supportive partner, our house ain't ideal, but we're not on the bread line, so thats one less thing to worry about.

[neppirasj]

I am embarking upon having my 3 rd baby at 40 yeas of age...not pregnant yet though! My 16 year old daughter has been urging me to have another baby for years now and says that she will love to babysit if it actually happens. Go for it!...I am! :-)

[zzxxee]

i hope all goes well for you my nan had 9 children her last one at the age of 46 x