PREGNANCY-BIRTH Messages for April, 1999: Re: mid-life pregnancy

Re: mid-life pregnancy

From: anneminke

anonymous@obgyn.net

Mon, 19 Apr 1999 12:07:51 -0500 (CDT)

I would say: go for it! I am 44 years old myself and pregnant with my first. I had a very easy pregnancy (allthough GETTING pregnant was a little problematic, but in the end we concieved naturally). I haven't been nauseous, my bloodpressure hasn't been over 110/60 during the entire pregnancy (I'm 39 weeks now), no diabetes. The only thing that sometimes bothers me is heartburn and, lately, fatigue. But those are minor problems. A friend of ours said that I have a natural talent for being pregnant. And she is right: I feel wonderfull, and look my best!

As this is considered a high-risk pregnancy I have had all my check-ups in the hospital and will also give birth in the hospital (in my country, the Netherlands, most women prefer to (and actually) deliver at home). At 14 weeks I had an amnio, and since we got the results back at 17 weeks, we have been able to enjoy this pregnancy a 1000%!

Our little girl has decided to stay in breechposition with one foot up and one down for over 10 weeks now, so my ObGyn thought it would be best to have a Ceasarian as this is a first child. A disappointment, I would have loved to give birth naturally. But the main thing is to have a healthy daughter!

Ofcourse every pregnancy is different, as is every woman, but if you already had four good pregnancies, I would assume that this time would be no different!

Good luck! Anneminke (now due April 21st)

At Sun, 18 Apr 1999, Kelly Shanahan, MD wrote: >
>At Sun, 18 Apr 1999, Julie wrote:
>>
>>I am 44 years old and am considering another pregnancy. I have 4
>>healthy children and all 4 pregnancy's were normal.
>>I am in good health. My husband and I would like another baby. Is this
>>okay at my age? Are there many women my age
>>that have had a child or are considering it?
>
>There are several conditions that are more common as moms get older --
>chromosomal abnormalities (1:40 for Down Syndrome), miscarriage,
>diabetes, high blood pressure, twins. Your baseline state of health is
>an important consideration -- a healthy 44 year old is a better
>candidate for pregnancy than a very unhealthy 24 year old. A
>preconceptual visit to your obstetrician is a good idea. Genetic
>testing such as CVS or amniocentesis is available to detect possible
>chromosomal abnormalities. Ultrasound can detect twins, and close
>follow up with your ob can help detect and treat any other possible
>complications.
>
>Lots of women in their mid 40s are having babies -- some for the very
>first time. I recently delivered an 18 year old's first son -- and a
>few months later delivered her 45 year old mother's 4th daughter -- the
>boy is older than his aunt!
>
>--
>M. Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
>S. Lake Tahoe, CA
>
>Replies are for educational purposes only and do not construe any doctor-patient relationship; they do not take the place of a face-to-face consultation with your own doctor.
>Sorry, but personal e-mails will not be answered, due to time constraits and the desire to spend as much free time as possible with my husband and baby daughter
>

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