I am 38 and pregnant?

Question

Will I be treated differently ie, more tests, more regular appointments, scans etc? I have 3 healthy children but worry that because of my age there may be something wrong with this one. Any advice from older mums would be appreciated.

Thanks .... p.s. I'm in the UK

Answer 1

I have friends and relatives who were pregnant when they were older. They were seen by the midwife more often and had more checks. Blood pressure definately is checked more often and blood glucose. Not much help other than that tho.
Congrats on the pregnancy and hope it goes well for you.

Actually done a little research for you. Have put some websites down below for you. Hope they help. I think they are mainly american sites but interesting reading. Any other concerns best to speak to your GP. Good Luck!

Answer 2

I admit I am not qa mom, but anurse. I think you will only be treated differently if there is a need to monitor you more closely for medical reasons. It's not like you're in your fifties. Women are having babies at that age all the time now. The biggest risk of beiing older is infertility and since your pregnant that hurdle is jumped. Next risk is spina bifida but if you have been taking your folic acid from the start of the pregnancy you should be fine. Don't be afraid to voice any worries to the midwife or doctor looking after you. Congratulations and keep well.

Answer 3

Depends which area you are in and which gynae specialist, but I had two girls, first I was aged 34 the next 36 and both perfect, hence I didn't want to risk having another one so I understand your feelings but I don't think you will be treated differently as such, the only concern seems to be a greater risk of Down's Syndrome the older the mother is but I believe it's just a procedure and a very small percentage. Lots of younger mums have children with learning difficuties and ADHD etc so don't beat yourself up about it, if it's meant to be it's meant to be, hope this helps.l

Answer 4

Here in the US... doctors deem moms 35 and older to be "potentially" at risk for Downs and other birth defects. They are given 1 or two additional tests early in pregnancy to detect these things. In the event that everything is normal according to the tests.. then the pregnancy is treated as regular. 38 is not that far from 35.. If you have a history of healthy births then you dont automatically become high risk. So, don't worry yourself...its not so bad.

Answer 5

OK congratulations ,i got pregnant last year at 41 ,so that beats you ,had same appointments and wasn't treated any differently, will keep a close eye on you , i just had the normal scans but I'm in Ireland so might be different in UK . as long as you're healthy .no problem, it' s quite common these days and noone takes any notice, had baby by that time i was 42 and he is perfect absolutely adore him .try not to worry ,take care and best of luck

Answer 6

Hi my mom had her last child when she was 44 years old and my sister is very healthy. My mom had a healthy pregnancy but of course she did get more tests and had to visit her doctor more that a younger pregnant woman. But you know the age doesn't really matter much a complication can occur to any pregnant woman young or older it all depends on your health and hoe you feel everyone is different. I had my baby at 24 years of age and had to be on bed rest almost all of my pregnancy and had my baby when I was 29 weeks. He was 2 pounds but now is perfectly fine. So don't worry too much but Yes it is very important to visit your Doctor and get all your tests done. Good luck

Answer 7

First of all - congratulations. Since you are over 35, it is the standard that you will be more closely observed throughout your pregnancy; this means more tests for both you and baby. Just think of it as more and more ways to get to know your baby; try to have a good attitude about it. Your age isn't significantly over 35, therefore, the health risks for you and baby have not increased significantly. The additional tests are simply precautionary because the risks begin to rise (even though minimally). Best of luck!

Answer 8

I dont know how it is the UK, but in the states an older mom is monitored more closely. Maybe not more appointments, but they want to do more at each appointment.

Blood pressure, hormone levels, stress, preclamsia, and the quad testings and ultrasounds are checked for more frequently.

So long as you have no history if issues, and everything progresses as it should, then it shouldnt be any different than your other pregnancies.

Answer 9

Yes, I was 37 when I had my daughter in the UK. I was offered more tests which had different readings becauseof my age. In fact, I had a laboratory error which said that my daughter had a much higher chance of having Down's Syndrome, based purely on my age. It was a dreadful time and I refused to have any more tests. My daughter was born perfect.

Answer 10

as a new mum at 36, i found there were a few xtra tests offered and a few more trips to the midwife but on the whole it was ok.... at 36 i was told that i only just fell into the older mother catagory and you arent much older! talk to your midwife or at the hospital they should explain and reassure you! and have you recieved your bounty book and emmas diary? both contain relevant information and commonly asked questions...remember there are women much older than you having babies now!! try not to worry and get as much from this pregnancy as you did with the others....good luck! ps i have a little boy at 2yrs (c.sect) and a little girl at 6 mnths (natural), both are fit, healthy, mischevious rascals (bless em..)