Late 30s planning for first pregnancy

[sjmslater]

Hi there,

My husband and I are currently deciding on starting a family in 2020. I will be 38 in May and may get pregnant at this age or it could be 39. I am aware chances of pregnancy decrease with age but with so many internet pages and books out there, it's a bit overwhelming. I am equally aware that it might not happen too having never been pregnant before. It's not just a given that I can get pregnant. I am wondering if this is the best place to start, by asking if there are any others out there that got pregnant for the first time in their late 30s and what happened and what was done to have the best possible lead up to getting pregnant.

Many thanks 😁

[Seb9]

I fell pregnant at 36 and had a missed miscarriage, I then fell pregnant again at 37, two months after my miscarriage and had my little girl in August this year. If you're tracking your periods I'd recommend the ovulation strips to pee on to check you've ovulate, that's what I used. They were helpful to confirm that it was the right time to have sex during the month.

[Hidden]

I got pregnant in 4 mths at 37 with my 3rd baby but mc at 12w conceived at again in 5 mths at 38 mc at 13w conceived again in 3 mths mc at 12w. Had a chemical last cycle I’m 39 no baby yet if ever.

My cousin 37 pregnant first try with her 3rd my friend first try at 38 another friend had 2 mc then a baby I kno another 2 same age range not sure if they had any issues but both have had a baby. My other friend ttc she’s just turned 37 been ttc her 1st for 18mths no joy yet has never used birth control in 19 years she thinks they might have an issue.

[QT314]

Hi!

It's as if I had written this post a year ago!

I got pregnant this year in January at 38 with my first. I gave birth to an amazing baby girl on the 10th of October, a few hours after my birthday, so I was 39.

It only took us 3 attempts to get pregnant which is pretty good, and it was the first time that we tried 'properly', as in the first time we tracked my ovulation days with one of those strips.

In spite of my age my pregnancy was low risk throughout and my delivery was really straight forward in water. My labour lasted ages, but that has nothing to do with my age

I recommend you start taking folic acid now if you haven't already and some doctors might recommend also vitamin d. You can go to the gp and let them know you're going to try to conceive and they can advise.

If you have any questions feel free to message me at any point. If you are in London or Hertfordshire I have a box of ovulation strips that cost me almost 30 quid and only used one (not complaining) so you could have it.

I wish you all the best in the meantime and happy new year

[Hidden]

my advice is don’t wait...get moving on it now if you’re really wanting a baby. Everyone is different however the chances of conceiving get lower with each month that passes. I had three children in my twenties with no issues at all...I’m 24 weeks pregnant with my 4th now at 38 (after a 12 year gap of 3-4) and I had two early miscarriages but got lucky on number 3 all within 7 months. Definitely get onto some pregnancy vitamins straight away and have a general health check up with your GP. Get onto a ovulation tracker (baby centre is a good one or ovulation tracker) but to be really sure using the ovulation kits is a great idea. But remember to have fun and try to not get stressed or obsessed about it. All the very best! x

[KayCan]

I wouldn't wait, my husband and I tried for 3 years from when we got married, I was 36 and ended up doing ivf due to unexplained fertility. I'm now 6 months pregnant from my first round and feel incredibly lucky, I'm due to give birth 2 months before I'm 40, I wouldn't change it, but it is tough and things don't always have a fairytale ending. You could maybe go and see your GP just to get some bloods done to make sure you're ovulating etc. Age is just a number if everything is working as it should be. Good luck xx

[AJBee]

I was 38 when I got pregnant with baby number 1 who was born in March 19 after a problem free pregnancy. My partner (42) and I tried for 6 weeks so it happened v quickly (I half-heartedly monitors ovulation on the Glow app). I am aware we've been hugely lucky and I'm therefore keen to crack on with baby number 2 asap cause we're not getting any younger! Defs start with the folic acid supplements as soon as you can, relax, enjoy and GOOD LUCK!!!! ❤️

[TabbyT]

I’m 42 and my fiancé is 40. We have a little girl of 20mths (you can do the maths!!), she’s our first child.

Folic acid daily for 3 months prior to trying, then bingo! I was pregnant second month of trying!

I can honestly say my pregnancy was a dream! No sickness, literally nothing untoward except swollen feet for the last 4 days before having her! (Due to walking to far in excruciatingly hot weather). I continued with my gym sessions, and did my spin classes 3 times a week up until week 35.

She was breach so I had a section week 38.

She’s happy, perfectly healthy and thriving!

Good luck and I wish you all the best.

[MissAP]

I’m currently 30+1 with my first and got pregnant two months before my 39 birthday. It is so far a very straight forward pregnancy - not a single day of sickness - some typical pains and aches but nothing out of ordinary and I am marked as low risk and planning a natural birth.

we got pregnant after three attempts in March last year but suffered a miscarriage (very early in week 5 and due to terrible flu and blaming strong painkillers) following which we got pregnant again within three months so very lucky. There really is no guarantee on how quickly it can happen at any age but it certainly is annoying reading and hearing everywhere that it will definitely be more difficult after 35. I know lots of girls who struggled to get pregnant before they hit 30. So there really are no rules to it. I suggest to stay very positive as it can be stressful at times. Start taking folic acid. Don’t read much about difficulties getting pregnant at that age. Staying positive is the key. Good luck xx