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book or website for those of "advanced maternal age"
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Anonymous
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Just found out I'm pregnant with number 2! Last time I was 30 and now I'm over 35, so I need to educate myself on what that means. What are the tests I'll have this time, etc. I've seen them all referred to here (many just by acronym) but don't know what most of them mean.
Any suggestions for good resources? I don't even remember what it's like to be pregnant and last time all the books I had were borrowed from a friend. TIA! |
Anonymous
| There's a book called something like Your Pregnancy Over 35. Haven't read it, but I;ve seen it and I;m syre it would discuss all the tests, etc. Good luck! |
Anonymous
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I'm not sure a book specific to advanced maternal age is necessary. I just say that since I've had three pregnancies (the 1st at 36) and the only book I have is "What to Expect When You are Expecting". I think the main changes that you will notice will be tests that are available now that were not available 5+ years ago.
Basically you will be offered the NT test which screens for three types of trisomy (3 of the most common types of trisomy) during the first trimester. You will also be offered the option of an amnio or cvs if you want them -- both of these are diagnostic. With any of these tests you will probably discuss the results with a genetic counselor. Many factors other than age weigh into whether or not to have the screen or any of the tests. There are many posts on this board regarding the pro's and con's of each. Good Luck! |
Anonymous
| I would skip older books- really, i was over 35 with both and the books didn't help- there are sites online that can help (weekly newsletters )- or check out books from the library- i have 5 preggo books and that's 5 too many (and that's given I was super paranoid after 4 m/cs).. |
Anonymous
| I like mothering.com--they have a great online community. I would scrap the "over 35 pregnancy" book--I read it and it is kind of a downer at times and has not caught up with society. I am 40 now and having an easier pregnancy now than a few years before--agree that you are just offered a few more tests but that is it. The only caution I have for an older pregnancy is to keep your weight under control since you can be more susceptable to diabetes--but that is it. Congrats! |
Anonymous
| I had my first child one month after my 37th birthday, and agree that there is not much of a difference just because you are past the age of 35. The latest though is that up until age 40 or 41 your age poses no extra risk factors assuming you are relatively healthy - if your medical provider tells you otherwise, s/he probably isn't up on the latest studies and views. The one big exception is the increased chance of chromosomal abnormalities. Basically, your decision is to do an invasive test like CVS or amnio, or not. That decision comes down to whether you want to risk a slight increase in miscarriage for a definitive answer or do a non-invasive test that is less sure (and can result in false positives). I think you need to figure that out before you research the specifics of each test. |
Anonymous
| The book you're looking for is called "Are You There, Medical Profession? It's Me, The One Who Is Sick To Bloody Hell of Being Reminded That I Am Of Advanced Maternal Age," written lovingly by Me. |
Anonymous
Bravo. Hilarious. Yours, Pregnant at 36 |
Anonymous
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Ha! I can't wait to read that book!
OP: the reason I chose my OB is that in my interview with her, she said the average age of a first time mom in her practice is 36, so she doesn't consider 36 to be of advanced maternal age. And she never used that phrase again. |
Anonymous
| I really liked the magazine "Plum." I read it in the docs office when I was pregnant. It's geared towards moms over 35 or some advanced age like that. You might check it out at Barnes and Noble. |