Pregnancy at 36

[Anonymous]

I'm 36 and have been trying to get pregnant for 4 months. Now I'm anxious that I won't be able to get pregnant as I'm been reading a couple of books on infertility and realize what a big factor advanced maternal age plays. Any tips/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

call your gyn to ask for a 3-day blood draw to check your FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels. that will give you a measure of your ovarian reserve and a sense of how soon to think about going to a reproductive endocrinologist for intervention.

also, consider adding acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine to your efforts. they helped me (i was 40 with very high fsh, which is not good).

gl!

[Anonymous]

Also, honestly, the less you stress about it, the better (easier said than done, I know).

I tried for a few years, did the tests, was all kinds of worked up. Finally just stopped stressing about it and figured that everything happens for a reason.

Voila, preggers within two months at 37.

It's different for everyone, and definitely get some baseline tests to get a handle on the situation, but try not to get too consumed by it.

[Anonymous]

I agree with do not stress, but at 36 your doc should be offering some test. Maybe see a specialist if nothing happens soon. I had my first at 37 and my 2nd the month before turning 41. It is not too late at all, but you may need a little something. good luck

[Anonymous]

Get an ovulation predictor kit. If no success in the next two months with that, see an infertility specialist -- work-up is recommended after 6 months of trying in those over age 35.
Dont' stress, just get busy.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PPs - stop reading anything about advanced maternal age! (This also is true for when you do get pregnant and start to worry about other things.) There is nothing you can do about your age; just know that means starting to look at using a RE sooner rather than later. For us, I got worried after 6 months so my OB had my DH get tested (cheaper and easier than you getting tested). We did find out he had some mild problems, but then "voila" I found out I was pregnant a few weeks later!

[Anonymous]

1) Get the book Take Charge of Your Fertility
2) See an RE if you haven't had success in 6 cycles
3) Get a Clear Plan Easy ovulation kit and use it
4) Consider alternative medicine solutions such as Mucinex daily, cut out caffeine, and I got pg the month I had a massage designed to work on the pressure points acupuncturist target for fertility. Worked for us, and very relaxing!

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I second the recommendation for Taking Charge of Your Fertility. The title is a little hokey, but the book really helps with understanding your cycle, when you should be trying each month, and whether or not you seem to be ovulating regularly, among other things. I would also recommend the OvuLite ovulation predictor. It's a bit pricey but is easy to use and can be used again and again (so you can use it everyday and really get a good handle on your cycle). Finally, as previous posters have written, try not to stress too much. I just turned 40 and am 5 1/2 months pregnant. It took some time -- turns out I had a fibroid that was blocking my tubes and preventing fertilization, but once this was removed and we could start trying again, it was only a couple of months before I was pregnant! So it's definitely possible, but it is a good idea to start trying to figure out what's going on. Best of luck!

[Anonymous]

I got pregnant the first time hubby and I tried at age 37. Unfortunately, I had a miscarriage (blighted ovum) which is a risk at older ages. However, I got pregnant again just two months later at 38. So far, everything is going very well. I'd like to mention that I have very regular cycles, used an ovulation predictor, ate a lot of ice cream and saw an acupuncturist. Good luck and if you can, try not to focus on it too much. If still no luck after six months & over age 35, it is generally recommended that you see a fertility specialist.

[Anonymous]

Also, DON'T TELL anyone you are "trying."...then you won't get pressure.

[Anonymous]

to the PP-that's the biggest mistake I made was to tell my side of the family that I'm trying. They are constantly asking and seem so dissappointed when I say I'm not.

[Anonymous]

Can any pps recommend an acupuncturist for fertility help who is located in NW DC or close-in?
Also, how often did you go?

[Anonymous]

By chance, did you recently go off the Pill? It can take your body some time to regulate after stopping birth control.

[Anonymous]

OP here-I went off the pill 6 months ago, now I wish I had stopped it months before. Oh well.

[Anonymous]

Sorry for bringing up "Advanced maternal age" but since you're an older-to-be mom, it's likely it will take you longer to conceive because of your age. Keep trying and keep a positive mentality. Nancy Grace recently had children at what age? 47 or 48?! Women are miraculously having children later and later.