Tell me about being pregnant at 42

[Anonymous]

We have 1 5 day genetically screened blast on ice awaiting transfer. We have a 2 year old from the same cycle. I want to transfer but will be 42 in July and am concerned about my ability to pull this off. I have a high stress full time job, am slightly overweight, and have a (controlled) thyroid condition. Emergency C at 35 weeks for bp issues during last pregnancy. Have been waiting and considering giving our son a sibling for almost a year and the longer we wait the more sure I become that I want to do the transfer. RE giving it a 60% success rate. Interested in everyone's thoughts about whether to do it in these circumstances.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you want this, and it will be a huge gift to your existing child. Go for it. Since you only have one blast and limited chance of making more, would you consider using a gestational carrier to avoid complications/miscarriage related to the thyroid condition?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like you want this, and it will be a huge gift to your existing child. Go for it. Since you only have one blast and limited chance of making more, would you consider using a gestational carrier to avoid complications/miscarriage related to the thyroid condition?

This is my husband's preference. I am not sold on the additional cost.

[Anonymous]

Have a second child be cause you want one not because you think your child wants one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like you want this, and it will be a huge gift to your existing child. Go for it. Since you only have one blast and limited chance of making more, would you consider using a gestational carrier to avoid complications/miscarriage related to the thyroid condition?

If her thyroid condition is controlled why would she consider a carrier? Many women, myself included, have thyroid conditions and successful pregnancies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like you want this, and it will be a huge gift to your existing child. Go for it. Since you only have one blast and limited chance of making more, would you consider using a gestational carrier to avoid complications/miscarriage related to the thyroid condition?

If her thyroid condition is controlled why would she consider a carrier? Many women, myself included, have thyroid conditions and successful pregnancies.

Because she also had bp issues and an early c-section last time.

[Anonymous]

I don't have any thoughts on whether you should go forward with the transfer, but I can say in somewhat similar circumstances I did. First child through (many cycles of) IVF in early 40s. I was slightly overweight and required a c-section (unrelated to age) but had an uneventful pregnancy. Second child from a genetically-tested embryo from same cycle and another uneventful pregnancy nearly three years later.

[Anonymous]

You will be supporting children as you approach your retirement age.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely do it. I’m 40 and will keep trying for #2 even if it takes another year. Which means I will be pregnant at 42 possibly. No way would I give up on a PGS normal if I already had one!!!

[Anonymous]

I had my second at 41 with a controlled thyroid issue. It was an uneventful pregnancy. I don't see why you would need a gestational carrier in this case since you will be very closely monitored due to age and thyroid.

[Anonymous]

I conceived without assistance at age 41 and delivered at 40 weeks vaginally at age 42. I also have controlled hypothyroid. I had no issues in my pregnancy at all. If you want it, do it!

[Anonymous]

I delivered twins 3 days before my 45th birthday. I went into the pregnancy without any prior pregnancy history, and I don't have a thyroid issue, but I sure had plenty of extra weight.

I developed high blood pressure in the last 6 weeks, for which I was put on methyldopa, which kept it at a manageable level. I went to almost 38 weeks and had healthy babies (and a straightforward, planned, c-section).

With your history and age OP you'll be well watched so any signs of trouble can be caught early.

In your shoes, assuming I wanted a second child, I would go ahead.

[Anonymous]

It might seem hard, but that certainly doesn't mean it's not worth doing. I'm trying DE and will likely have turned 44 by the time I deliver, if it works. I also have a high stress job, but I generally like it and I don't internalize the stress most of the time. If I always felt a high level of stress, I can see that making it a lot more difficult, though. I can't imagine a doc would tell you it's a good idea to start a new workout regimen, but you can certainly try to add in some moderate activity (if permitted) and eat well to the extent you don't already. Your doc may have specific recommendations on diet and weight gain during pregnancy, too. Not sure if you took baby aspirin during your prior pregnancy, but it's pretty typical to do now and studies are showing it reduces risk of preeclampsia. Plus, with your prior history, your doc should be on top of things from the start. Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I delivered twins 3 days before my 45th birthd[b]ay. I went into the pregnancy without any prior pregnancy history, and I don't have a thyroid issue, but I sure had plenty of extra weight.

I developed high blood pressure in the last 6 weeks, for which I was put on methyldopa, which kept it at a manageable level. I went to almost 38 weeks and had healthy babies (and a straightforward, planned, c-section).

With your history and age OP you'll be well watched so any signs of trouble can be caught early.

In your shoes, assuming I wanted a second child, I would go ahead.

Now, that's quite an accomplishment, PP!

OP, I got pregnant with my one and only at 40 and delivered a month after turning 41. No big deal, although I insisted on a scheduled C (wasn't willing to risk it). I'd say, go for it.

[Anonymous]

My mom was 43 when she had me. I didn't really like it TBH. Its the other side of the issue this board never shows. When I was 15/16/17 my parents were getting old and really didn't have anything in common with my friends parents. People claim it doesn't matter but it mattered to me. They dressed older, they moved slower, and they started coming down with (manageable) but age related health conditions. They were active, fit, and working but they were active, fit and working 60 year olds. Thats much different than 45 years old as most of my friends parents were. Also when I turned 30 and had my own kids my mom was 73 and definitely past her prime. She didn't die till 83 but my oldest was still only 10 and youngest was 4. I would have loved to have some more active years on that end of the spectrum too.