41yr old, here's hoping for baby no#1

[thesnapper]

Still sinking in but i'm about 4 weeks pregnant with hopefully baby no# 1.
It is obviously incredibly exciting but also a nerve wrecking time.
I believe i'm in good company here though with that particular feeling!
I had a missed miscarriage last Spring and ERPC followed.
That was my 1st pregnancy.
Being a newbie to this forum, please excuse my unfamiliarity with the lingo, i'm learning as i go.
Having experienced one miscarriage and given my age i'm indeed crossing my fingers and toes that it all works out.
I've been having constant period like cramps for over a week now and intermittent sharp stabs of pain a couple of times a day, no bleeding. I'm due to see my doctor again on friday.
So, please share scan advice and any other words of wisdom you might have to offer.
I feel like i'm playing catch up here as if i'm brutally honest, i thought my time had passed.
THanks for reading.

 

[Scout]

Congratulations!! And I wish all the best. I had my first at age 46 (had given up by that point so she was the most amazing surprise). There were a few stressful moments because of my age, but all turned out good and I have a wonderful little 2 year old now...And I turn 49 in 11 days! Anyway, good luck and enjoy the journey.

 

[thesnapper]

Scout- Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your story. I'm sure your daughter fills your life with so much joy.
Can i ask, what scans did you have and when? my doctor has suggested 1st scan at 7 weeks.

 

[AndreZZ]

Just wanted to wish you the best of luck! How exciting for you, wishing you a healthy and happy 9 months I'm sure all will be perfect!

 

[Scout]

I had a fabulous OB who would have scanned me whenever I wanted. I actually had to request less scans as I got further along bc I got tired of going to his office every week First scan was 6 weeks, and I was scanned weekly until 15 weeks when I asked to go every 2 weeks. I also had a perinatologist who scanned me at 13, 20 and, I think, around 30 weeks. I think my OB is the exception though and I know it's definitely not the norm to be scanned so frequently. 7 weeks is good. By then you should see the baby and a hb. My first visit, my OB took blood and ran an HCG test and since my number was so high (18,762 at 4w6d) he decided to scan me the following week.

 

[thesnapper]

THanks Scout for sharing your scan information.
On my previous pregnancy back in spring, i had 1st scan at i think 5 weeks 4 days as i had a bleed. Another 2 more scans over the next 2 weeks confirmed no heartbeat and no growth.
I'm happy to have as many scans as possible this time round.

 

[vaniilla]

Congratulations! I hope you have a healthy 8 months ahead of you


The cramps are very nerve wracking (or at least were for me!) I kept thinking af was coming every time I had one but they're very normal and a good sign that everything is stretching.

When you have your first scan will depend on your risk factor I think, it depends on whether they feel it's necessary given your medical history, I would speak to your gp and see what they advise.

 

[KimmieHawkins]

Good Luck! My mom got pregnant with my sister at 40....she had a few complications(put on bed rest in the hospital around 7months because body was going into labor)

BUT we now have a vivacious 11 year old terrorizing us. lol All that to say even if you do experience complications it doesn't mean all hope is lost. GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[SparkleUK]

Awww what a lovely post to read. I love reading people's happy news. My mum had me at 37 (not that old now) but back then it was considered a much older mother.
Fingers crossed a happy and healthy pregnancy for you xxxx

 

[wonderstruck]

Congrats and good luck on a happy, healthy pregnancy

I actually just watched a documentary on netflix called 'first comes love' about a 41 year old woman going through her first pregnancy, and she had a beautiful son.

 

[laughingduck]

Congratulations! I know it can be nerve racking at first, escoecially after a loss. Fingers crossed thisis it though and you get to hold your precious baby in 8 months!

 

[Nikki Leigh]

Congratulations! I had a MC in May, and now PG again, so I totally understand how stressful it can be. Praying for your rainbow baby!

 

[thesnapper]

THank you sincerely ladies for such well wishes.
The feeling of support and sense of community on the forum is really so reassuring.
Wishing everyone a happy healthy pregnancy.

 

[jenmcn1]

Congratulations !! That is soooo exciting!! Everything you are describing with period pains etc is totally normal! And a good sign!
Your doctor will be a wealth of knowledge for you, and will keep a close eye on your progress...if you are like a lot of us pregnant ladies you will likely have morning sickness and extreme exhaustion starting around 6 weeks. However if you don't experience this don't worry! Every woman & pregnancy is different.
Sleep when you need to, drink lots of water, and eat as healthy as you can, and take your prenatals....
So happy for you!

 

[biteable]

Congratulations I'm also 41 n almost 12 was preg x

 

[TaraMum]

I will be 41 in 3 weeks time and this is my 4th It's been very tough so far and I'm very cautious. I hope all goes well for you thesnapper and biteable