pregnant options age 40

Nurses General Nursing

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My hubby and I are looking at trying for a baby. I am 40 so it isn't in our favor to wait - I will graduate next Christmas. Any tips for managing it all if we get "blessed" to survive school and pregnancy?:lol2:

I work 3 days and am in school 4 days = no days off during semester unless I take vacation time. So far I have been doing good in classes and organizing my time.

What about freezing eggs- oocyte cryopreservation?

http://www.extendfertility.com/?ls=6

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/Health/story?id=1992122

I know its far from a perfect science, but what do you all think??

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5505094/site/newsweek

Egg freezing may be a good option for younger women who for some reason know that they will not be able to have children until their most fertile years (under 35) are over; however, if you're already 40, your best option is to start fertility treatments now - and you have much better chances with fresh eggs and/or embryos.

BTW, you already have a dx: "AMA, advanced maternal age" (also called diminished ovarian reserve, DOR). That's why so many women over 40 get fertility tx, and from what I have learned AMA/DOR is serious enough (and that doesn't even consider any possible male factor or other possible female factor, such as endometriosis).

Egg freezing is still in its infancy, but is a good option for some women (e.g., those about to start chemotherapy, which often causes infertility).

DeLana

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Check this out. I heard of Fertell on Good Morning America.

http://www.fertell.com/why-fertell/index.html

If you're over 40, you don't have time for this. If you haven't conceived in 3 months or more you really should get a medical work-up. You already know that one of your "problems" is advanced maternal age, and only an RE (reproductive endocrinologist) can treat it.

Yes, of course there are women who get pg naturally well into their forties; usually, they already have children and/or a family hx of late menopause or late pregnancies. Or just "luck".

Yes, you could try to conceive without medical help and get pg, but it may take you 2 years or more; and if you don't, and finally decide to see an RE, you'll be 42+ and your odds are now very dismal.

I was very surprised during my first consult with the RE (I was 39) to learn about this severely diminished fertility (fecundity) starting at age 38 or so... so when I get a chance, I try to warn others.

DeLana

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I agree with those who say those over 40 have little to no time. I would not waste your time on home fertility testing and other gadgets. If you do not conceive naturally in the next (very) few cycle, go to a competent Reproductive Specialist. You don't have time to waste (and money I imagine).

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Thanks.

So at 30-ish, would these home tests- egg freezing would be okay?

I'm not in a hurry but I'm also not foolish.

Two aunts and three cousins and other close female all had babies naturally over forty. It almost seems to run in our family.

I won't wait that long, but I always appreciate ideas from folks who've been through it.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I am sorry, but this thread is is definately beginning to cross a line asking/offering of online medical advice, so I will only say this:

If you have any doubts regarding your fertility, especially after age 30-35, you should seek medical guidance and expert advice ASAP. I wish anyone here trying to achieve their dreams of parenthood the very best of luck.

Please, understand, we cannot give more advice than this on this site.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Two aunts and three cousins and other close female all had babies naturally over forty. It almost seems to run in our family.

This isnt' medical advice---but my sister and many women in my family give conceived after 35, and close to 40, and it didn't help me.

Don't rely on other's genetics. Remember, our eggs have been inside us since we've been inside our mothers...

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

It's true. 'Old' eggs are less fertile and definately increase the odds of miscarriage and/or problems in the developing fetus. We may look and feel terrific outwardly, but our eggs age fast and decrease in numbers very rapidly after 35. Just a biological fact. This is why it is so incredibly important to get help if you are having any trouble conceiving after age 35. Evaluation is definately warranted and time is short. This is not to say one can't achieve and enjoy a natural and healthy pregnancy after 40. But the odds are increasingly against this for every year past 40, for sure.

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i wanted to donate my eggs... but people who haven't had kids are not allowed to donate their eggs....

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I was preggers during some of my nursing classes and my best advice is school can be put on hold for a semester but sounds like your body cant wait. and another plus with having a baby while still in school you will have more time for tem i think than if you were working. in my experiance im glad i had my babies during college. good luck and may you have healthy babies !!!!!!:monkeydance:

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Specializes in Cardiac.
We may look and feel terrific outwardly, but our eggs age fast and decrease in numbers very rapidly after 35.

We lose 1,000 eggs each and every cycle. That's how many our bodies sift through to pick out 'one' for use to use each month.

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she is my lucky charm.that was beautiful;)

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