Any Moms 39 and Older That Are Pregnant?

Congratulations, that is wonderful! Don't listen to people that tell you it is dangerous. I had my first at 38 and the second at 41. A lot of people have babies at that age.

S.,
I had my first baby at 37 and my second at 41. Both boys are prefect and my pregnancies were normal. Good luck to you and have faith that everything will be fine.
Happy Holidays and blessings.

I know so many women older than you that have a beautiful newborn. At my mom's group there were at least two or three that were 40-something.

Good luck!

Congratulations!!!

I wanted to let you know that my aunt, after years and years of trying, was finally able to conceive with a little medical help at the age of 48! Her little girl just turned 7. She had no issues at all with her pregnancy.

Also, my grandmother had 7 children, and 3 of them were born after she was 35. She never had any issues. My great-grandmother was the youngest of 14 children, and she was born when her mother was 45. All 14 were born at home in their farmhouse - no complications. I think in our society, many times we over-think things and there is too much medical intervention. Doctors don't want to trust that women's bodies have been doing this for thousands of years, and nature has a way of making it all happen as it's supposed to!

Enjoy your pregnancy, and don't listen to those people who try to scare you.

S. -

First of all, congratulations! That is very happy news. You'll get all kinds of horror stories and worst-case scenarios from well meaning friends and doctors. I was 38 when I was pregnant with our twins, they wanted me to get all kinds of testing done for this or that. I worked in OB offices for years, and I knew all the risks. I refused all the tests but the AFP, I figured even if there was a 'developmental' problem, it was still my child, perfect or not. They were not happy with that, but I didn't need any extra things to worry about. My twins are 2, very happy and very healthy. (I have 5 total children, 4 of them are 5 & under, I was high risk)

Great blessings to you, and your expanding family. Merry Christmas!

D.

Stay strong and optimistic - your physical condition and overall health have a lot to do with your success. Geena Davis, Julia Roberts, Madonna, Marcia Cross to name a few are all women who first got pregnant (except Madonna, Rocco was her second)in their early 40's. My Aunt Ida had her youngest at 51, and she's still going strong at 86. You have to drown out the naysayers, and listen closely to what your doctor says to do.

S.,

Is the doctor saying this? I don't think so. I got pregnant at 41 and had a beautiful healthy baby at 42 and there are many others like us. Pregnancy can pose mild to serious risks at any age. The key is to stay positive, stay informed, eat healthy, stay active and just take care of your self. Just think...this time next year you'll have another little person to be thankful for and will be celebrating their 1st Christmas! Congratulations and God bless!

I don't have an experience to share, but it seems like women having babies later in life is pretty common. 39 doesn't seem that late. I just wanted to say what a wonderful Christmas present for you and your family! So happy for you. And your post was a nice gift for all of us to read. Great story!

Congrats! I am only 31 and my husband and i have been trying to concieve for the last year and a half, we are currently undergoing fertility treatments for her. Your story has given me hope, in light of the fact that it is so hard. I do want to also let you know, that my bestfriend is 39, going on 40 in another month. She is pregnant and her youngest is 15. So far other than some high blood pressure she is doing amazing. They just did an amniocintesis, and the baby is perfect, and a girl. I don't believe you are too old to have a child, many people today are have babies later in life and I think that is just wonderful. Again, congrats, enjoy your pregnancy and when the bundle comes, your baby!!! Good luck!!! =)

Hi S.,

Try not to worry too much. You are definitely alone. I am 40 and TTC and my bff is 40 and working on her second in 3 years. Here is a website that will make you feel better www.mothersover40.com . Just eat healthy, stay active and try not to read too much about the risks. Enjoy your beautiful little gift. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Congratulations!!!! Don't let anyone discourage you. If your doctor was concerned, he probably would have said so. I was 39 when I got pregnant with my son, who was due on my 40th birthday and born a few days later (over 23 years ago). I am sure some things have changed, but I had a great pregnancy--fat feet and heatburn were the only negatives--I didn't even have morning sickness. Due to the increased chance of having a Downs baby at that age, I did have amniosynthesis to be sure he had none of the testable defects. After he was born I had three miscarriages, so he is our only. One big plus for most "older" mothers is that if their children don't have birth defects, they are usually pretty smart, which is what we got--he has a 3.8 grade point average in grad school at Cal Poly's school of engineering. He is also an athlete--he played baseball, basketball, soccer, football, and volleyball and even got MVP awards in both volleyball and football. He is also musical and played first chair saxophone in his grade school, junior high, and high school bands. Also, a co-worker got a "surprise" at age 47 and has a beautiful child who is the light of her life. She also had no major problems during her pregnancy. Once thing I did find that I was pretty tired during my pregnancy--possibly because of my age. However, I was able to continue working up until the day before my due date and was taking a year-long class worth six graduate credits (I found out I was pregnant the first day of class, but I didn't want to drop out). I just couldn't stay up until midnight or later, which had been normal for me.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! So many women are having babies in their late 30's (and 40's!) these days, you are going to be fine. Especially since you've had babies before. Sure there are some risks as you get older, but they are just risks, it doesn't mean anything bad is going to happen. It sounds like you're already under a dr's care so that is a great start. My aunt had her last baby when she was 43 and she is a happy, healthy 8 year old now. I am so happy for your family!

Congrats!!!! I was 35 when I had my 1st baby and 42 with my 2nd (just 2 months ago) everything turned out fine, they are both healthy. I did do the testing, but not the amnio and was told i had an 1 in 5 chance of having a down syndrom baby, we were going to keep the baby regardless so I didn't want to chance and have the amnio and have something go wrong. I had a friend that had an amnio and they nicked the sac and the baby passed away. So go with what you feel is in your heart.

I am 39 and have a 22 month old son and a 6 week old son. Both of my little guys are healthy. Good luck to you. Enjoy your pregnancy it goes by so fast.

I had my last baby about 3 weeks before turning 40, after having one baby at age 30 and the second at age 35. The second pregnancy was actually the most difficult--I had gestational diabetes and a liver problem and delivered about 5 weeks early--but the third pregnancy at age 39 went very smoothly with no health problems and the easiest delivery of the 3.

S.,

First of all stop, take a deep breath and exhale! You are going to have a baby!!!! Now that this is your 3rd, you should be a pro (lol every pregnancy is so new isnt it!?) I was not 39 but 31 and a High Risk pregnancy, so the drs had to tell me every little thing that could go wrong...It is a very scary thing to think about. But being stressed out is even worse on your baby, so when you start to feel scared try and remind yourself that there are even older women who have healthy babies every day! Just make sure you do what your dr tells you, get plenty of rest and think positive. Besides from what I have heard, once a woman has a baby her body kind of remembers what its like and it comes a bit easier to the body (who knows if thats true, but it sounds nice!! :) )

Now, here is something cool to think about, I have two step sons who were right around the age of your two boys,when I got pregnant with my first and now they are 16 and 17 and 1 1/2, They are so good with her, and just amazingly loving, Its so neat to see how much they love their sister. They are wrapped round her little finger! I think the age difference is kind of cool! I thought it would be harder on them, but they seem to just love it! So, my thoughts are to love every moment, get the boys involved, (my oldest wanted to help design her nursery ) and just enjoy being pregnant. I wish you and your family a blessed rest of this year, and the most special new year!!!! If you need some one to talk to im here!!!!! Take care and again CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

hi S.,

congratulations! i was 39 when my healthy, happy two year old daughter was born. i have some friends who had their babies around 30, we call them san francisco teenage moms! there are so many of us older moms out there all you need to do is visit a playground to realize that this is not unusual.

there is a lot of advice about testing/not testing here. listen to your gut and do what feels right for you. i decided to do the cvs when my first trimester screen came back with elevated risk. i just wanted to know what to expect, and i was happy to know that everything was ok. i have other friends who've said they would never do it, which is a fine decision for them.

People who tell you bad stories are people that you shouldn't talk to for a while. I had a couple of those 'friends'. Just don't talk to them! I had a baby at 36 and then 40 and they were just fine, thank you. This may be a good time to shed the jerks!!!

Another piece of advice - don't read the blogs on pregnancy. People post terrible stories and they really have nothing to do with you. They'll make you worry too much. Just take care of yourself and enjoy yourself!!

When they say that there's an increased chance of problems, remember that you're going from 1 in 100,000 or something to 1 in 10,000. It's still an unbelievably small chance.

One more piece of advice - when they start talking about genetic testing, don't do anything that you don't want to do. For instance, I turned down any test that had a 'high' chance of false positive. Because if you get a positive then the next thing they want you to do is amniosentesis, which has a risk of causing miscarriage. My point of view was that I was goign to have the baby no matter what problems there might be (hoping there wouldn't be!) So what was the point of increasing my worry and possibly introducing an actual danger to the baby. So I just told the doctor that I was goign to ahve the baby no matter and that I didn't want to get myself paranoid with tests.

39 is just not very old - so go for it!! Sorry for the ramble!
M.

My son was born at home three weeks before my 43rd birthday following an uneventful pregnancy. He is now an active, healthy, and happy two year old.

Congratulations on your unexpected miracle! My advice is to redirect the doom-and-gloomers: "Got that covered. Want some bean dip?" "Thanks for your concern. Who do you think will win the World Series?"

No matter what choices we make in life, somebody out there is going to disapprove. Don't let it get you down.

Congrats...I had my last child at 38 and my college roomate has had two kids in the last 2 years....one at 39 and the other right before she was 41...no problems....you will be a bit more tired..I found that my last pregnacy was a bit harder on my body then my other (at 36), but all the babies were great.

Hi S.,

Congratulations! That's wonderful news. Don't let them scare you. I'm 42 and pregnant with my second. I had my first baby at 40. He's a perfectly healthy, happy and whip-smart toddler now.

It's true that the odds for certain conditions like Downs' Syndrome increase with the mother's age. But even at my age, the odds are still less than 1%. You can have testing done to make sure all is well with your baby if you're concerned about it -- your doctor will fill you in, and if you live in California, state law requires that you have screening done anyway.

I'm sure you'll be fine. Congratulations!

-K.

I am over 39 but i am not pregnant. I just wanted to say that it sounds like you and your family are on cloud nine. Enjoy the ride and don't listen to the negative comments. Have a wonderful pregnancy and congratulations. Tracey

Congrats! I'm interested in trying in a year or two, and I'll be 39 this year. We have one daughter.

I think that later pregnancies usually go fine, there's still a chance of some abnormalities (as in any pregnancy), so you you have to figure out whether you'd still have the baby in certain circumstances (which is what you'd do at any age), and move forward with your decisions!

Me personally, I'd have a baby no matter what. Pregnancy is awesome, and giving birth was pretty amazing. I enjoyed almost every part of my pregnancy (minus the insulin injections) and the last week, (of august. ugh. I was so done.) and I thoroughly enjoy being a mom at my age and would love to be able to give my daughter the gift of a sibling.

You are an inspiration to older mommies! Good luck, and keep us posted, and again, CONGRATS!!!!

Congratulations! I am so pleased for you. I had my first son at 38 and had my second son 10 weeks ago at age 40. Both pregnancies and deliverys were textbook perfect as are my gorgeous little boys. Don't let anyone put a damper on this amazing blessing. Enjoy your pregnancy and congratulations again.

D. x

It's been 14 years for me, but my daughter (second child) was born when I was 39. I had no problem except extremely swollen feet and ankles toward the end. The birth went a lot faster than when I had my son. Just eat right, get enough rest and be sure to put your feet up when you can. Best wishes to you!

I have 3 good friends who carried at that age and one who was 48! all carried to term and had outstanding beautiful children (who are graduating college now!

also want to let you know that i knew someone who had female organ related cancer who got pregnant and by the time she delivered the cancer was gone. this is a true story. love heals, positive thought creates the love vibration that heals the cells.

blessings on your motherhood,

A. m

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! What an incredible story. I had my last baby at 37, which is a little younger, but everything was completely fine.

Don't worry, I'm sure it will all go wonderfully for you. Enjoy your miracle!

Congratulations S.! I just had my first son last year when I was 37 and my husband and I are planning on trying next year for our second. I understand your frustration with the advice that others are giving you about your age. However, I have several friends that are all in their late 30s and early 40s that are just starting their families as well and so far all the mommies and babies have been healthy. There are lots of us "mature" mommies out here that are doing great! I think that as long as you are conscience of your health and your baby's throughout your pregnancy you will be fine. Follow the advice of your doctor, go with your own mommy instincts and enjoy your new blessing!
Best of luck,
G. :)

Dear S.,
Congratulations!!!!!!!
What a wonderful surprise and blessing!
I also was scheduled for a hysterectomy due to many years of suffering and I was feeling especially lousy but couldn't put my finger on it. I was pregnant!
I was 33, so a little younger, but my friend and I were just talking about this the other day. Her cousin got pregnant at 50. She had two grown adopted children because she'd never been able to conceive and when her periods stopped all together, she was certain it was menopause. My sister-in-law had two kids in high school when she found out she was pregnant just shy of 40....same with my neighbor.
None of these pregnancies were planned, but I can tell you how much joy the children were to their parents and families. You just don't know how you ever lived without them once they bless your life.
I for one, am very happy for you and your husband!
Don't let people scare you, take excellent care of yourself and enjoy this very special time.

Best wishes!
Be sure to let us know how you're doing and when your precious baby arrives!

Congratulations on your pregnancy! What a wonderful gift. I was 38 when I had my first child and am 40 now and trying for the second. Yes, there are are plenty of women out there in their late 30's having children. Enjoy this time and don't worry about what other people think. I did the amnio and am glad I did. It was so fast I didn't even have a chance to reconsider it. It was worth it to me to know my baby was healthy. I would also recommend joining a moms group. I didn't and I wish I had. It has been difficult meeting mom with kids the same age. All of my friends had kids earlier so they are a lot older now. Then you have a whole network of moms going through those early years together.
Best wishes to you and your family!!!

So funny (okay, not haha funny) that folks are telling you that - I'm pregnant at 41 and when I comment about being "old" everyone disagrees! Anyhow, yes, I got pregnant just before my 41st birthday. I'm now halfway along & everything is fine. I delivered my first child at 39, btw. I'm a bit more tired this time, but other than that, no problems. Just listen to your doc & get rest & take care of yourself - hard, I know with a houseful of people needing you. :-) Best wishes & congratulations!!!! And next time people feel the need to offer unsolicited advice - which they all do to pregnant women for some reason - just smile and say your doctor says everything is fine so they don't need to worry about anything. Pfft!

yes, everything can work out fine.
I had my 3 rd at 40. She is nearly 7 and quite the blessing. I just wanted to share the story (like yours)
my older friend had a similiar story, and needed to have her hysterectomy right after the baby was born.
She has lived to see that child now have children of her own...

I'm 41. I have 5 and 1 1/2 year old boys. I love being a mommy at this stage of my life. Things are stable, I am patient and mature, and I cherish every moment. There is higher risk. They will likely do an amnio. Anyway, Congratulations. Enjoy every moment of your pregnancy.

Friends and Family are so well meaning... And 39 is not old to have a child. Are there higher risks sure, and it's definitely not too old. I'm 48 just had my 30th year reunion and was so surprised at how many of my friends had kids that were 8 and 10 years old, really there were quite a few. Make sure you take care of yourself, keep all your Dr's appts, take your vitamins, eat healthfully, and stay moderately active AND I'll say it again Make all your Dr's appt's. Hog-wash 39 being too old, geez Madonna was 44 with her last one.
Good Luck.

Hi S.,

I am not pregnant at this time, but I was pregnant at 40. I had a healthy, intelligent baby boy two months before I turned 41. The pregnancy was seemeless up until the end when I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. I swelled up and my blood pressure shot up and the only complication was that I had to be induced 3 weeks before my due date. I had a vaginal birth and my son came out healthy.

Being 39 and pregnant should not be a concern as long as you get all of the necessary pre-natal care.

Congratulations and take care of yourself!
K. Beck

I am 41 and just had my 3rd child on Dec. 13th, a girl. I believe if you "think" you are too old, then your body thinks it's too old, since the ol mind controls the body. I feel 30 and excited about life all the time. Sure it's a little harder on the body when you are older but YOU CAN DO IT! My first son from my previous marrriage is 8 years old and I swore I was done with men and babies.

Last Thanksgiving (2008) I had a baby boy with my new man, and just 1 year and 16 days later another girl. Don't let anything discourage you and take care of your body and mind, that's most important.

Good luck and think positive sweetie, you deserve this, age ain't nothing but a number. You go girl...

____@____.com

if you'd like to chat...my email is above...

I was 38 1/2 when I had my first, 40 when my second was born 5 months ago.

I tend to buy into that things happen for reasons. This seems like divine planning and timing. Yeah for you and your family!!

I wish you a safe and healthy pregnancy and I pray you get all other issues taken care of after your healthy baby is born!

God Speed.
A.

stick your fingers in your ears and sing La-la-la-la-I-can't-hear-you!
i'M 40 & HOLDING MY 1 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER!!!
take good care of yourself and stay calm.
I had some miscarriages before my daughter - but all the tests in the world couldn't tell us why and my Dr. said it wasn't my age.
what a great christmas gift!
stay calm!

S.-
Let me say CONGRATS!!! Many people will give you unsolicited advice- why? because they can. So here it is- a woman I admire very much had her first and only son at 41. She is in moderate shape and did everything her doctor told her. She is healthy and her son is an amazing teenager now. 17 I think. I thought her an abnormality, but more and more I am seeing women in their late 30's and early 40's having children. As long as you are in decent shape- or start exercising to keep yourself somewhat healthy, take your supplements, and follow all the normal pregnancy guidelines, there really isn't any reason why things shouldn't go fine. I would say your stress levels being at minimum are a super help/ While certain risks go up with age, women have been birthing at all ages since the dawn of time. Keep your health in check and your excitement off the charts.
Congrats and well wishes!
Merry Christmas!
-E. M

You are 2 years younger than I was when I had my daughter! We are having so much fun this winter break, she's now 7, very bright and imaginative and I could go on bragging about her ;-). Don't listen to other people, but don't argue with them either. They are acting rude and their opinion is somewhat unfounded. I got this too when I was pregnant and it would irk me but I just ignored it, focusing on how Happy I was to have a baby and family. I have SEVERAL friends that have had children around this age we are all fine (children included). How exciting and fun that your sons are happy about the Baby. My sister is 15 years older than my brother and I. we have a very special relationship with her. It's like a combination sibling parental relationship. I wouldn't change it for the world. All the Best too you and your family!

Hi S.,

I was 38 and my husband was 53 when we conceived our only child. She was born healthy and became an All Star Softball player (and we became coaches and managers of her teams!). She is now a sophomore in High School on the Honor Roll and very active with the Youth Group at our Church (which we joined when she was 4 years old). I did not do the amnio test because we were afraid of miscarriage. The pre-natal test they did said that only because of my age there was a 30% chance of a birth defect. After contacting the March Of Dimes Foundation I learned that is the usual answer. God gives us children as a gift, and I am so very grateful for this beautiful young lady who is my most special gift. I, also, wanted to give my husband a child and prayed for 6 years and then we conceived. Our life was good before but so very much better now we have our daughter. She lights up our life. Hope this helps! Also - saltine crackers and diet coke help with the morning sickness!

Patti B.

I had my last child at 38 and everything was fine. My sister had hers at 40 and the specialist yelled at her for being so old. People do it more often than you think just stay healthy and it should be fine.

How exciting!!! S. - I had my third child--also unexpected--at the age of 40. He was perfectly healthy, in fact, perfect in every way. I'm so glad I didn't listen to any well-meaning but negative advice out there. My OB told me that many, many women have babies after the age of 39. Get all the tests you can, and then relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

I had my son at just shy of 38. I declined having an amnio because there is a chance of miscarriage and I didnt want to risk losing a baby I was told I would never have. I knew I would love him no matter what so it seemed an unnecessary risk. Please do your homework on tests they give older woman, some of them can be risky. it's not dangerous to get pregnant at 39! just take care of yourself and enjoy having a husband and older boys that can mind the store while you take a nap and rest up for late nights to come!!!blessings...

I have a friend who had her first baby at 50. She was extremely overweight at the time, and she and baby are fine. She has also had a second child after that. All is well. Blessings to you and your excited family. I have come to the conclusion that God gives us our children. Your little one is meant to be here. I pray Blessings and Peace over your pregnancy and little one.

Hi S.,

Congratulations!!

I had my 4th child at 37 and my 5th child just 9 months ago at age 41 (I just turned 42 this month - wow! where does the time go!). All is well. :)

Yes, there's alot of hype with the 'over 35 and pregnant' thing, but dont worry about it. A happy, healthy, stress free pregnancy is the way to go. Just make sure you eat well and get plenty of fluids, rest, excercise, and laughter. :)

You will be offered extra tests if you opt to take them. I did opt for the blood test (I didn't see a reason not to take it) and the detailed sonogram (any excuse to see the baby again) :) But, I refused the amneosentesis (no clue how to spell that) because it seemed to me that it could cause more harm than good. Doesn't sound like poking a needle through the uterus next to the baby could be a good thing. During the sonogram (both times) the dr said that my chances of my child having anything wrong was less than that of many women under 35. :) It was very comforting to hear that. :)

Congratulations again!! What a blessing!

I was 41 when I had my son. I had my daughter at 27. I seem to be enjoying it more the second time around. I think it is because I am much older and more mature. I cherish every waking moment, good and bad. Do not listen to others. Do what is best for you and your baby. That is all that matters at the moment. I had the same fears when I finally became pregnant and went and had an amniocentesis done. I was able to enjoy my pregnancy and not have to worry that something was wrong with the baby. If I get pregnant again, my husband and I both agreed that we would do the amnio again. We also wanted to know what we were having because we wanted a boy so badly. He has two daughters and I have one and the amnio test is 100% sure on the sex of the baby.

As a doula, I just wanted to let you know that I have worked with many women in their late 30's and 40's. I think all pregnant women get horror stories of one nature or another. It is perfectly acceptable to preface telling people with, "Pregnancy is such a sensitive time, I appreciate hearing your positive supportive stories." or when I saw the the horror story coming I would go "SSHHH! The baby is listening, we are worried enough as it is!"
Some people would look at me funny, but I don't care.

Babies are listening and can feel our emotions and I wanted our pregnany's to be full of love and support. There is enough worry and fear involved in pregnancy as it is, we don't need others contributing!

Congratulations and and enjoy and cherish this time- it goes by so fast! I am thrilled for you and your family. Our boys are 12 and 11 and they have a little sister who is 4, they are wonderful big brothers and the age difference has been perfect for our family. I think it changed the way our boys see women and girls forever and I am so grateful.

Wishing you love and peace,

April

hello
ignore the naysayers.. think positive.. also, there are many sites out there with women who are trying to get pregnant in their 40s and who HAVE.... example... fertilityover40
so don't let the people get you down..
congratulations!!

I had my son when I was 39 and he is in great health without any real complications!
I was very scared too, but try not to stress too much and be healthy!
Best wishes you to you and your family!

Hi S.,

Congratulations! I got pregnant for the first time at 38. We have had no problems with the baby or my pregnancy. I now have a wonderful 5 month old. I am totally looking forward to getting pregnant again once she is a year old. If everything works out, will be 39 while pregnant and 40 when born. I don't see any problem with it, as long as you are healthy and do what you can to save your energy for the pregnancy and the new baby. I live in an area, where pregnancies in your late 30's and early 40's is very common and considered safe. I'd say enjoy your little blessing!

CAL

Don'y let anyone steal your joy. People like to give opinions on everything. I had my son late, and my sister had one at 44 and all is well. If they have the gall to say something, just tell them that all children are a blessing and you're not seeking any unsolicited advice. Then keep them at arms length. Stay healthy, eat well, and all will be fine! Congratulations and good luck...

My sister had her second, perfectly healthy and beautiful baby, at age 41. As long as you're healthy, have a healthy lifestyle, etc., I wouldn't worry. God has certainly blessed you!!! Celebrate every moment of your pregnancy!!!

I had my second 3 months before my 40th birthday. No problems at all. Don't let those people bug you and tell them to mind their own business. Being an older mom is fantastic - you have so much more life experience to bring to the raising of your child. Congratulations!

Dear S.:

I am a 77 year old great grandmother/mother of five. I did not have any children in my 30s, but my sister who was a widow who remarried, had her fifth child when she was 39 (after having one still birth at term.)

Today that daughter who is healthy, tall, beautiful, bright,... a lawyer, CEO of a non profit and mother of two healthy beautiful children is one of the greatest joys of her life.

May it be so for you. Congratulations and Blessings on your family !!

N.

S. - CONGRATS! How exciting, what a miracle! I had my baby at 37 and had a perfect pregnancy and perfectly healthy baby. I would just say to take your vitamins, eat healthy, go to your dr appointments and be sure to get exercise - I exercised 3-4x/week (brisk walking that got my heartrate elevated, but not too much) and think that really made a difference in my pregnancy.

As others have said, it's NOT too old to have a baby. Puh-leeze! Both of my grandmothers had babies in their early 40's - and that was 60-70 years ago before we had such great pregnancy healthcare awareness. Just take care of yourself and enjoy this precious time!

My godmother had a second child ten years after her first child when she was 40. That baby girl was so healthy and the pregnancy was perfect-- now she is in college and very close with her older brother.

I had my second child two months before my 39th bithday. Everything was just fine-my daughter is perfectly healthy and happy. Just take very good care of yourself.Take your vitamins, eat well, keep a healthy weight(gain enough but don't go way overboard)and be sure to get all the ultrasounds and genetic testing available. I had amnios with both of my children for my own peace of mind. Uncomfortable, but not a big deal. It's a pretty quick test. MAny women still have normal pregnancies at your age. Congrats to you! Enjoy your new little one!

Oh, I'm so excited for you, I'm all choked up!

I'm not pregnant, but know that you are not alone. And I think this being-too-old-to-be-pregnant stuff is an American way of thinking. I am 38 and live in Italy. Whenever I tell people that we'd better hurry up to have a second child, EVERYONE thinks I'm silly and wonders why I'm worried. Noone has ever said, "oh, that's true, you are getting up there". And believe me, they would say so if they thought so (Romans aren't always terribly tactful)!

I know, you can't argue with science and statistics that pregnancies later in life are rarer and have more complications. But you ARE pregnant and so many beautiful babies are born by "older" mommies. Try not to be freaked out and enjoy!

Congratulations to you and your family, S..... what a wonderfully happy story to hear. Of course you are excited, who wouldn't after all your hardships trying to get pregnant for so long.

Let me start by telling you what I have learnt about having babies. My husband and I started trying to have a family when I was 35. We had a series of miscarriages and lots of problems along the way. I did not succeed until many years later when I gave birth to my daughter, healthy and beautiful girl when I was 39 years old. I am now pregnant again at 41 and am due to give birth soon. I've learnt that babies come when they come. No matter how much we try to control all these things in our lives, we can't..... and as my mom says, what's for you, won't go by you. You are meant to have this baby at this time and not before.

Secondly, don't pay too much attention to the age thing. I did at the beginning and then I thought .... hang on a minute, practically all babies born to moms over 40 are perfectly healthy and normal. What people fail to realize is that, people have been giving birth at this age forever.... the reason we pay more attention now is that (1) in the old days, people had a lot more kids and after the first child was born, no one bothered to pay any attention to how old the mother was by the time the 6th or 7th was born (2) I think more attention is paid to our age now because we are having our FIRST baby over 35. We can only take what life gives us, what can you do if you haven't met your husband " on time" and if you meet obstacles along the way.

Think long and hard before you opt for amnio. Be aware there is a risk of miscarriage with this test. If you do not want to risk losing your baby under any circumstances, then I would avoid it. You can opt for the triple screening with the nuchal translucency ultrasound and see what you get with this. I chose to have an amnio during one pregnancy and subsequently lost the baby.... we found out a few years later that it wasn't related to the amnio at all but I blamed myself every day and cursed that amnio for such a long time. For my subsequent pregnancies I did not have an amnio, just couldn't handle the possibility of losing another child so I did all the non invasive testing I mentioned above. Think about it and follow your gut, any one route is not suitable for everyone.

You and your baby will do just fine. Eat well and get lots of sleep if you can. This is a beautiful gift and enjoy every moment. I say go for it all, you are already a wonderful Mama and now you get the chance again. Life can't get any better. Good luck and enjoy this happiness.