TTC over age 35 *kinda long*

[Midge.T]

As a proud *gulp* 35 and a half year old and being in the early stages of planning TTC, I've been doing a ton of reading on fertility and conceiving over age 35.

We conceived our (one and only) child pretty much effortlessly when I was 33. Which never struck me as being much different than 35 until I read that 35 was some mystical magical benchmark when your fertility poops out and being on BC holds higher risks for health issues.

Due to the latter issue, I've stopped BC. Aside from the added risks at my age the damned pill gave me a first class ticket on the crazy train. So yay, no more batsh*t crazies. We want a second baby, too, but wanted to plan when so looking into ways to naturally avoid getting pregnant is why I started reading up on this in the first place.

Upon finding out how difficult it might be for us - I was spoiled with the ease of getting knocked up the first time - I'm thinking it's in our best interest to start TTC sooner than later. However, I'm becoming stressed and overwhelmed at the idea because I keep thinking at my age I'm some sort of defective or outdated piece of equipment.

So I was hoping to hear other womens' stories of conception or TTC over age 35 to help me feel better.

[~KittyKat~]

I have not conceived over 35, but my Aunt is now 43 and just gave birth last month to a perfect, beautiful 7lb 9oz baby girl. This was her 2nd child. She didn't even know she was preggo till she was 4 months along because she didn't get a regular period and was told if she didn't get it for 3 months to go in and get a shot or something. She went at the 4th month and it turned up she was preggo. They had completely given up on trying. My Aunt has alot against her, she has weight issues, and her first pregnancy was complicated and her first child was born 6 weeks premature. Despite all of that, at 43 she was able to get pregnant, carry, and deliver a gorgeous baby girl.

I just wanted to share this with you that it is completely possible to have a normal pregnancy after 35. You do need to know that the risks for certain birth defects are higher, but in no way does you being over 35 mean that you cannot conceive or carry a healthy child. I hope this helps ease your fears just a little bit. .

[rikkisteve]

I personally know of a 46yr old (my aunt's ex hus 2nd wife) who just gave birth to a perfectly healthy baby boy.. They wern't even TTC (his kids with my aunt are 18 and 17 and she has an 18 yr old) and she has weight issues...Now they have the cutest little baby

.. best of luck to you

[ArmyCupcake]

My mom was 35 when she had me.

[NocturneSiren]

DH's mom was 42 when she had him.

First thing I would do is have my hormones tested. Progesterone and FSH, especially. These will give you an initial snapshot. And then, as trite as it sounds, relax a bit. Nothing you can do to change what will be, and remember that the odds are in your favor here.

[Midge.T]

Thanks for the kind words and support. It does help! As of today AF is late so who knows. She arrived 5 days late last month but I'd just got off the pill earlier in the same month so I'm' guessing my cycle was wacky that time around.

Send me baby dust, please!!

[Fidzy]

[ksmith]

[MS234755]

My mom had her FIRST kid (me ) at 35 and had almost no trouble conceiving. She had my brother at 39, and also had no problems conceiving him.

***Edit- I WILL add something though- I was almost miscarried, and was born with several birth defects. My brother, however, has nothing wrong with him. So if you do conceive, just make sure you take extra special care of yourself