Pregnant at 40

I’m pregnant at 40 – that’s certainly not a sentence I thought I would be saying!

After I had my second daughter, I always felt as though I was destined to have a third. Alas, I came to the realisation that would never happen following the breakdown of my marriage and then subsequent creation of our wonderful blended family. However, here I am, pregnant at 40 and excited about the challenges our family will face over the next few months and years.

How am I feeling?

Pregnancy for me is always an anxiety-fuelling time. The trauma of my complete molar pregnancy (CMP) in 2010 will stay with me forever. Seeing the two lines appear on the initial test filled me with both excitement and nerves. Not knowing whether molar tissue had regrown or it was indeed a baby forming inside of me is difficult to accept. A quick phone call to Charing Cross hospital and they advised, as they previously had, to have an early scan. Aside from the occasional bout of nausea and fatigue, there were no other early pregnancy symptoms. Unfortunately, headaches are usual for me and not being able to take my normal meds has made things trickier, but I’m ok otherwise.

The first scan

At seven weeks pregnant, I headed to the NNUH to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) for an early scan. The wait was excruciating. I sat with my leg tapping, sweaty palms and generally being a fidget bum. The initial chat always involves explaining why I’m so nervous – although now things are mainly digital, I no longer have to face the enormous bookworm’s library returns pile size of notes on the desk in front of me, which is a relief. Pregnant at 40 did not concern me as much as the thought of having another CMP. But luckily, the scan went really well and we saw a wriggly tadpole-like creature on the screen with a flashing heartbeat. All looked healthy.

The second scan

Not being one to relax, ever, I booked a private scan at around 10 weeks pregnant to check that the baby continued to look healthy. Window to the Womb in Norwich were fantastic. The staff were really welcoming and reassuring, but seeing baby on the screen looking like an actual baby this time was amazing. A wonderful experience.

The third scan

I’m a pro when it comes to drinking enough water for a scan. I used to do it fortnightly when I went to Charing Cross for treatments and then follow-up consultant appointments. However, I don’t cope well being kept waiting. It’s not impatience; it’s my bladder’s reluctance to put up with having more in it than usual and the need to release the pressure. Eventually, almost an hour after my appointment time, I was seen by the sonographer. She was brilliant and really reassuring. Baby was not playing ball though and it took a long time to get the measurements they needed. I had to shake my hips around a lot to encourage baby to move into a suitable position. Thankfully, another positive scan, and I came away feeling a bit better and less worried. A subsequent consultant appointment (high risk because being pregnant at 40 means I’m classed as an older mum) was also fine and they took my anxiety into account when discussing options with me.

What’s next?

Mini J, our baby’s nickname at present, is due in March. I have several scans booked in and midwife appointments, too. My youngest baby is 7 years old now, so I have nothing left from those newborn days, so undoubtedly, shopping will be high on our to-do list. However, with the rising cost of living, we will be looking at reducing our outgoings as much as possible. We have fixed our mortgage payments for the next ten years, just before the interest rate increased, so that seems as though it will make things a little easier. I think pregnant at 20 or pregnant at 40, there will always be financial worries – it makes no difference.

I’ll try to update regularly…

TL;DR

I’m pregnant at 40 years old and over the moon about it but filled with anxiety, as expected!