When you turn 35 you earn the new title of “Advanced Maternal Age,” which throws you instantly into a category of high-risk for complications in pregnancy. Risks like higher rates of chromosomal disorders and age-related issues like diabetes or hypertension.
It wasn’t in my plan to be pregnant at 35. In fact we began trying to start a family when I was 27. But things didn’t go text book. I lost a baby boy in 2007, then another in 2008. (See my miscarriage post) After a barrage of tests and two surgeries I was finally properly diagnosed with incompetent cervix, which I now know has been renamed insufficient cervix. So the good news is my cervix is no longer hopeless, just inadequate. Good thing my cervix doesn’t have self-esteem issues!
My first successful pregnancy I had my cervix stitched closed (known as a cerclage) and I gave birth to a full-term, healthy baby boy in 2009, then a full-term, healthy baby girl in 2011. We realized that we truly wanted three children but I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend 50% of my thirties being pregnant and breastfeeding. It’s a commitment and a sacrifice. But the long-term rewards are going to be amazing. And that is why I chose to do this now.
So am I an old mom?
Maybe in medical terms, but for me I’m just a mom with more experience and more room in my heart. And with a few body modifications that I won’t mention…
So on that note, let me introduce our upcoming arrival due in early June 2014. Being high-risk just means I get to see a lot of our new baby via ultrasound and he/she will already have a great start to their photo album. Here’s to 2014 and all the exciting things it will bring to our family.
We are expecting baby #2 early July and I turn 35 in May. Our 3 year old makes me feel anything but “advanced” in age :). Love all the extra peeks we are getting at the next one, though!
Congratulations Tiffany! I am so so so happy for you. Big hugs for an easy one. -Robin
You know you are old when this video applies! 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amcLS2fWmEo&list=UUwoCl6ftncMzZI7wSfvfJsA
I am due Sept. 30, 2014, at which time I will be 38 years young.
I had my first at 35 and didn’t feel old at all. Now we are set to welcome a second at age 42! I have an infertility condition so we tried for years and then moved on.
I was nervous to be pregnant at this age, but I have had a textbook pregnancy, and I am actually in better shape now than vs 35.
Thanks for your blog, I was researching C Section info and can accross it.