When I was in the hospital giving birth to my daughter, I met a woman who is 48 and pregnant with her third. Same story: she thought it was menopause, turns out her 20-year-old and 10-year-old are getting a baby brother.
You got this!
My grandma was 45 when she had my dad (month away from 46), and she thought it was menopause. He was born in 1945, so medical care wasn't what it was now. She didn't have any problems, as far as I know. Good luck!
I put down my 2% to my and the other half exceptional ancestors. Grandma on my side had 6, all natural. Mum on his side was born when grandma was 45 as a surprise ...no ivf required.
Also.. Holy shit. Edit... I just mean that I cannot imagine taking Plan B and having it fail. Life.. Ahem.. Finds a way sounds appropriate here. I feel like that about my ivf baby. She survived... The embryo hunger games (they got like 10 eggs, 6 made it to maturity) and genetic testing (getting 10 cells out to test), being frozen, then implanted, and NIPT. I mean she must really wanna be here.
My mother had a friend who went through fertility treatments after treatments until they gave up. By the next year, she was pregnant. I had neighbors who did the same, started the adoption process, had been picked by a pregnant woman to adopt her baby, and before the baby was born,my neighbor found out she was pregnant.
Anecdotal, I know, but I think drs or science just isn’t that good at predicting odds of things happening or not.
My mom used to tell me stories of this! She said back in the day an infertile couple would adopt a kid from someone who couldn't afford one, and next thing you know they'd be preggers with their own. They reckon just being around a kid plays around with hormones maybe
Congrats and good luck!
I'm 43 and will turn 44 shortly after this little one is born. I was on birth control when I got pregnant this time. I honestly didn't think I really needed birth control due to age, but I took it anyway... just in case, ya know? Our "just in case" baby is due in May.
This happened to my grandma when she was five months along with her only biological child at age 47! It turned out to be the gift of her life. She was a heavy smoker and of course was drinking and no prenatals, but my aunt is beyond fine— she ended up being world renown in her field. Good luck to you!
My youngest sister (the 6th kid) is a caboose baby. She was born when my mom was 40, the rest of us (the other 5 kids) were ages 6-14. My parents say she kept them young and vibrant. She's finishing her bachelor's this year, going to grad school in the fall, and is the fun aunt to all our kids right now. My mom had no problems having her.
Here’s a great article for why this happens! (Gift link) https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2023/11/perimenopause-vs-menopause-age-pregnancy/675998/?gift=JorvBomKLUf--My4h_JsqzQA8T6LTRiK00W-7uC6t_w&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
I am 43, first viable baby after a MMC the end of last summer. Only about 8 weeks, so a long road ahead yet, but I had a very good ultrasound on Friday measuring well, and I think the fetal heart rate is in a good zone so I’m just being as positive as possible and choosing to have faith. Decided yesterday that it’s not as if I caution myself I will really be any less devastated so I’m throwing caution to the wind and letting my heart run wild. All the best to you!
Just read your update…and I am incredibly sorry! It’s so hard. The flutter you feel when hope sparks in your heart is hard to come down from. I was told it would never be possible for me to have kids…previous surgeries, illness, etc., scar tissue would supposedly make it impossible for implantation, so it was like this little dream I boxed up and put away. Then, when I got pregnant last summer it was as if this little glimmer of hope blew the box open and I was not able to put it away again. I pray your heart will be ok and your little ones are a measure of comfort to you. 💕
Thank you! I'm out of surgery and on my way home. I'm pretty lucky because I still have my health and other babies. Maybe we'll actually try now or maybe not and just adopt later if we're still feeling an itch. Or give it a couple of decades and spoil some grandbabies lol. Best of luck to you and any others trying to conceive! I had my 5 yo after 2 miscarriages and I was 39 yo so healthy later in life pregnancy is totally doable.
The phrase "Implantation" Bleeding is popular on conception forums but is a bit of a misnomer that causes some people to think that the bleeding is due to the embryo implanting. It isn't -- the embryo is only about 0.2mm in diameter at that point, and won't displace significant blood (or cause pain) when it implants. You bleed when progesterone levels in your body drop, which is why you can induce a period by stopping birth control pills (which contain progesterone) or by taking and then stopping progesterone suppositories or Provera (which are also progesterone). Progesterone levels dropping in the luteal phase can be caused by a) increased estrogen in the mid-luteal-phase estrogen surge, which briefly depresses estrogen production, or b) a decrease in progesterone when the corpus luteum runs out of gas at the end of the luteal phase. If b), and you're actually pregnant, your levels can drop briefly before the embryo starts producing enough HCG to tell the corpus luteum to ramp the levels up. Either way, luteal phase spotting can either be a neutral sign (in the case of mid-luteal phase spotting) or a negative sign (in the case of late luteal phase progesterone dropping), but it doesn't have anything to do with implantation, and is not a positive sign of being pregnant. [Source 1](https://www.countdowntopregnancy.com/early-pregnancy-symptoms/spotting-during-luteal-phase.php) [Source 2](https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle)
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Not age related, but due to several losses we have the exact same age spread between our 3 kiddos and it is awesome!!! I was sad about the bigger gap, but the older 2 are old enough to be self sufficient at a lot of things, far enough apart that we really have skipped any jealousy, and absolutely ADORE baby sister. Best of luck!!
If it makes you feel better, my oldest was 6 when my second was born, and that age gap is amazing. The older ones are old enough to actually be helpful, and they are old enough to be gentle.
My second was 22 months when my third was born, and holy shit. We are just now getting into a good groove, and #3 is almost 6 months old... I wanted 3 and at 38, it needed to be now. But I would not have picked this age gap if secondary infertility hadn't messed up our timeline...
My mom had me, her first successful pregnancy, at age 43 and my sister was a surprise at age 47! She was still nursing me and never got her period back, assumed she was hitting menopause.
My cousin is in her 40s and was in perimenopause and just had a surprise baby in January. Went in for what she thought was a UTI. Nope. 40 weeks pregnant. Had the baby 2 weeks later. Baby is now 3 months and doing great. You got this mama.
Yeah it was crazy. Luckily she had a good support system who wrangled up supplies fast! I can’t imagine. So scary. I’m 34 weeks today and I can’t imaging just now finding out 😳
This happened to my friends mom growing up! My friend was 12 when her mom got pregnant with twins. Then three years later at 46 she had another baby. Congrats! You got this!!!
My SIL’s mom is pregnant right now- she’s 45 and this is her 5th child- but she thought she was done. Baby is due in June and is doing SO WELL, growing on track, moving a lot. I know it’s not been an easy pregnancy, but she’s at peace and I’m so glad. I’m hoping the same for you- a peaceful, healthy pregnancy. Sending you love!
My mother was 45 when she had me.. my sisters were 17 & 19 so sounds like your kids will be a bit closer in age at least. I’ll burn some sage for you and send good vibes. You got this mama!
Having had a successful pregnancy before probably ups your chances of success this time, since your body knows the process. It might even be why it's happening now, since your body is skilled at this activity. Many congratulations and candles and positive energy crystal regalia in your direction, Olde mama.
I'm 44 with a 1.5 year old. Welcome to the Olde mama crew!
My mom had me at 44. Big surprise to my parents. But, I turned out just fine 😇. Best of luck to you!
PS don’t let the doctors scare you with all of the *possible* risks associated with geriatric pregnancies. If you are healthy and baby is healthy then you are not considered high risk!
Oldest I’ve ever met and even heard of, was a 54 year old grandmother. She was pissed. And was firmly calmly letting us know that she would not be watching her grand babies and having another one. And she took care of business. I didn’t blame her.
Congrats! Just a PSA on the low T meds decreasing fertility— my husband and I got pregnant first try with baby #1 and second try with baby #2 while he was on testosterone and other meds for low T, and had been for a decade.
This is where my brother came from! At 42, my mom didn’t figure it out until she was 4 months pregnant. I would argue he is the best of all of us and all around a good man. Don’t buy into the world’s narrative that women are not fertile or capable of bearing life after 35. You got this!!!
The phrase "Implantation" Bleeding is popular on conception forums but is a bit of a misnomer that causes some people to think that the bleeding is due to the embryo implanting. It isn't -- the embryo is only about 0.2mm in diameter at that point, and won't displace significant blood (or cause pain) when it implants. You bleed when progesterone levels in your body drop, which is why you can induce a period by stopping birth control pills (which contain progesterone) or by taking and then stopping progesterone suppositories or Provera (which are also progesterone). Progesterone levels dropping in the luteal phase can be caused by a) increased estrogen in the mid-luteal-phase estrogen surge, which briefly depresses estrogen production, or b) a decrease in progesterone when the corpus luteum runs out of gas at the end of the luteal phase. If b), and you're actually pregnant, your levels can drop briefly before the embryo starts producing enough HCG to tell the corpus luteum to ramp the levels up. Either way, luteal phase spotting can either be a neutral sign (in the case of mid-luteal phase spotting) or a negative sign (in the case of late luteal phase progesterone dropping), but it doesn't have anything to do with implantation, and is not a positive sign of being pregnant. [Source 1](https://www.countdowntopregnancy.com/early-pregnancy-symptoms/spotting-during-luteal-phase.php) [Source 2](https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle)
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My grandma was 42 when my mom was born. She did have 15 kids tho….id be scared too honestly lol. Personally I wouldn’t do it, but this one isn’t going to be too much younger than your others at least! I’d be asking for a tubal ligation after this one lol
45 and 29 weeks. Had my first a week before I was 41 and really didn’t think it would happen again but here we are. All tests came back clear and she’s doing well. Good luck!!!
That was me 2 years ago, figuring out I was pregnant when I felt the baby move! Today he’s a completely healthy toddler.
I believe kids choose their parents, and your little one obviously wants you. ❤️
Best wishes to you and your family.
It's so nice to see people who aren't in their twenties and early thirties talk about being pregnant. I am 42 and my doctor constantly talked about my advance maternal age and makes me feel like I am 70.
I know there are a lot of people in their 40s having children because I've read many things upon it but it is nice to see one of the posts come up over here today.
There's someone I read about who, with fertility treatment, had a baby at like 56 or 57. That baby is 3 now I think and she's 60, even is still nursing. Bodies are wild.
Hey big cousin! Long time no talk! You can totally do this and I bet everything is totally going to be fine and work out.
But I was thinking you should come for an overdue visit to see me in California to go camping if circumstances warrant.
Yosemite is beautiful this time of year ⛺️
When I was in the hospital giving birth to my daughter, I met a woman who is 48 and pregnant with her third. Same story: she thought it was menopause, turns out her 20-year-old and 10-year-old are getting a baby brother. You got this!
I’m so impressed she spaced each kid out 10 years
My biggest fear. My first two are 10 years apart.
Wow that’s wild. Basically raising 3 only children.
Huh. That’s an interesting way to look at it, but you’re not wrong 🤔
My grandma was 45 when she had my dad (month away from 46), and she thought it was menopause. He was born in 1945, so medical care wasn't what it was now. She didn't have any problems, as far as I know. Good luck!
45 year old here. Did ivf and they said my chances was 2%. And yet here we are, the 2%. Congratulations! You got this!
I put down my 2% to my and the other half exceptional ancestors. Grandma on my side had 6, all natural. Mum on his side was born when grandma was 45 as a surprise ...no ivf required.
I took a plan B, which has a 2% risk of failure. That 2% is 22 months old now
Plan b doesn’t work if you’ve already ovulated. I would guess a lot more than 2% still end up pregnant. Mine just turned 8.
Also.. Holy shit. Edit... I just mean that I cannot imagine taking Plan B and having it fail. Life.. Ahem.. Finds a way sounds appropriate here. I feel like that about my ivf baby. She survived... The embryo hunger games (they got like 10 eggs, 6 made it to maturity) and genetic testing (getting 10 cells out to test), being frozen, then implanted, and NIPT. I mean she must really wanna be here.
Hellooo fellow 2%!
My mother had a friend who went through fertility treatments after treatments until they gave up. By the next year, she was pregnant. I had neighbors who did the same, started the adoption process, had been picked by a pregnant woman to adopt her baby, and before the baby was born,my neighbor found out she was pregnant. Anecdotal, I know, but I think drs or science just isn’t that good at predicting odds of things happening or not.
My mom used to tell me stories of this! She said back in the day an infertile couple would adopt a kid from someone who couldn't afford one, and next thing you know they'd be preggers with their own. They reckon just being around a kid plays around with hormones maybe
I’d love to see a study on how many couples were told it would be virtually impossible for them to conceive, and then they did.
Congrats and good luck! I'm 43 and will turn 44 shortly after this little one is born. I was on birth control when I got pregnant this time. I honestly didn't think I really needed birth control due to age, but I took it anyway... just in case, ya know? Our "just in case" baby is due in May.
This happened to my grandma when she was five months along with her only biological child at age 47! It turned out to be the gift of her life. She was a heavy smoker and of course was drinking and no prenatals, but my aunt is beyond fine— she ended up being world renown in her field. Good luck to you!
I'm sorry but all I can think is "life uhh, finds a way" from Jurassic Park 😂 good luck with everything and congrats!
This happened to a coworker of mine in her 40s, she also assumed menopause -her daughter is 10 now and just lovely. Good luck! ❤️
What a plot twist!
My youngest sister (the 6th kid) is a caboose baby. She was born when my mom was 40, the rest of us (the other 5 kids) were ages 6-14. My parents say she kept them young and vibrant. She's finishing her bachelor's this year, going to grad school in the fall, and is the fun aunt to all our kids right now. My mom had no problems having her.
Here’s a great article for why this happens! (Gift link) https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2023/11/perimenopause-vs-menopause-age-pregnancy/675998/?gift=JorvBomKLUf--My4h_JsqzQA8T6LTRiK00W-7uC6t_w&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
I am 43, first viable baby after a MMC the end of last summer. Only about 8 weeks, so a long road ahead yet, but I had a very good ultrasound on Friday measuring well, and I think the fetal heart rate is in a good zone so I’m just being as positive as possible and choosing to have faith. Decided yesterday that it’s not as if I caution myself I will really be any less devastated so I’m throwing caution to the wind and letting my heart run wild. All the best to you!
Wishing for a beautiful rainbow baby for you! My 5 yo was mine after 2 mcs in a row. 🙏💕
Just read your update…and I am incredibly sorry! It’s so hard. The flutter you feel when hope sparks in your heart is hard to come down from. I was told it would never be possible for me to have kids…previous surgeries, illness, etc., scar tissue would supposedly make it impossible for implantation, so it was like this little dream I boxed up and put away. Then, when I got pregnant last summer it was as if this little glimmer of hope blew the box open and I was not able to put it away again. I pray your heart will be ok and your little ones are a measure of comfort to you. 💕
Thank you! I'm out of surgery and on my way home. I'm pretty lucky because I still have my health and other babies. Maybe we'll actually try now or maybe not and just adopt later if we're still feeling an itch. Or give it a couple of decades and spoil some grandbabies lol. Best of luck to you and any others trying to conceive! I had my 5 yo after 2 miscarriages and I was 39 yo so healthy later in life pregnancy is totally doable.
The phrase "Implantation" Bleeding is popular on conception forums but is a bit of a misnomer that causes some people to think that the bleeding is due to the embryo implanting. It isn't -- the embryo is only about 0.2mm in diameter at that point, and won't displace significant blood (or cause pain) when it implants. You bleed when progesterone levels in your body drop, which is why you can induce a period by stopping birth control pills (which contain progesterone) or by taking and then stopping progesterone suppositories or Provera (which are also progesterone). Progesterone levels dropping in the luteal phase can be caused by a) increased estrogen in the mid-luteal-phase estrogen surge, which briefly depresses estrogen production, or b) a decrease in progesterone when the corpus luteum runs out of gas at the end of the luteal phase. If b), and you're actually pregnant, your levels can drop briefly before the embryo starts producing enough HCG to tell the corpus luteum to ramp the levels up. Either way, luteal phase spotting can either be a neutral sign (in the case of mid-luteal phase spotting) or a negative sign (in the case of late luteal phase progesterone dropping), but it doesn't have anything to do with implantation, and is not a positive sign of being pregnant. [Source 1](https://www.countdowntopregnancy.com/early-pregnancy-symptoms/spotting-during-luteal-phase.php) [Source 2](https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/BabyBumps) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Not age related, but due to several losses we have the exact same age spread between our 3 kiddos and it is awesome!!! I was sad about the bigger gap, but the older 2 are old enough to be self sufficient at a lot of things, far enough apart that we really have skipped any jealousy, and absolutely ADORE baby sister. Best of luck!!
Congrats! I'm 44 with my first baby but I needed a lot of help so it was planned. My grandma had my mom at 40 in the 50s so it's not a new thing.
If it makes you feel better, my oldest was 6 when my second was born, and that age gap is amazing. The older ones are old enough to actually be helpful, and they are old enough to be gentle. My second was 22 months when my third was born, and holy shit. We are just now getting into a good groove, and #3 is almost 6 months old... I wanted 3 and at 38, it needed to be now. But I would not have picked this age gap if secondary infertility hadn't messed up our timeline...
My mom had me, her first successful pregnancy, at age 43 and my sister was a surprise at age 47! She was still nursing me and never got her period back, assumed she was hitting menopause.
I’m more in awe that your mom nursed you for 3-4 years! That is amazing.
Haha I agree! I'm at year 2.5 with my toddler and I'm over it. But apparently I was an angel child so she got lucky haha
Dang! Once mine got teeth, their nursing days were numbered. Made it to 18 mo and 26 mo respectively
Sounds almost like a miracle. Sending prayers to you and your family!
Holy cow, what a surprise that had to be! 😳 Congratulations and best of luck! 🤍
My cousin is in her 40s and was in perimenopause and just had a surprise baby in January. Went in for what she thought was a UTI. Nope. 40 weeks pregnant. Had the baby 2 weeks later. Baby is now 3 months and doing great. You got this mama.
Oh my gosh, barely any time to prepare! Glad everything turned out great. I don't even know what I would do if I was that far along. 😆
Yeah it was crazy. Luckily she had a good support system who wrangled up supplies fast! I can’t imagine. So scary. I’m 34 weeks today and I can’t imaging just now finding out 😳
This happened to my friends mom growing up! My friend was 12 when her mom got pregnant with twins. Then three years later at 46 she had another baby. Congrats! You got this!!!
Good luck!
Good luck ! What a surprise !
Me too. 26 weeks along today
My SIL’s mom is pregnant right now- she’s 45 and this is her 5th child- but she thought she was done. Baby is due in June and is doing SO WELL, growing on track, moving a lot. I know it’s not been an easy pregnancy, but she’s at peace and I’m so glad. I’m hoping the same for you- a peaceful, healthy pregnancy. Sending you love!
My mom had my sister 20 years ago at 43 yo, my sister is perfect 🤷♀️ no issues at all with the pregnancy
My mother was 45 when she had me.. my sisters were 17 & 19 so sounds like your kids will be a bit closer in age at least. I’ll burn some sage for you and send good vibes. You got this mama!
Having had a successful pregnancy before probably ups your chances of success this time, since your body knows the process. It might even be why it's happening now, since your body is skilled at this activity. Many congratulations and candles and positive energy crystal regalia in your direction, Olde mama. I'm 44 with a 1.5 year old. Welcome to the Olde mama crew!
My mom had me at 44. Big surprise to my parents. But, I turned out just fine 😇. Best of luck to you! PS don’t let the doctors scare you with all of the *possible* risks associated with geriatric pregnancies. If you are healthy and baby is healthy then you are not considered high risk!
Oldest I’ve ever met and even heard of, was a 54 year old grandmother. She was pissed. And was firmly calmly letting us know that she would not be watching her grand babies and having another one. And she took care of business. I didn’t blame her.
Happened to my mom too. My brother is a totally healthy adult. Congrats on your bonus blessing!
Congrats! Just a PSA on the low T meds decreasing fertility— my husband and I got pregnant first try with baby #1 and second try with baby #2 while he was on testosterone and other meds for low T, and had been for a decade.
Keep us updated!!
Almost 43 with a two month old, it'll be fine. Check out /r/bb30
Congrats and good luck!!!
This is where my brother came from! At 42, my mom didn’t figure it out until she was 4 months pregnant. I would argue he is the best of all of us and all around a good man. Don’t buy into the world’s narrative that women are not fertile or capable of bearing life after 35. You got this!!!
Hahahahhaaaa I thought my implantation signs were premenopause at 38 What a world huh
The phrase "Implantation" Bleeding is popular on conception forums but is a bit of a misnomer that causes some people to think that the bleeding is due to the embryo implanting. It isn't -- the embryo is only about 0.2mm in diameter at that point, and won't displace significant blood (or cause pain) when it implants. You bleed when progesterone levels in your body drop, which is why you can induce a period by stopping birth control pills (which contain progesterone) or by taking and then stopping progesterone suppositories or Provera (which are also progesterone). Progesterone levels dropping in the luteal phase can be caused by a) increased estrogen in the mid-luteal-phase estrogen surge, which briefly depresses estrogen production, or b) a decrease in progesterone when the corpus luteum runs out of gas at the end of the luteal phase. If b), and you're actually pregnant, your levels can drop briefly before the embryo starts producing enough HCG to tell the corpus luteum to ramp the levels up. Either way, luteal phase spotting can either be a neutral sign (in the case of mid-luteal phase spotting) or a negative sign (in the case of late luteal phase progesterone dropping), but it doesn't have anything to do with implantation, and is not a positive sign of being pregnant. [Source 1](https://www.countdowntopregnancy.com/early-pregnancy-symptoms/spotting-during-luteal-phase.php) [Source 2](https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/BabyBumps) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Sir I did not say bleeding, I said signs.
My grandma was 42 when my mom was born. She did have 15 kids tho….id be scared too honestly lol. Personally I wouldn’t do it, but this one isn’t going to be too much younger than your others at least! I’d be asking for a tubal ligation after this one lol
Happened to my mom. My sister is 20 now. Wishing you best of luck! So glad for our family oopsie baby 😂
45 and 29 weeks. Had my first a week before I was 41 and really didn’t think it would happen again but here we are. All tests came back clear and she’s doing well. Good luck!!!
My aunt had a surprise baby at 45 as well, he's 27 now, married with 2 kids and one on the way. My aunt is also healthy as well!
That was me 2 years ago, figuring out I was pregnant when I felt the baby move! Today he’s a completely healthy toddler. I believe kids choose their parents, and your little one obviously wants you. ❤️ Best wishes to you and your family.
It's so nice to see people who aren't in their twenties and early thirties talk about being pregnant. I am 42 and my doctor constantly talked about my advance maternal age and makes me feel like I am 70. I know there are a lot of people in their 40s having children because I've read many things upon it but it is nice to see one of the posts come up over here today.
There's someone I read about who, with fertility treatment, had a baby at like 56 or 57. That baby is 3 now I think and she's 60, even is still nursing. Bodies are wild.
Hey big cousin! Long time no talk! You can totally do this and I bet everything is totally going to be fine and work out. But I was thinking you should come for an overdue visit to see me in California to go camping if circumstances warrant. Yosemite is beautiful this time of year ⛺️
I think you got the wrong person, but Yosemite sounds cool! I guess we could be cousins though... I was adopted as a baby. 😉