Pregnant Over 35

i just turned 37 and am 5 months with mono/di boys.

So far, things have been going good healthwise. i have a peri and an o/b and go in for u/s and growth scans every 2 weeks. At the 20 week scan, one was behind the other by an ounce and three days, but the peri cleared them both, saying all the measurements were good and they looked healthy.

Now, my DH and i knew that b/c i'm over 35, that certain chromosonal abnormalities could be an issue. My ob went to send me for an amnio, but after hering the risks and already being called a " high risk pregnancy ", my DH and i decided not to hve it done. My peri sent me for an AFP workup and said, we'd see how the results came out, and to go from there. Had the bloodwork done, and a week or so later the peri called to say that the AFP results came out abnormal because the tests are based on levels for one baby, not two, and that she had to reconfigure the results and send the right ones to the ob. She said that considering my age and because she had already cleared both babies on the last u/s scan, that she saw our chances of having a baby with Downs of being about 1 in 250-300. She said she felt there is a good chance the babies are just fine, and do not have it. Needless to say, my DH and i were happy to hear it.

On Xmas eve, im shopping when the ob's nurse calls to say they got the AFP results and are recommending me for genetic counseling. i told her that the results were wrong and that the peri said she sent them the right ones, and she said they didnt get them. She kept pushing for an amnio and counseling based on the wong results, and was really starting to upset me and freak me out. i'm already on modified bedrest and doing all i can for the babies, and i figure if the ob knew everything about the pregnancy, i wouldnt have been sent by him to see a peri. This is the same ob who told me to plan on having a c sect at 26-28 weeks, and the peri said she wants to see me go as far as i can, as long as the babies stay looking healthy. i get that being over 35 there is an increased risk of issues. We accept that and happen to think that a 1 in 250-300 chance of problems is a pretty good shot in our favor. What we don't need, is an ob that isnt fully informed, calling and trying to push these things on us when they dont even have the accurate results. How am i supposed to stay calm and stress free and enjoy this pregnancy when unnecessary calls like that one keep me stressed out and worried?

Any other mothers here over the age of 35 and having twins, or am i alone in this?

 

My twins were born when I was 37. I was exactly 37 weeks when they were born weighing 6 lbs 3 ozs and 6 lbs 10 ozs. They were healthy and came home with me.
I would tell your peri about your ob. Maybe you could just see the peri. My ob was in a different town and I just saw the peri who also delivered my girls.
Best wishes to you!

 

I was almost 37 when my twins were born (healthy at 7.5lbs each). My OB actually advised against the triple screen because of the false positives! I wouldn't worry about it! In your level 2 ultrasounds they will meausure and look for certain 'markers' that may indicate issues. Truth is, until they are born, there are no certainties. I would try to relax and not worry. :hug: I know that is difficult to do! Are there other OB's in your practice? Can you see the Peri fulltime? I certainly would be frustrated with calls like that. Of course, they are trying to keep you informed and are trying to be on top of things.

 

I just turned 38 when I had the boys. By choice, I started with a peri at 12 weeks instead of an OB. I wanted someone that dealt with high risk pregnancies all the time. My boys were born via scheduled c-section at 37 weeks 5 days. They were 7 lbs 8 oz and 6 lbs 6 oz -- both healthy. I also declined the triple screen because of false positives and declined the amnio due to potential risk to the babies.

As Jackie stated, I would change OBs or stick with the peri!!!

Good luck!
Mendy

 

I was nearly 36. I decided not to have any tests at all. I didn't want to go through the stress of having tests come back positive, or false positives, I'd seen too many of my friends go thru that to have everything normal in the end.

The girls were born at 37 weeks no problems

 

Oh thank you for all the responses. Hearing them has calmed me sooo much. i really needed it.

 

I was "high risk maternal age" and had the amnio and all was well. We got it based on some funky numbers Everything probably fine! :hug:

 

We did the nucal fold test at 12ish weeks (maybe it was 14?) but we didn't do the bloodwork because the specialists at Mt. Sinai in Toronto said the results are inaccurate with multiple pregnancies and they see far too many false positives to make it worth while.
Sounds like you're doing well, but you might consider accessing another OB. At Mt. Sinai many mothers of twins were automatically sent to the high-risk pregnancy unit, where they had specialized care. Is this an option where you live? We saw a regular OB but at a very high-quality hospital (and he has 32 years of experience!). I was 31 when my boys were born.

I know lots of docs are in a hurry to order C sections for mothers of twins, but don't let anyone rush you. My boys were born by induction at 37.5 weeks (they always measured a week apart on scans, by the way) and I didn't need a C section, even though twin B was breech.

It's hard but try not to worry. Change care providers, if that will make you feel better. But at 5 months I'd probably try to stop spending energy on worrying about abnormalities (easier said than done, I know). You're past the point of no return, you're bonding with your babies, and you're going to have so many scans in the coming months that they'll pick up blatent markers.

Good luck!

 

i went to the AFP testing site for more info and was comforted by what they had to say there, and wanted to share here.

" The controversy in these tests lies in many places. One of which is the accuracy of the screenings. While some claim that they have only a 5% "false positive" rate, most research finds that there are 80+% rate of positive tests while the baby is unaffected. The false positive rates depend on many factors, including appropriate gestational age, maternal age, weight and the presence of diabetes.

Of the positive test results, 90% of these babies will not have any anomalies. There may be other benign reasons for the elevated or low levels of the hormones, specifically the gestational age, or multiple pregnancies. The AFP test is generally done between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy, while the triple screen can be done a bit earlier. The gestational age is very important, because the amount of hormone in your blood will vary with gestational age."

i felt alot better having some facts at hand about this test that i could look at. i have another u/s on the 30th and am hoping and having faith that everything will still be going good with the babies.

 

Any other mothers here over the age of 35 and having twins, or am i alone in this?
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I'm 36 and expecting fraternal twin boys! This is also my first pregnancy... I went through years of infertility and finally got pregnant through IVF. I don't think 37 is THAT old... you will be fine I'm sure!

 

I was Advanced Maternal Age as well. Love that term :laughing: I chose no testing at all as we had 3 healthy children already.

I saw only an OB who didn't push me. Mine were born perfectly healthy @ 6lbs 15oz & 5lbs 11oz. They roomed in, breastfed & came home with me.


I cannot imagine an OB talking about a section @ 26-28wks. That makes no sense and must be a communication error.

 

I was NOT advanced maternal age however I'm a regular diabetic and both the OB and Peri advised me NOT to have the AFP done - that they were absolutely sure that the results would be a false positive due to twins and the diabetes...

I had 2 absolutely healthy (albeit small) babies at 36w!

 

QUOTE(Callen @ Dec 27 2008, 11:02 AM) [snapback]1123076[/snapback]
I cannot imagine an OB talking about a section @ 26-28wks. That makes no sense and must be a communication error.


I agree. Unless there is something that is seriously endangering the fetuses I don't think elective delivery before 36 weeks is typically done.

36 weeks is often considered "full term" for twins, but earlier than that is... well, early!

ETA I am also over 35 and no chromosomal issues.

 

You are definitely not alone. I'm 38 and expecting twins Jun. 14, 2009. A big shock for me too I just remarried and we were planning on just one so I tease him now that he's getting a two-for-one special. So far everything is going well and I'm choosing not to have the testing as I keep hearing about all the confusing, inaccurate results, just don't need the extra stress. Having the babies over here (in Kuwait) away from family is stress enough. I keep telling myself that this is the baby capital of the world so I'll be fine

 

I'm 37 and 26 weeks pregnant with twin girls. Granted they were donor eggs but not sure that matters.

 

"advanced maternal age" :lol: My twins are due 2 weeks after I turn 35...

 

I will be 37 when my twins are born. We had an NT scan done and the results came back positive (1 in 55 chance). We go in next week for the Level 2 ultra sound and are hoping for good results. I am glad to hear that the tests aren't always that accurate. I've only seen my OB, and he said they were 95% accurate for twins, so we've been quite worried for the past couple weeks. We decided against the amino because of the risks, but would like to know if they are both typical or not.

 

I was 39 when my 2 were born, healthy, weighing over 7 lbs each. I opted not to have any of the testing because of the risks & because some of the tests are not accurate with twins. We had regular ultrasounds & all was normal. My 2 are now 2 years old & all is well. Good luck!

 

Hi there!

I was 36 when my girls were born. My water broke at 37w0d. Baby A (6 lb 1 oz) was delivered vaginal. Baby B (5 lb 0 oz) was breech but my OB thought he could turn her. I could tell his much younger and less experienced partner on call that night was not comfortable with it before I even delivered Hannah (A) - I ended up with a C section but will always wonder if my regular OB would have managed to deliver her (safely, of course!) vaginally.

I think most go with either an OB or a Peri but not both - but I'm not sure. I had complete confidence in my OB - very experienced and board certified - he delivered my older daughter and several friends' babies as well. I would not go with any doctor I didn't have complete confidence in unless I had no choice in the matter. I'm thinking your OB must have meant 36-38 weeks, still I would not automatically assume a C section delivery at those dates either.

Sheryl

 

I had my b/g twins when I was 39. They were my plesant surprise package. I only had ultra sound and level 2 ultra sound no other tests. Because I didn't want false results.
My twins were born 34 1/2 weeks, my water broke with my ds. Was in labor for 13 hrs and really wanted to try vbac, my ob who specialized in twins and high risk preg was very supportive. And did everything to help me achieve my goal.
I did end up with emergancy c-section due to fetal distress.
They are healthy 3 yr olds.

 

I was 39 when my girls were born. We also opted to not have any genetic tests done and no amnio. I considered myself lucky to have these 2 and no tests were going to change that. Also, I was afraid of false positives. I understand the tests to "rate your risk" of abnormalities. not a yes or no unless you have the amnio.

I saw my ob every 2 weeks until 30 weeks - then we went each week. My girls were born at 37w 1d. and they went home with me - no NICU.

 

I was 40.5 when I had my first DD (my twins were donor egg at 44). I didn't do any testing at all besides the level II. The NT was not available yet or I would have done that. At 1:250 or 300, you have a higher risk of MC from the amnio than having a child with problems. If you need to know 100% then I would consider the amnio. If 97-98% is enough, then let it go.

 

My husband and I waited a while before we had our first son (he was born 20 days before our 12th anniversary)...I was 36 then. Now, I am 40 and expecting identical girls (dramatically changed my birthday plans this year!). I have enjoyed the peace of mind having extra appointments as a "geriatric" pregnancy. I have had the nuchal translucency test and blood work, but no one has suggested I have any additional tests. I would not have an amnio even if suggested. I feel so blessed to have waited for children, and my 3.5 year old is such a joy. Patience and not being overly wound up like my parents were with me have been a great reward with being an older mom. I pray you really enjoy this and truly savor each moment!

 

I was not quite 35 when my first son was born. I had the AFP and it came back results of a 41 year olds risk of having a child with DS. We waited for the level 2 ultra sound and the MD found no concerns. I will be almost 36 with my twins and my husband and I decided no testing until on an warly ultra sound that found the twins showed some "thickening" in the neck of one of he twins. We decided to have the ERA and I was told that I had the risk of a 20 year old. That made me feel much better. I can't tell you how many people have had false positives with the AFP and those were single pregnancies. I would not have the AFP for any further pregnancies. The anxiety that my husband and I wenmt through was horrible.

Amy

 

You're definitely not alone as an "older" mama; in fact, I have a few years on you. I am 40 now and DH is 43, though neither of us feel our age, and I celebrate my 41st birthday next month. We went ahead with the nuchal translucency screening and my risk is described as very, very low so we will not engage in further testing unless medically necessary. After waiting awhile to start our family, we learned that we had severe male factor infertility, so we had to go through IVF/ICSI. We are blessed that our first IVF treatment got me pregnant with these little ones. I also believe I will be a much better parent and enjoy the whole experience more now than I would have a decade ago, but that's just me.