If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either an older mum-to-be, considering becoming one, or just curious about the wild ride that is pregnancy after 35. So, grab a (non-alcoholic) drink, put your feet up, and let me share my journey as a first-time mum at 40. Spoiler alert: it’s not as scary as some might have you believe!

First off, can we talk about how they call it a “geriatric pregnancy”? How old does that make you feel?! It sounds like you should be knitting booties in a rocking chair rather than waddling from work to your prenatal yoga class. But don’t let the term scare you – laugh it off! In my view, it’s just a silly label for the pregnancy journey you’re about to embark on as a mature mum.

The Joy of Being “High Risk”

Ah, the label of “high risk.” Sounds daunting, right? But here’s the scoop: it mainly means you’ll get to know your doctor’s office very, very well. I’m talking about bi-weekly ultrasounds, frequent check-ups, and towards the end, a daily rendezvous with the CTG machine. I swear, I knew all the nurses by name and could navigate that office blindfolded.

Family members who had babies in their twenties (and in other countries) were green with envy over the stack of ultrasound images we had. But let me tell you, those envious looks faded fast when they heard about the waiting times, blood pressure checks, and daily finger pricks for diabetes tests. Trust me, no one was jealous of that part!

Energy Boost: Feeling Great at 40

Despite the frequent visits and endless monitoring, I felt pretty good throughout my pregnancy. Seriously, I had more energy than ever. I stayed physically active, worked up until the last possible day, and even celebrated my 40th birthday with a party where I danced the night away with alcohol-free wine and cocktails. I didn’t feel the apparently negative effects of some high-risk factors at all – so the constant doctor’s appointments started to feel more annoying than necessary.

Doctors, Dollars, and Dealing with Advice

Here’s where it gets interesting. It sometimes felt like my doctors saw a big pound sign on my head. They kept finding more risk factors and reasons to monitor me closely. Of course, it’s essential to take medical advice seriously, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that my health insurance was being milked for every penny. So, here’s my golden nugget of advice: trust your body and your instincts.

Ride the Hormone Rollercoaster with Humour

One memorable part of my pregnancy was the hysterical laughing fits, often coupled with tears. Imagine laugh-crying your way through a meeting or bursting into giggles while takinjg a shower. Yup, that’s what happened to me, at least. I felt like that “laughing tears” emoji! But hey, you can be excused—you’re pregnant! My body started doing some weird things, but I learned to roll with it. I knew what I “normally” felt like, and knew that I still felt well, even though my hormones were running wild. In any case, I was glad to be old enough and at ease with myself so I could take it with humour; otherwise, the worry might really get to you.

Trust Your Instincts Through the Medical Maze

My top tip is: Don’t let others tell you how to feel. Be confident in your perception of your body. Yes, listen to the medical advice, discuss it in detail with your doctor, nurse, or midwife, and make informed decisions. But remember, the more you worry and stress, the more likely your health is to suffer. Enjoy your pregnancy as much as you can. After all, it’s a miraculous wonder that your body is producing, no matter your age.

The Final Countdown

So, older mums-to-be, embrace the journey. Yes, it comes with extra check-ups and more precautions. But the wisdom of “old age” I think allows us to enjoy the incredible moments and surprises with a healthy dose of humour. It means you can better trust yourself. And by reading this, know that you’re not alone. We’re a growing tribe of fabulous, older mums, rocking this pregnancy and parenting thing one (high risky) step at a time.

Here’s to happy, healthy, and laughter-filled “geriatric” pregnancies!