Genetic counseling - older mothers

I will be at least 41 if/when I have my first child.  Simon and I want to start trying right away after the wedding so who knows!

My question is - how are births to older mothers handled in England?  Do they do all the genetic counseling and stuff that is done here in the US?  Will I be considered "high risk" right off the bat as I would here at home?  I want to know what to be prepared for, and if I should do some things here in the States before I make the move.

Thanks!
~Liza

I wouldn't worry too much about it, you can get as good  care here as you can in the U.S. Check out this website, you won't feel so alone!!!!
www.mothersover40.com.
The minute I read your post, I was reminded of Tony Blair's wife, who had a child over 40, also Madonna, although I don't know whether she had that child here, I know she lives here part of the time.......It's done all the time, in both countries, and the care here is great. Do you know, I see WAY more babies, in their strollers, on the streets here than I do in the states. And the prescribed medication for a child up to 16, (I think) is free. There are sooooo many benefits to having a baby here, as apposed to the states!!

The only thing, lizaanne -- should you ever need or want any IVF assistance (hopefully not--sending all good wishes your way) -- the NHS only offers that (two attempts I think) for women up to age 39.  So that would likely be out of pocket or if you/SO had insurance that covered it.  Of course, this would be no different than what's generally available in the States anyway.  I was looking into it at one time.

A lot depends on your location.  Some places do not offer routine nuchal scans for older mums on the NHS - they must pay privately for them.  I've never heard of CVS being offered on the NHS either - only privately.  They will offer amnio, but again it depends on your location as to whether or not it is routine.    

Of course, if you wish to pay privately there's no testing that's available in the US that you can't get in the UK.  

As far as fertility goes, you can be referred to a specialist after 6 months of trying if you are over 35.  

Madonna had her child in the US.  

I don't think you'll find much private insurance over here that will cover IVF unless you're fortunate enough to work for a large company who has negotiated a great deal with the insurer. And even if they have, often, coverage will change at the big places.

I think there are a couple of books that are UK based and geared to the over 40 Mom.

Not 100% sure about this, but genetic prescreening of embryos for IVF may not be permitted here.  Look it up on BBC - it was in the news recently.

Related link on UKY (but it's a bit specific to Scotland)

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=14946.0;topicseen

Will I be considered "high risk" right off the bat as I would here at home? 

No.  You're not considered 'high risk' unless you have a pre-existing medical condition or develop complications early in pregnancy. 

I like the no-fuss attitude in the UK.  There's none of the mollycoddling that goes on in the US and it's so refreshing!

Unless proven otherwise, you're considered pregnant, not ill. 

Unless proven otherwise, you're considered pregnant, not ill. 

I seem to recall your being quite ill with this pregnancy...

I seem to recall your being quite ill with this pregnancy...

I vomited a lot w/the last one as well.  But so long as you're not retching blood or dehydrated from vomiting, it's treated as normal pregnancy - as is other lovely possible side effects like heartburn/acid reflux, piles, incredible fatigue, stretchmarks, dizziness and swollen extremities.  I can't say it's the most comfortable state I've been in - btw, has Stella had her baby yet?? 

If you're over 35 you are considered somewhat high risk - they do emphasise the risk of downs syndrome when they offer amniocentisis.  But basically unless you have any problems during pregnancy you are treated as "normal" although they will probably try and put you off a home birth (that was my experience).

This is all good to know!  I'm so glad to hear so many people speak highly of the medical care, I've heard nothing but Americans tell me how horrible it is supposed to be. 

I will be eligible for my (then) husband's private health insurance, and I'm sure my company will offer some form of it as well as our compensation packages are quite good.  So this with the NHS should cover my needs nicely I would think.

I don't have to worry about any fertility assistance, we are both Catholic and would not take that route regardless of the situation.  But thank you for offering the information anyway, you would not know that unless I told you. 

I will have to get used to the idea of a less "controlled" environment.    I am the type to freak out and need all the bells and whistles!!!  hehehe   It will be fine though - Simon is so good at keeping things in perspective for me when I get out of hand.   - In other words he knows when to tell me to calm down when I'm freaking out, but not when I would be of the mind to reach out and slug him.     He's pretty perceptive that way.

~Liza

I know plenty of Catholics who had fertility treatments involving their own sperm and eggs.  Didn't realise it wasn't something they weren't supposed to be doing  . 

Giving birth here is deffo not a bells and whistles experience.  Thankfully.

I know plenty of Catholics who had fertility treatments involving their own sperm and eggs.  Didn't realise it wasn't something they weren't supposed to be doing  . 

I'm not making a judgement here, just educating.    In the Catholic Church, the act of "providing sperm" (avoiding the "m" word here) is considered a sinful act.  This must happen for the sperm to be collected for the procedure.  If a specifically designed "collection condom" is used, it still separates the husband and wife during the sex act which is unacceptable.  I have heard that there are instances of obtaining permission from one's local Bishop to have certain treatments done, but I believe they are rare. 

A quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 

2379 The Gospel shows that physical sterility is not an absolute evil. Spouses who still suffer from infertility after exhausting legitimate medical procedures should unite themselves with the Lord's Cross, the source of all spiritual fecundity. They can give expression to their generosity by adopting abandoned children or performing demanding services for others.

I know that some Catholics do choose to use reproductive technology to become pregnant.  It's just not something we are interested in and choose to follow the tenents of our Faith. 

~Liza

Ah, I see!  But then why go for genetic testing at all, since the Church also forbids terminating a pregnancy if the baby has abnormalities?  Besides which, genetic testing can only provide information about certain disorders.  So many others - autism, some forms of cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, etc. 

I'm just curious.  I'm Catholic myself, but have opted not to go for any genetic testing (I am under 35) w/either of these pregnancies b/c terminating is not an option for me personally.  I trust that God will not give us more than we can handle and it will all work out how it is supposed to in the end. 

Just my 2p.