.....or more lovingly referred to as "AMA". That's me. I hate that at the age of 36 and expecting my fourth child in August, I am "advanced maternal age". I realize that the risks in pregnancies and deliveries increase after the age of 35. I know that there are all kinds of studies and statistics to prove this fact. But I still HATE this new moniker of mine.
Because I am AMA, I was sent to a specialist to get my routine 20-week ultrasound where they found everything to be perfectly perfect. But, because of my AMA, they could only GUARANTEE me perfection if I agreed to an amniocentesis. "Is there cause for concern that would necessitate an amnio?", I nervously asked. Their response was that they found nothing alarming or noteworthy, but if I wanted a GUARANTEE I would need an amniocentesis. They asked me THREE times!! THREE!! I am so grateful that my husband was with me to assure me, once we were safely outside, that everything is fine and they are just trying to do their job and be thorough.
Is anything a guarantee?? Did I need to worry? Would it serve me better to know that there MIGHT be a problem so that I could prepare myself? Or is it better to live the rest of my pregnancy in ignorant bliss?
I just had a follow-up with my OB who said, "I see you went to get your ultrasound and everything looks great. How'd you like that whole 'AMA' thing?" Bless her.
She proceeded to tell me that she has 10 patients right now over 40 who are having babies. This reminded me that my grandmother gave birth to my mother in 1940 at the age of 40. She must have really been an outcast!
Don't get me wrong....I am fully aware of the increased risk. Really I am. And it IS a valid concern.
I guess the bottom line is, I don't feel advanced - in any sense of the word.
Because I am AMA, I was sent to a specialist to get my routine 20-week ultrasound where they found everything to be perfectly perfect. But, because of my AMA, they could only GUARANTEE me perfection if I agreed to an amniocentesis. "Is there cause for concern that would necessitate an amnio?", I nervously asked. Their response was that they found nothing alarming or noteworthy, but if I wanted a GUARANTEE I would need an amniocentesis. They asked me THREE times!! THREE!! I am so grateful that my husband was with me to assure me, once we were safely outside, that everything is fine and they are just trying to do their job and be thorough.
Is anything a guarantee?? Did I need to worry? Would it serve me better to know that there MIGHT be a problem so that I could prepare myself? Or is it better to live the rest of my pregnancy in ignorant bliss?
I just had a follow-up with my OB who said, "I see you went to get your ultrasound and everything looks great. How'd you like that whole 'AMA' thing?" Bless her.
She proceeded to tell me that she has 10 patients right now over 40 who are having babies. This reminded me that my grandmother gave birth to my mother in 1940 at the age of 40. She must have really been an outcast!
Don't get me wrong....I am fully aware of the increased risk. Really I am. And it IS a valid concern.
I guess the bottom line is, I don't feel advanced - in any sense of the word.
