Getting Pregnant After 40 | The Beginning of the Journey

[@bovitzk]

Wishing you the best Dr. B ❤ I know that it is only thanks to you (former patient from PDX office here!) that I had my first son at 40, and to all that you taught me and the learning you instilled in me that I am now pregnant again at 42 (I'll be 43 by the time this one is born) without even having to try 🥰 You keep doing you and God bless.

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

This comment is everything! Thank you for making my day. And congratulations! So happy for you!

[@taylorgage8902]

My mom had me and my sisters each of us 14months apart at 40,41,42 and she and us are fine !! I love having an “older” mother !

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you for this comment. Such a kind thing to say!

[@ingridadhd]

Had my first baby just before turning 39 and had my second almost a year ago, at 45 ❤️‍🔥 No ivf just by fun and hope, meditating, doing yoga & having fun seggs etc

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Glad you found what worked for you!

[@victablet3480]

Amazing. I am 43, and have been worried about miscarriages, chromosomal abnormalities etc.

[@Every_mix1]

I had my youngest at 44 after an 8 year gap. I had my eldest at 32. I was the first of my friends to have a vaby. Im in ireland. Older pregnancies, late 30s to late 40s is more than norm in Europe, than exception.

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you for sharing this. In the US there’s definitely pressure to have babies younger.

[@cherylmcgrath1120]

So true. My husband is from Ireland and our irish friends have babies into their 40s. We are planning to have a baby soon (I'm 36)

[@heathermcelroy8148]

This is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for. I’m also 41 and trying for pregnancy (first time), while managing an auto-inflammatory disease. Looking forward to joining you on this journey!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

So glad you’re here!

[@syrenaxhaferi7278]

Try going to a naturopathic and get your thyroid and progesterone etc checked

[@veronica.p7]

Same! I was just diagnosed with graves disease. I'm 38 in my 2nd marriage and my husband wants a baby. I have 2 teens. So I've been very confused. I really don't want another baby but I also love my husband and want to make him happy. I'm scared of taking care of a baby with my current energy and auto-immune condition😬🫣 this video helped me so much..that is the kind or info I needed. Thx for sharing🫶🏼

[@californiaspirit9]

I love you Dr. Jolene. I had my child naturally at 45 after a very long journey. She is now 29. I think having a child when you are older makes you a better mother. You really appreciate the miracle. I know she is one reason I feel so much younger. The moments to celebrate never stop. And don't worry, your girl will never actually "leave" home, she just won't physically be there. Your hearts will always be together. :) Emojis and texting can be everyday. I'm sure it is a little hard to be so vulnerable. We all respect you for it.

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

I feel this. Being older definitely makes me a better mom in so many ways.

[@californiaspirit9]

@@DrJoleneBrighten Your children radiate with happiness :)

[@cherylhaber8846]

My grandmother had her first baby at 17 and her last at 45. All eight kids very healthy she had grandkids mixed in their at the same time. I have loved loved belonging to that big family.

[@RosieJ7223]

My mother in law had a similar timeline. And I married her youngest, so I’m glad for the timeline! 😂

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Wow! Grandkids mixed in!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Yes!

[@MirandaBarrett-rz9yp]

I'm 42 years old. Had my tubes tied 18 years ago and I'm thinking of getting them untied in the next year or two. My husband is 45 and has never had a child of his own but he's raised my daughter since she was three years old and he wants a child of his own. And I think now that we're older we might even be better parents than we was when we were younger because we're more stable now and we know alot more through the years of experience than we did when we were young. I have some fears for my health at this age but at the same time I anticipate the joy of being able to create that new life with him.

[@ipedersenj]

This is wonderful! Love that you’re fighting the ridiculous stigma of having babies in late 30s/40s. I’m 39 and a month out from having my 2nd baby. Everyone assumes this very intentional pregnancy was an accident, which is irritating. Best of luck to you and your sweet family on this exciting journey!!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Everyone assumed my second was an accident too!

[@e.a.4546]

In Europe it's so different. Women start at 35 in Europe

[@kaleenagarza2234]

Yay for more babies! I’m 39 and TTC for the first time, so I’m v excited to follow along!

[@joaniescales4359]

Yes! My great grandma had her last child at 45 :) Godbless your journey xx

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you for sharing hope.

[@kynaayala4600]

🤞🏽hopefully we are pregnant this month

[@lyndseypickering440]

Incredible....I literally asked you this exact question on IG like 2 days ago. Never thought I wanted kids (married, have a step daughter I've been with since she was 14 mos old, she's 13 now, felt that was all I wanted). Then I turned 40 a few months ago. I panicked, because now I may be ready and I felt wayyyyyy too late to the game. This announcement changes SO MUCH for me and my life. I'm in tears. Thank you 🙌🙌🙌 My grandma had her 5th kid at 40, in the 1960s...it's always been normalized in my family. I don't know why I've let American society get in my way, mentally. I will be along for your journey no matter what! #legend

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you for sharing this with me. I hope what I share will be helpful for you on your journey.

[@arpisemerdjian4009]

I recently had an open myomectomy in April to remove a large fibroid. I was advised to not get pregnant until at least 6 months post surgery and am currently 43 y/o and still would like to try for a (first) baby so this keeps me hopeful!

[@allthingshealthy2314]

Oh I love this! I’m almost 33 and haven’t started trying for baby #1 because of health issues and not being ready. This gives me hope that I have plenty of time. Thanks Dr B! 💗

[@katiie7]

I’ll be starting around the same time for the exact same reasons, you’re not alone! 💕

[@allthingshealthy2314]

Thank you for your comment 🥺💗 “you’re not alone” is such a powerful phrase to hear. Sending love your way my friend!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

I'm so happy to hear that. I'll be sharing more details about the routine to get ready for baby soon!

[@abigaileades6581]

I’m so excited to follow along! I had my first three at 36, 38 (sadly she passed at 7 days old due to T18), and 39. At 42 I’ve had 2 miscarriages but we are still trying for #4! My OB said it’s harder to get pregnant in your 40s - is that true or just American thinking? I’ll be 43 this summer and trying not to worry. Like you, we want more people at family gatherings and our girls to have another sibling. Good luck!!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

It can be harder to get pregnant as we get older, but that doesn’t make it impossible. I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart ♥️ goes out to you.

[@traceykruger4157]

Congratulations! I started 'late,' and had my third (and last) child at 39. Wishing you guys all the best!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you

[@jessicac8992]

Thank you so much for sharing & am excited to hear & learn- just had my 1st @ 39

[@jene4549]

Congratulations! I had baby #3 at 42 and baby #4 at 44. (Was suggested by a maternal fetal doc to abort) You can do it!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

I'm grateful I have a good MFM. I appreciate this comment so much!

[@talltalllady]

It's disgusting that the doctor suggested that. Shame on that doctor. I'm glad you didn't listen.

[@RosieJ7223]

Praying for you! I I have many friends/ family who had babies “later” in life and most of them already had multiple children. They would get stares and comments for their age…plus stares and comments for the number of children they had. Humans just can’t resist staring and commenting, can we??? Hope the journey is wonderful for you and your sweet fam!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Seems that women’s lives are always free for judging. I agree, just let people live their life and be happy.

[@seekhimfirstmom]

Love this! I had my 4th at 41. It was such a blessing. She’s 10 months now.

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Congratulations 🎉

[@marianamorales5099]

Love this Dr J. Im currently 26 weeks, 32 y/o and it has been difficult to be pregnant while having autoimmune symptoms (previously exposed to mold) and dont have many options to support my body while navigating pregnancy and symptoms. I think before this never thought of those who find themselves pregnant with xyz health conditions. Sending love to you and your beautiful family

[@dawnmarie4592]

So happy for you! I have six children and had my last one at 37.....the house was full of activity and I loved it! Family gatherings are busy and wonderful ...I have 4 out of the house now, 2 married each with a baby....my 2 teenage boys love being uncles!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

This sounds incredible! If I had the time I’d have more!!

[@thewonderwomansassistant692]

I am so delighted by your announcement! My partner & I are also planning on extending our joy of being parents soon and since I am 42, I have a few worries... I will be following you & wishing you all the best ❤️

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

I’m so excited for you!

[@caitd7313]

this is aweome!! thank you for sharing your journey - I am 34 and TTC and there is so much stigma and fear around trying to concieve "later" in life...I am excited to watch your journey unfold!

[@acceber54]

Thank you so much! I feel like I am not alone as I am 39 and TTC . I am nurse and there is so much stigma on age. I am excited to hear your insights. And thank you for sharing publicly your journey with us!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

So much stigma!

[@mechasuit]

Congrats! This is really insightful to watch and gives inspiration. I'm turning 30 this year and still don't feel quite ready but have immense pressure to have one before 35. Looking forward to watching your journey!

[@tarynwyatt8731]

I SO feel you on the large family thing!!! I come from a gigantic family as well(but distant) and also over the generations there have been fewer children. I am an only child and ever since I was a teenager I've wanted to be the matriarch of a huge family. I lost that vision in my twenties as I struggled to find myself, and a partner. My twenties were dark times and I convinced myself that I was never going to be in a stable relationship and that I didn't want children. It was all fear driven. Then at 27 I met my husband. It took several years to open my heart to the possibility of a family again, my husband wanted kids from day 1. We married in September 2019 and were going to start ttc after our honeymoon. Well, then the pandemic hit, we drank a lot for the first couple months, and then I discovered that my grandmother was losing her fight with cancer. The stress and anguish of going through that with her didn't start to subside until early 2021. I concieved in February and miscarried at the end of March. We then decided that we would move out of our downtown condo and pursue a life in the country. We ended up having to live with parents for a year and my husband was dead set against having a newborn at either of our parents' homes, so we waited. We moved out April this year and I concieved on the first try. I am now 13w+2 and will be 36 when this baby is born*hopefully*. It is stressing me a little to think that the size of our family may be limited by my age. Aside from my great-grandmother, there aren't very many women among my relatives who had children past 30. I hope to see lots of happy news amongst yourself and your followers! The other problem is that my husband only wants 2 kids... I want at least 5🤯🤣😂😅

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Congratulations! I feel like once you have a baby the perspective on how many you want changes. We’ve certainly changed our minds over here.

[@tarynwyatt8731]

@@DrJoleneBrighten oh yeah, for sure! Nothing is permanent, including feelings and desires. Also, thank you!

[@andregloka]

I am so glad I found your channel. I grew up in a society that told me that if haven't had children by 35 I would never have them because I will be too old and my babies will have anomalies if they were born. I have been trying to get pregnant intentionally since I was 32. We tried for a year and didn't get pregnant. I got pregnant after my 3rd IUi but I had a miscarriage at 34. Now undergoing IVF, my first embaby didn't take. I still have hope it will happen. I will still love to conceive naturally one day...so far it has not happened. You give me hope that I still have time regardless of what my culture background say. I look forward to your journey as I believe it will benefit many of us in so many ways.

[@ashestoglory2319]

Oh my goodness i needed to hear this I have a 13 y /o a 1 year at 39 and currently found out im pregnant again. Scary but excited.. oh and yes if this is a successful pregnancy. Im done❤

[@this.vibrantlife]

Good for you! Sending you love and following along on the journey. ♥️

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you!

[@KateErickson]

How amazing Jolene! Very excited you'll be sharing this journey with us - thank you!! I will be following closely and sending you so much love as you embark on this journey to growing your family!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you! Happy to have you here!

[@nelsemi1]

I'm hoping. Just turned 40, but by now, I'd be 41 by due date if we'd conceive successfully. S/O will soon be 42 and has no kids of his own. I have an 8 and 10 year old from previous relationship. He really hopes to become a bio father! So we are doing all we can to safely, naturally and healthfully make it happen if we can!

[@kaityhoard122]

37 and actively TTC so bring me along! Would love to have two so a pregnancy In my 40s is posssible!!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Sending you lots of baby dust to get pregnant!

[@juliethmedina-cici9198]

So happy and excited to learn about this next chapter of your life! Thank you for bringing us along and sharing whatever you feel in your heart is right to share!! Bendiciones para toda su familia Dr. Brighten.

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you for being here.

[@leslienelis301]

Congratulations, prayers to you & your family.

[@FertilityCharting]

This was so beautiful to watch and listen to your reasons for trying for another baby. Thank you for sharing. And congratulations on this big decision Dr Brighten!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you for your support! You know I’m charting and tracking to do this!

[@romalynunez4163]

Yay!!!! I’m in pre-treatment for IVF and I just turned 40, so this is gonna be so interesting. Thanks for sharing your journey, and I’d love to see Brighten baby #3 ❤️❤️❤️

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Super excited for you!

[@janellecastillo691]

I am so stinkin excited for you and your family Dr. Jolene! Sendings tons of love! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you so much.

[@bv7924]

I also have hashimotos. I’m 34 and have not been able to get pregnant. Looking forward to everything you share. Thank you. 💕💕💕

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Hashimoto’s definitely had its own considerations, that’s for sure. I’ll be sharing more on that.

[@genevievea3558]

You are inspirational! Thank you for being brave enough to share such a private and vulnerable journey with us all ❤️

[@amandagillilan1981]

I love this!! Thank you for sharing your journey. I will be 35 soon and am not ready for another baby quite yet! My first is 19 months & nursing to sleep as I type this. I want more babies just not quite yet. I appreciate sharing your story & reminding me I still have plenty of time.

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

This comment means a lot. And I can relate to the breastfeeding and typing. That’s been my life for the last year and I’m ready to do it some more!

[@andreeaioana03]

Biggest huge congratulations for this decision.. All the love and the joy, best of luck ❤️❤️❤️

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you!

[@arwen1451]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. This gives me hope ❤

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you for being here!

[@ChristianCareerJoy]

Congratulations! Yes normalize getting pregnant at an older age (by the way I am 41 too and I think we are young!)

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

I feel that!

[@veronicaott2337]

Currently trying for baby #1, I’m so excited to share this journey with you. There’s no one better to learn from. Sending you baby dust!!!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Thank you. Right back at you.

[@jenniferjohnson2931]

Very excited for you! I am going through menopause at 40, and started around 37. A baby sounds way cooler. Best of luck to you!!

[@MelaniesManicures]

I had my last child at 40 and now I’m 44 and my husband and I wanted to give it one more shot at another before my time runs out

[@ambermoreland4315]

Congratulations, can’t wait to join you on the journey for baby #3! Sending positive vibes your way 💕

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

I really appreciate it.

[@yvetttejansevanrensburg927]

This is amazing news! 🙌

[@bigsisterlifeadvice1787]

Yay! I hope everything goes smoothly! Cheers to baby #3!

[@SkrimpSkirmp]

God bless you and your family ! You inspire me ❤️

[@lovely1_mama]

Wishing you all the best! Looking forward to following the next step of your adventure.

[@Angelina-lh2oh]

So happy for you and excited to see this amazing journey. Sending blessings and good vibes 💕

[@masakikl8842]

Can’t wait to follow this amazing journey 😍

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

So glad you’re here!

[@CourtDejur]

So happy for you all! ❤

[@ariannyag6]

What a beautiful journey 🤍🫶🏼

[@warriorsnotdancers8484]

Thank you for this! I had my first at 40 following 2 miscarriages.. started trying for #2 within 6 months of the first and have had 7 more losses.. so 9 total and I’m 43 now.. my only living child got Lyme from me in the womb.. didn’t know I had it but now it’s being determined that’s the main cause of my losses, not just “age”.. going to start try again soon .. have hashimoto too .. can’t wait to follow you on this journey.. I need the encouragement myself.. also check out Bettina Gordon.. joy of later age motherhood.. great book and awesome lady.. she gave me hope to keep going after my first two losses

[@lakeshaborden1744]

This is what I need. I am 41 and my gynecologist wants me to see a fertility specialist. I want to experience motherhood again. My one and only is 16 years old and will be leaving home in a couple years fir college.

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

It’s never a bad idea to meet with a specialist and know all your options!

[@annethiel7511]

Best wishes to you and your family! 💗

[@ashleymews]

So happy you are willing to share your journey. My goal is to have a large family as well. I'm 38 though and out of five pregnancies have only a four year old daughter. My very last pregnancy ended in a stillbirth at 36 weeks. My baby boy was perfect. We do not know what happened. My husband and I are crushed as we didn't even share our pregnancy news until I was 7 months along. I feel like we are doing all the right things but devastation still finds us. We will be embarking on trying again when my body is ready so I'm interested in learning all the things you are willing to share!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Oh my heart! I’m so sorry to hear this.

[@melissalee3510]

Congratulations!🎉🎉

[@syrenaxhaferi7278]

I'm 40 in a few weeks....I'm 4 months pregnant....I had PCOS in the past....had a regular period a year and a half before I got pregnant...because I stopped eating sugar....and trash foods and I went to a naturopathic doctor who gave me thyroid medication and progesterone from wild Mexican yam

[@JenniferKelly427]

I am about to start your book Beyond the Pill. I've been on the pill since I was 16 and I'm 40 now single, never married. Wanted kids when I was younger then didn't and still think I don't ..but what if I go off the pill and suddenly meet someone and do want kids. It's all so confusing to me, so I think this journey will be super interesting to follow!

[@richellehedrich5754]

This is so amazing Dr. Jolene!! I can hardly wait to hear what supplements are helpful for men!! Motility is as important as volume! Love you so much! Thank you for sharing your heart! It’s helpful!! 💜💜💜

[@athackra]

How exciting! Good on you for going for it. Seems very common to have babies 40+ now. Have you ever talked about how you found it managing the age difference between your two boys? And how your first adjusted? how was it going back to the baby stage? Curious as we are looking at a big age diff between 1&2 as well! Wishing you all the best and a soon to be growing family!

[@daniellehosper8239]

Nearly impossible after age 35?? Ugh I haven’t heard that before and I’m 30 with no kids..but hopeful for one someday. Wishing you all the success in this journey!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

I appreciate it!

[@incognito_asmr_]

6 months pregnant at 41 🤗

[@UMNole2001]

This soothes my nerves a lot. 39 and haven’t ever tried to get pregnant. Looking forward to all these! 🤍 thank you for sharing.

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

♥️ glad you’re here

[@e.a.4546]

What's the problem with getting pregnant at 40!

[@akilav2981]

So inspiring!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Appreciate your comment

[@badashmama]

Ahh I'm so excited for y'all and so excited to be along for the journey!! Thank you for de-stigmatizing this! I had my first at 31 and I just love motherhood so much too that I want a lot of babies! But feel pressured due to my age (32 now). Thank you for making me feel like I DO have time to have all the babies I want :) Also, would love to know, are you still breastfeeding while TTC #3? Currently nursing my almost 1 year old, and don't want to wean but want to TTC!

[@stefanieschulz3271]

I love the idea of normalizing 40+ pregnancies, I myself am 34 yo now and following you on Instagram has been such a positive journey for me! What I struggle with is the thought though, to have children at all - in a world that is already overpopulated and doesn't have a bright future. I would love to go through the experience of pregnancy and motherhood but how do mothers (and fathers) these days take the decision about creating life in this context? I hope you understand I'm not trying to take your joy about this decision but I'm curious about your perspective on this. Wishing you and your family all the best 💕

[@joannebuttner]

This is slightly off topic but I saw in one of your previous videos that you were suffering with long covid. I'm curious to know how you're coping with that since the birth of your previous child and how you're managing the long covid alongside motherhood in general.

[@yvetttejansevanrensburg927]

Dr Brighten, I am over 35 with Hasshimotos, and we have started to talk about kids. Is it true that your TSH need to be below 1 to fall pregnant? And is there any other advice from your experience falling pregnant and staying pregnant with thyriod and anit-bodies? Love all your videos so much. Thank you!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Less than 2.5 is what most docs recommend for a TSH when TTC. Closer to 1 is better for some people but it doesn’t have to be less than 1 for everyone.

[@yvetttejansevanrensburg927]

@@DrJoleneBrighten thank you so much. Truely appriciate your reply xx

[@Cupcake4me]

I lost a baby at 36 after getting pregnant very easily 🙏🏼 l and I’m currently 38. Looking forward to being blessed with one in my early 40s. Thank you for taking us with you on your journey, it’s very appreciated ❤️🙏🏼

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I know firsthand how difficult that is.

[@Cupcake4me]

@@DrJoleneBrighten Thank you 🙏🏼❤️

[@purpleflows5680]

Thank you for sharing this. Your vulnerability is seen and I’m personally grateful to you for having this conversation with all of us. I have always felt great about myself and have a healthy system (been consciously practicing healthy hormone habits since my 20s) and am often mistaken for being at least 15 years younger than I am… However, since considering trying to have my first child at 39 and being bombarded with messages about how old I am… it has taken a mental toll tbh. I have never considered my age to be a factor to be concerned with until moving into pre-conception mode. Both my grandmothers had children into their mid-forties, so I guess I didn’t think it was a thing to be concerned with. But terms like geriatric uterus and others feel hurtful and mess with self-confidence. I feel like engaging with the conventional medical system instills a ton of fear.

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

You’re so kind. Thank you.

[@kynaayala4600]

I’m trying to get pregnant an I’m 44 this will be my 3rd month

[@valeriekelly6737]

I had my children late in life at 35 and 39. In my case, I was told I was advance maternal age. I heard this repeatedly , so annoying!

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

I hear you. It’s annoying for sure.

[@brendabenitez7359]

Older moms are much more patient and dedicated to their babies. Perfect for motherhood! I’m 38 and also looking for my 3rd. It’s hasn’t been easy for me, with 5 losses, but not giving up on my rainbow baby. I’m going to enjoy every stage of my pregnancy even the morning sickness. Something I didn’t do with my other 2 which I was 17, 26 because I took it for granted.

[@AliceM-do8mw]

No matter if you’re been called infertile or whatever, after reading Dobbie Nerkstrol's guide, I ended up pleasantly surprised. Within 60 days anyone can get pregnant, feeling the changes in your body the first few weeks. After go’ogling her I understood it's not a miracle kind of thing like the title suggests, but you can bet you'll boost your chances.

[@melissalee3510]

I do that to lmao

[@melissalee3510]

Well I'm 46😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jjiggydoc]

Girlfriend pregnant at 41....

[@nancyFLRN]

I can’t imagine anyone trying to have a baby in this time of world turmoil.

[@DrJoleneBrighten]

Why is that?

[@ivetabombalova3933]

@@DrJoleneBrighten She is talking about stress and insecurities!

[@LATX1388]

We decided against trying for now because of that exact reason.

[@evawisenbeck]

For me parents full of love birthing more love into this world is just what will help rebalance the turmoil :)

[@nancyFLRN]

@@evawisenbeck I look at it from the standpoint, I love my unborn child so much that I refuse to bring a human into a world of chaos, evil, and uncertainty. But, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I am happy to hear someone is so positive on the outlook of society and their government as a whole. The financial struggles and food insecurities that are about to hit are going to be like nothing we’ve ever seen. Most are not paying attention to the financial collapse that is about to take place and I am happy to hear there are people that still believe we can make it on love alone. We need more people like you, so keep’m coming, we support you. 💕

[@JadeRouzeau]

I am so confused by all the recommendations for supplements. Can I message you on Instagram? I’m just so lost. I’m 42 going to be 43 and I had my first baby when I was 39 and your video very much moved me because I feel a lot of the same things.