Almost 47—Could I be Pregnant?
Question
Hi–
I will be 47 in March. Every now and then over the last couple of years, my period will be 7-10 days late. My OB/GYN says that I’m on the way to menopause, not just because of these symptoms, but also due to an FSH level of 23 taken a year ago.
I have had six pregnancies, two of which ended in miscarriage, the most recent miscarriage being four years ago. I’ve heard that sometimes what appears to be pregnancy symptoms are actually menstrual symptoms. I started my periods when I was thirteen, and have been always, ALWAYS on time, even when I was stressed–going thru a divorce from my first husband (the divorce was over ten years ago) etc, my period was the one constant in my life.
At any rate, as of today, my period is over two weeks late. I used an HPT on 1/14- negative, on 1/22–negative. I went to the doctor on 1/23 for a blood test–negative. I took another HPT on 1/28, also negative.
But yet, still no period. I’ve had off and on nausea since my period was due, as well as bloating, some off and on constipation, exhaustion and since I’ve been there six times before, I think I know what I’m talking about when it comes to symptoms. My husband and I only had sex once in December (the 23rd), due him being out of town. Could I still be pregnant? I question it because my younger sister was four months along before they found out she was pregnant (this was eight years ago)–all the tests, both blood and urine were done at the doctors office.
I know that this is long, but I need some advice.
Thanks,
Abbey
Answer
Last Updated: October 21, 2013
In general, is it possible to be pregnant at almost 47? Yes! One of my favorite sayings is “it ain’t over ’til it’s over” and until you have not had a period for an entire year, you have not reached menopause and it is very possible to get pregnant. We know that a woman’s cycles begin to slow down and change once she reaches 40 but as long as she is still cycling, she is still generally fertile and capable of achieving pregnancy.
You have been blessed with regular cycles, seemingly unaffected by stresses in your life, which is why you suspect a pregnancy now that you are late. Even though you and your husband were only intimate once, it only takes one time if you are fertile at that time. You also are experiencing symptoms which are familiar to you because of your six prior pregnancies. In my experience, it is possible to get false negatives for awhile and you seem to have a history of it, at least with something similar happening to your sister.
My advice regarding whether you’re pregnant or not would be to wait another two weeks and then take another test. I know it is difficult to wait but sometimes the signs aren’t as strong if you are newly-pregnant. Then there is the possibility that you will get your period within that time and you will have another answer.
But I have to ask you how you feel about the possibility of being pregnant — is this a shock and something too horrible to contemplate or are you happy about the possibility, as disconcerting as it seems right now? And how does your husband feel? Having a child later in life can be a great surprise but also a great blessing to parents — I know, because I had my youngest at almost 42! They keep you young at heart. You could use the next two weeks as a time of contemplation, pondering on the future as you await some concrete answers and making some positive decisions regarding parenting if it turns out that you are pregnant. Be assured of my prayers for you for peace at this time of confusion and turmoil and possible congratulations!
Pam Polis
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