Pregnancy After 40: Risks, Symptoms & Safety Concerns

Question
40 years old, 3 children...jan 17,2005...  I SUPPOSE THAT IM JUST CONCERNED ABOUT A SAFE PREGNANCY...IVE HEARD MANY PEOPLE TALK ABOUT HAVING ULTRASOUNDS AND THERE ISNT A FETUS...IM GETTING AN ULTRASOUND IN ABOUT 3 WEEKS BUT IM SO ANXIOUS ABOUT WAITING ...ARE THERE ANY SYMPTONS THAT I NEED TO BE LOOKING FOR THAT WOULD LET ME KNOW OF DANGER...BASICALLY IM HAVING NORMAL PREG SYMPTOMS...BUT IM VERY ANXIOUTOUS...ALSO WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF USING NASAL SPRAY DURING PREGNANCY...THANKS CAROL ISLER

Answer
At the age of 40, the only problem you may have is the increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities. This can be tested with amniocentesis and (sometimes) sonography. The best time to take a sonogram is after 14 weeks gestation. You can use nasal spray during pregnancy but use it sparingly to avoid overuse of epinephrine. Try not to worry. There is no reason for you to think anything is wrong.