Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To decide not to have a 3rd child

30 replies

chippingsparrow · 04/03/2026 03:07

We have 2 kids, DD13 and DS10.
My husband always wanted 3. I was on the fence for a few years, but then I made peace with the idea that we would stop at 2 children. Our kids were very, very active, and I feel like only in the past year have we finally had things together and been able to catch a break. DH would gently drop hints sometimes that he still wanted three and hoped I’d change my mind.

Two months ago, I became pregnant unexpectedly. Even though it was a surprise, we were both delighted. We started making all the plans: what we would do with a third child, my job, moving house, etc. Our children, especially DD13, were very excited, as they are both very keen on having a younger sibling.
And then I had an early miscarriage. I’m still recovering from the loss and feel completely confused.

Having just gone through the excitement of expecting a baby and then having it taken away makes me wonder if I would ever regret not trying again. The clock is ticking (I’ll be 40 next year). With the pregnancy risks are higher, and I’m scared it might happen again. Although I’ve envisioned our older children adoring the baby and she/he bringing a lot of joy, I’m also dreading the sleepless nights and the extended responsibilities.

Please tell me will I regret not having the 3rd?
I just want to be able to make up my mind and us find peace again if we decide not to have another child.

OP posts:
PhaseFour · 04/03/2026 05:13

Sorry - just reread my post. I had my last DC at 35, but my first post says 30.

PhaseFour · 04/03/2026 05:12

Sorry for your loss.

This might be controversial on MN, and many posters will disagree, but i think having the energy to have a baby at 40+ does not necessarily equate to having the energy for a 5 year old at 45+, and / or a teenager at 53+.

Also, a big age gap can be challenging especially, if you already have teenagers (or approaching teenagers,) then a baby at 40+.

I have a big age gap: my eldest was 8, then 10 then 12 when their siblings were born, and I had my last baby at 35.

My energy levels with menopause and working full time are shockingly low - I didn't realise the full impact menopause would have on my sleep, energy, my need for quiet and calm, and my mental health (anxiety, drop in confidence), aching jpints, etc.

If my youngest had been born when I was 40+ rather than 30, I would be on my knees now with a 10year old.

I now have gorgeous DGCs added into the mix, but if my youngest was 10 now, I definitely wouldn't have the energy to look after them as much as I would want to. I barely have the energy now after being at work all week.

I don't think you'll regret it, OP. I'm so glad I had my last DC at 35 and not any older.

Ooopsyididit · 04/03/2026 04:57

Sorry for your loss OP.
A third especially with a gap is hard work, you just have to decide if you want your independence and some you time or you want to go back to no sleep, nappies and school runs again.
Thats the toss up really. A baby will of course bring lots of joy but with added work.
I hope whatever you decide you are happy.

Iocanepowder · 04/03/2026 04:43

It’s possible your kids were excited by the novelty but don’t understand what really comes with a baby and then a toddler.

My 2 year old is still a shit sleeper, we are exhausted, she is clingy and takes my attention away from my 5 year old.

Personally, i wouldn’t want to be dealing with all this while my older kids were going through important years at school.

MayaPinion · 04/03/2026 03:32

You are very fortunate. You have two active, healthy, children who are starting to gain independence and in a few years you’ll have more time to focus on yourselves - maybe travel a bit more, weekends away, indulge in a hobby or two. Having a baby now would reset your childrearing clock back to zero.

Do you really want to do the sleepless nights, the school gate, the juggling childcare, the endless soft play parties, etc. etc.? My two are a few years older than yours, but I can’t imagine anything worse. The desire for another child is very common as menopause approaches- a ‘last gasp’ at procreation, if you will. In your shoes I would count my blessings.

Swipe left for the next trending thread