to be terrified I might be pregnant?

[DollyShouldHaveDumpedStiva]

Ds is 18m and still breastfeeding and my periods only restarted recently. We would really like more children but were planning at least a 3 year gap due to my dh having to do a part time ma at the moment on top of working.

My period is a couple of weeks late. I'm going out later to buy a test and I'm bricking it. Ds was really hard work for the first year and we're struggling to stay on top of day to day stuff as ut is with dh's studies, my pt work, housework. .. money is tight too and no helpful family nearby.

I was so thrilled when I found I was pregnant with ds, I'm going to be gutted if my pg test is positive this time, although I would not consider an abortion.

Tell me nice stories about easy second babies!

Well I hope it works out for you. I have heard a smaller gap is better as the dc are closer in age and so they play together easier and also the elder one less likely to be jealous after being the only one.

my first 2 are 16 months apart and then had a 10 year gap and had another 2 at 16 months apart.

they all get on.

if you can't consider abortion then you will cope.

you will.

Have you been using contraception?

Anyway if you are in early of now, your DC1 will be 2.5 when DC2 is born, so not far off the 3 year age gap. You can never plan these things perfectly.

I hope it works out for you...

In a clumsy attempt to put a sunny spin on this, do remember that DS will be 2.5 years old when/if a sibling arrives so you are only running a few months early. You already have all DSs baby stuff so hopefully wont need to spend a lot extra, and by the time you get to weaning you'll be back on track with your DHs work situation.

Any how - try to relax and remember that periods can be funny things when they restart after a pregnancy. Good luck.

We have been using condoms, and hardly dtd at all so fingers crossed it's just an anomaly. .. I was just taken aback by the strength of my negative feelings as I've been really broody when looking at little babies. I didn't realise how scared I'd feel.

Thankyou for the good wishes btw.

The problem with second babies (whenever they arrive) is that you now know how tough the hard bits are and you now have DC1 as a priority and will worry about the impact of a baby on them. The idea of having another baby to care for can be overwhelming for anyone, no matter how much the baby is wanted.

If your only symptom is a late period, then I shouldn't worry too much. It's normal for periods to be erratic when they've only just returned.

I did a test and I'm not pregnant-and I'm a teensy bit sad and really relieved! £10 well spent.