TTC baby number 3

[Sunnymummy3]

Hello, after much waiting, debating and going back and forth, we finally decided to ttc our third child this month.

Is anyone else in the same boat ttc number 3 (or any number really) and fancy some company (in between chasing our present little angels about of course 🦧🦧☺)

Yes, we also had much debating and back and forth but decided to go for it and now really excited. How old are you? I am 41 now so am wondering how that will impact. I conceived my other two easily and seem to have regular ovulation on 27 day cycles, so I’m hoping I’m still as fertile, but who knows. On cycle 2, in tww just now. How old are your kids?

Hello @Beginningless It's funny how with your first and second you don't think about it too much but the third seems like a huge decision. How old are your 2?

I am 34, and my dc are 5 and almost 3, I also have about 27 day cycles and am at the start of the 2ww now, I only ovulated yesterday so 1dpo and this is cycle one of trying. We are just dtd unprotected once at positive opk the first few cycles to see how it goes. I'm trying not to get too crazy about it all (probably failing already lol) I have had the same thoughts wondering will I be less fertile now and how long will it take.

Yes, I think quite rightly, there feels more at stake when considering how another character will fit with the existing gang and more pressingly, how we will manage to keep things ticking over!

Mine are a bit older, eldest almost 7 and younger just 4. Thinking pros and cons to a bigger gap, but the thought of a baby while two are in school and I am more experienced, doesn’t feel too daunting. It’s just the school holidays etc that feel a bit terrifying but getting ahead of myself a bit.

To me you are still young! Had my second at 37 so older than you. Hope it all goes well and the non craziness lasts! I feel a bit more crazy than I ever did, probably because I have more doubt about it happening easily this time. Today I felt mildly crampy and am a bit bloated so symptom spotting everything.

@Beginningless Yes, how we will manage is a big part of it for me, I felt that I wanted a third as soon as dc2 was born but also felt scared so really wanted a bigger gap if we were to do it, so it's been a long wait if that makes sense.

I think your gap is great, your older 2 will be much more independent making pregnancy and having a new baby easier plus I bet they will be a great help! Do you have boys/girls or both?
I am a bit worried more about term time, as I struggle to get out of the house on time now with 2 lol.

How many dpo are you now? And will you test or just wait to see if AF is late? I'm feeling very much not pregnant right now, I know its super early so that is a silly comment, but I just have a feeling i'm not.

I can't quite believe we are ttc, doesn't feel real after such a long wait.

@Sunnymummy3 Yes that’s true, I don’t even want to think about the morning chaos. DH is really good at the morning routine so it’s fine when he’s there but a bit frantic if just me. We have a lovely walk through a park for school so I have romantic visions of happy older kids cycling and baby in a sling, when the reality is more likely I’ll be ranting at everyone to hurry up while baby is screaming!!

I did an impulse test that was neg on Tues eve but was probably only 7dpo (not tracked so don’t know for sure but had strongest signs Tue and wed last week. I will do one tomorrow morning as I’m going away for weekend. Alternate between thinking oooh maybe and no way. Was like that last month, had a weep about the Queen which was unlike me! But turns out it was not pregnancy and just a wee moment.

I have two girls. Would like a boy but thinking chance of another girl is high, lots of girls in our family, and that’s fine with us. Not sure if I’d find out in a third pregnancy, have you done before? Didn’t with my first, did with second, and I felt it stole a little of the excitement for me.

Hey! Can I join? I’m also about to start ttc no 3. Still breastfeeding no 2 and was getting really frustrated waiting for af to start again. I’ve finally had a period (yay!), but I was tracking ovulation with opks and it seems like my luteal phase was only about 5 days 🙈, so I’m guessing my body isn’t quite ready just yet. DD2 is 10 months and still feeds a lot. Going to give it a go this month anyway. I’m 38 , almost 39 so keen to get on with it. Currently CD 3 of a typically 30/31 day cycle.

@Beginningless That is a nice picture. That's great you have your dh there to help, a second pair of hands makes all the difference.
It's so unfair that early pregnancy symptoms are so similar to pms isn't it?Ooh 7dpo is so close to finding out!

Are you away anywhere nice?
Yes I think a girl would be nice, experience something different, but I feel like I will prob have a boy which obviously will be lovely too. I found out both times, I love the idea of keeping it a surprise but i'm terrible at waiting lol. I would find out this time to be organised, most of the clothes I have are very boyish so if we have another boy, we are sorted 🙂

@Golaz Hi 🙂

Hopefully your cycle settles down within the next month or so now that you have had your first period.
Aw lovely, a fun age she is at. What age is your older daughter?

If you are keen to know exact ov days while things are getting back to normal, have you ever tried doing your temperatures? I was completely new to it until this year when i came off my pill and thought I would try it, but I love it now... you can see exactly the day you ovulate etc, and along with the opks, it's quite fascinating how accurate it is and easy to see where you are in your cycle

Aw yes it’s such a lovely age isn’t it? I feel like I’ve appreciated the baby phase so much more second time around. With DD1 I felt like I was in a constant state of chaos, and always anticipating the next milestone, this one I just want to stay little 🥰. My first is 3 , so I’m packing them in a bit 😅. How is it having a 5 year old? Please tell me they get a bit easier 😆.

I tried temping a while back when I was ttc number one but I’m not sure I was doing it very well as the nos would vary quite a lot. Maybe I should give it a go again 🤔. I’ve got a feeling this is going to take a bit of time, because of bf , my age, and DD2 took a while, so I might as well keep my self busy in the process 😂. Did you conceive quickly with your last two?

Hi Golaz 👋🏻. Wow I am full of admiration for people like you who can manage them so close together. We always thought we would do this and the kids defeated us!!

My eldest was the most dreadful sleeper, tbh her first year was quite traumatic in that respect, I was destroyed all the time. So we couldn’t even consider ttc again until she was 2. Second wasn’t such a bad sleeper but just took a long time for us to decide about another, when we were just starting to enjoy a lot more freedom!

Do you mind me asking your age Golaz? My first two were conceived first cycle which is amazing but not looking that way for me at 41. BFN this morning but am probably about 9dpo so not to disheartened yet. If out this month then not sure whether to skip a month, since due date would coincide with my youngest starting school, not ideal. But then not much time to waste…dilemmas!

I haven’t temped Sunny, might do next cycle if doesn’t happen, do you just use a normal thermometer like I have for the kids?

Ps I meant to tell you I think they do get easier, but they are all different. My eldest is nearly seven and is adorable, so sweet natured and kind. Has her moments but I am proud of her and the main thing is she is so much more reasonable! Just turned 4yr old is another story…she was easier as a toddler but is quite a defiant one in this stage, I feel more able to relax now though knowing they go through so many stages. But the fact I can ask them to both go and see to themselves in the toilet, brush teeth, even pour their own cereal in from of tv on a sun morning when I’m having a wee hour still in bed - defo gets easier in those ways. And now I am trying to go back again argh!! But for good reason, we’d all love a new pal in the gang…

@Golaz Yes I think the first is harder because everything is new and unknown, the second you feel more relaxed, don't you... so I assume when the third comes along we will be so chilled out and complete pros at parenting 😁 When will your oldest be 4? Do you think a third will be your last?
Well I think same as Begin says it is easier as they get more independant and play better together, although we have regular fights in our house over toys usually lol I think it depends alot on the personalities too.

Yes I was ready to give up at the start too, but once I got used to it, it just becomes a habit every morning and then I have a chart for each month. Yes, we were fortunate it wasn't too long, but i'm trying to assume it will take longer this time and trying not to get hopes up, (easier said than done) it becomes so emotional doesn't it.
I agree also, if I was more patient and relaxed, having 3 close together to be best friends, all into the same kind of activities etc is so nice

@Beginningless It is more accurate than a normal one, showing half degrees etc, if you decide to do it, I am happy to link the one I bought if you like, it was from Amazon.

Sorry about the bfn, but as you said, it's early days yet. Keep us updated if you test again and I hope you have a nice time away this weekend 🙃

Hey can I join in.
also trying for baby number 3. I have a boy who is 10 and a girl who is 1. Had a CP last month, so I’m excited and dreading testing this month I’m only 7dpo today.

Hi @Kerri9 🙂 Not long now to wait them.

I'm sorry for your loss last month 🌹

I’m 38 but about to turn 39. DD1 was conceived on second cycle. DD2 took a lot longer (although I was breastfeeding plus living a very unhealthy lifestyle as I was all through lockdown). I found the process v stressful tbh and started to wonder if it was going to happen, so I think that’s why I’m just keen to start as soon as possible this time and expecting it to maybe take some time/ not taking it for granted..

Good morning, @Beginningless @Golaz @Kerri9 How is everyone getting on? Is anyone else struggling not to think about ttc?

I am 7dpo today and my "being chilled out" about ttc is gone already 😂 I have went from feeling relaxed and thinking I am def not preg this cycle to counting down the days until I can test and symptom spotting, feeling (or more likely imagining) dull cramps that are probably just my bowels 😅. Why do we do this to ourselves! 🙈

On the plus side I have loads of cheap tests I got free with my opks so I look forward to spending the rest of the week obsessing over them 😁

Morning, yes I was struggling not to think but this morning AF arrived 2 days early so put me out of my misery. Not feeling too bummed but more obsessing about the practicalities - if we should skip a couple of months to avoid coinciding with school starting etc, but then not like we have time to spare! And also marvelling at how the mind can make symptoms out of normal cycle - I had been feeling nauseous, mild cramps, and was thinking this was it, but did a FRER yest that was neg so knew then I was probably out.

I’ve not been eating as healthily as I could so planning to start a health kick now while we think about the best way to go. And will maybe try OPKs etc so if you could tell me what you use Sunnymummy I’d be interested? Wishing more success for the rest of you this month!

@Beginningless I'm really sorry AF has arrived 🌸 It's so hard especially when pms and early preg symptoms are so similar too.

Do you have any family nearby that could help with the school run, next year when your youngest dc starts school? Then you could stay home with baby for first while, even just in the mornings?

Yes the opks are only cheap off Amazon but I have used them since ttc my first and always been reliable

Ovulation Kit Sticks (20mIU) Fertility Test Strips + 5 Pregnancy Test (10mIU) Home Urine Strips amzn.eu/d/0JyGaPY Opks

I have never attached a link before so hope that works

Ovulation Kit Sticks (20mIU) Fertility Test Strips + 5 Pregnancy Test (10mIU) Home Urine Strips amzn.eu/d/0JyGaPY Opks

Sorry I don't think any of those worked, here is a picture lol.

Sorry just replying! Funny how this doesn’t dominate your life when not in 2ww. How are you all getting on, anyone any success this month?

Thanks for the pics @Sunnymummy3. Still haven’t decided what to do re school
issue - it’s not really about the practicalities, DH can be about many mornings, it’s more the emotional. I suspect DD2 is likely to struggle starting school and also to struggle with the temporary loss of me when I’m tied up with newborn. BFP this month would mean due date 4 weeks before, and next month due around school start date. Probably overthinking it!

Hi All, sorry Im finding it hard to Mumsnet with a toddler and infant 😅.

How is everyone getting on?
I’m currently in my FW. We DTD two days ago, and are supposed to DTD today, but I’m soo knackared and have a stinking cold, so struggling to get motivated lol. Having small children is definitely a form of natural contraception 😂. I’ve been having flashing smileys on clear blue digital opks but no peak yet. About to test again today. If we do end up DTD this will be cycle 1 of trying.

@Beginningless if you are looking for advice, I’d say go for it. You never know when it might happen and there will always be reasons to delay I think. I don’t think you will regret going for it, but if it does end up taking a while, you might regret not starting sooner. Just my two pennies! Xx

@Beginningless Yes I know what you mean, it's hard to get ttc off your mind during the tww so you feel like chatting more. I am just out of my tww. Cd3 today.

Agree with @Golaz about going for it, I was going to start ttc in the summer but put it off worrying about conceiving too soon but now feeling that in reality, it will probably take us a while and I really should of been ttc sooner.

Sorry you have a cold @Golaz Yes children def change things when it comes to romance 😄 Exciting you are in your fertile time, hope it's good results for you this cycle 🙂

Argh we are also being hampered by illness, DD1 has D&v and have had not much sleep. Hope you’re on the mend Golaz! And good luck for this cycle.

Yes I think you’re both right about going for it, we probably will, if I don’t start being sick…I bought ovulation sticks and took one day before yest but forgot with all going on yest. Cd11 so we might end up missing this month naturally anyway.

Sunny how are you feeling about the last month? I think you said you had just DTD once but I know for me I’d still probably be hoping for a surprise BFP! That was what happened with my first, decided to start trying but only did once in the FW, it was a bit of a shock. Not looking that way now!