Planning for another baby?

[Mybobowler]

Just want to preface this by saying that I know this is a very small and selfish thing to be upset about right now, but I was wondering if anyone else is having this conversation with themselves -

I have a 14 month old and we know we want a second child. We were hoping for a 2.5ish year age gap, and we were planning on trying for #2 at the end of summer. It seems that coronavirus isn't going away any time soon, and I'm struggling with the strong possibility that we're going to have to put trying for another baby on hold, potentially for a very long time. I had complications at the end of my first pregnancy, so any subsequent one will be treated as high risk, with preterm birth a possible outcome. I also suffered with pre- and postnatal anxiety and depression. Basically, being pregnant during a pandemic is not a good idea.

On top of that, I can't help worrying about what the post-coronavirus world is going to look like. Can I bring another child into that? Do we wait until there's a vaccine?

I know it's minor, and there are so many other urgent things to worry about, but I feel a bit bereft. I didnt realise how much I wanted this until now. I'm trying not to stew over it or think too far ahead, but it's not easy!

Is anyone else in the same boat? I haven't felt able to talk about this to anyone in real life.

Have you looked on the Conception board? There’s a thread or two there which might help. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/3884435-TTC-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak-thread

Thank you @Downwhichoflate - I hadn't seen these!

Hi !

Like you I wanted a small age gap between my children and I'm currently pregnant with #2. Not the most ideal time, certainly, but frankly even if I had known there was going to be a pandemic I wouldn't have waited. Like you said, CV is going to be around for a while, how long are you planning on waiting ? One year ? Five ? Ten ?

Obviously you should do whatever you're comfortable with but personally I haven't found my prenatal care to be lacking. If anything it's better as they're so alert about any sign or symptoms. I did have one appointment pushed back a week (but I also had one rescheduled a week sooner). No big deal.

Obviously being sick while pregnant isn't great but there's no strong data indicating any special risk so far. Of course that could still change... But lots of things "could happen", I'm not going to live ruled by what ifs.

Hiya I've just found out that I'm pregnant with #2, I havent let this situation stop me from ttc but we are in a better situation than some as in we are both still working as were key workers. So aside from not being g able to go out things havent changed for us at all so I dont feel stupid or guilty for doing it

Thanks both for your replies, and congratulations on your pregnancies.

It's nice to hear some reassuring voices. I've been feeling so down about it this week.

@Wintersun, you're right - I have no idea how long I could be putting this off for. The idea of not having a very much wanted second child because of this is really sad. I wasnt thinking of TTC before August/September anyway, and hopefully we'll have a clearer idea of what the next year or two will look like by then. It's very reassuring to hear that your antenatal care has been good!

I m 12 weeks and my booking appointment was over the phone and I believe a couple of appointments they won't be doing at all but get the scans as planned and there's guidelines they are following. I m low risk at the moment though and I think in a few months will know more about long term effects so there's time to feel like you re making a more informed decision.