Not sure when to ttc #2

[Babybrain26]

Apologies If this is the wrong group but as the title says, we're unsure when to start ttc #2. It took me 2 years before I was given the go ahead to conceive our DS due to constant crohns flare ups and then a few months after being given the go ahead I was flaring again and in hospital. Eventually in March 2019 I did manage to get pregnant. I should also mention I have suspected endometriosis and vaginismus. I did pay quite a lot too for maya massage and vitamin treatments in the attempt to conceive.

Anyway, our little boy is now 6 months old, however I am anxious as I am now 34 and with my previous issues, I'm not sure how long we should wait to try. I am also bullied quite a bit in my workplace so if I was able to return for just a short period after this maternity leave, it would be a relief to me and in a way, safer as I would have most of my pregnancy at home rather than be at risk in work. It's quite a large office and I'm regarded as a key worker.

I am worried however about the risks with possibly getting pregnant so soon again and also my crohns isn't so good at the moment, but pregnancy first time did make me go into remission. This isn't guaranteed every time though.

We're just not sure if we should hold off a few more months or not...I'm scared my fertility will decline even more if I do and also returning to work for a longer period will no doubt cause me more stress.

I forgot to mention I also have osteo arthritis in my spine and osteopenia. I am on a biologic for crohns which puts me at more risk for covid 19 in a large office.

Hi @Babybrain26,
Only you know what is best for you, the best is to discuss this with your partner. If I was you I would concentrate on your baby, get the Chron in control with diet and meds (I've it in my family so know a lot about it, it's very nasty) and a get a new job for your mental health being. Even if you get pregnant in a year time you will face the same challenges again.

Poor you! Sounds like you're having a difficult time managing your health issues. That's good pregnancy out your symptoms into remission. I have had both primary and secondary infertility so I can sympathise. Because we could only conceive our first with IVF and I was 36 we started TTC number 2 when our son was 6 months. However it wasn't like we really expected anything as I was fully breastfeeding. So for my son's sake I breastfed fully until age 1 year then booked an appointment with our IVF clinic. We started treatment soon afterr. I'd say if you're breastfeeding please continue until one year as it's no use stopping that only to realise you don't get pregnant right away anyway! Takes time to adjust but there's no harm in trying for number 2 now. Have you and your partner been tested for AMH and sperm analysis? Helps to know these figures, even just for peace of mind if you're mid-thirties. Anyhow, sorry to hear about the bullies at work. I hate bullies! My last job had a couple that bordered on bullies but everyone else was super nice. I chose to quit to be a full time mum but not everyone can do that financially. Get your maternity pay and then find a new job when you can post covid!

Thank you for your replies. My husband just says it's up to me as it's my body. I did have an AMH test done in November 2018, I dont remember the exact results but they weren't concerned by them. My husband did an at home sperm test and tested ok too. Unfortunately I was unable to breast feed due to the meds I was on for crohns (according to my GI team). My periods returned around February and seem to be every 28-30 days. Quite heavy though I think. I think I'm just anxious about waiting until I'm 35 and possibly making ttc even more difficult. At the same time though I want to be able to give my little boy the best chance and what energy I have. I'm also anxious about the health risks of having a second baby before the recommended 18 months post partum. It's a tough conflict.

I think I would be a sahm after baby #2. It would be my dream I think...

Hey @Babybrain26
I'm also 34 and starting to try for baby number 2. As another poster said, only you can decide. But what I would say is, waiting another 6 months at the age of 34 is not a big deal really. It would be different if you were older in my opinion. If it was me, I would concentrate on my own health and my 6 month old baby for 6 months. Pregnancy and birth take so much out of you. Your body could probably do with a bit of a break and a chance to recover properly. I know that I didn't begin to feel like myself again until DC was 1! Best of luck with your decision!

Thanks rg1987. That's what I was worried about...losing my chance each month prior to 35. I'm really hoping that if I do wait, ( I think I would prefer to health wise) that it isn't detrimental to my fertility.

@babybrain26 I totally get where you're coming from. But age is just one factor on fertility. Overall health has a big effect too. As well as good mental health and less stress etc...
So difficult for us all to make these decisions; if only we could all see into the future :)

So true. Best wishes for ttc #2 journey xx

So I found out my amh level was 31.0 when I was 32 and a half. I'm now 34, do you think i should be ok for another few months based on this?

Wow your amh was great at 32 Babybrain26 and it definitely couldn't have dropped significantly in a short time so I'm confident your amh is absolutely fine :-D To give you some comparison, my amh at 34 was like 10 I think and at 38 it's about 6. So I have moderately low amh. 16+ is normal I think...

Ok, That's a big relief.

Thank you x

Glad to ease your worry