When to tell first child I’m expecting second with severe pregnancy sickness

[Cornberry]

My daughter is 4 and I’m almost 38 and seven weeks pregnant. I didn’t want to tell my daughter until as late as possible - perhaps until she asked about the bump - because she is so desperate for a sibling and I don’t want to announce it to her until we are past the scans etc. The problem is that I’m so sick (as I was with her, bed bound for four months) that she’s asking questions and obviously concerned about what’s wrong and why I’m sick and if I’m going to get better. She has just started school and we have had to temporarily move in with my mum to help us cope as my husband is at work a lot. I really don’t want to tell her too early but it’s making me so upset to see her worry. What should I do? Would it be a mistake to tell her now? Has anyone else faced this problem? Advice welcome.

I would just tell her you have a poorly tummy and it will get better. That is enough information for now.

I've had to tell my 3. They are 15,13 and 7. The older two understand. I think the 7 yr old has already forgotten lol. But it wasn't fair on them to see me so poorly without knowing why. I did also explain to all of them that it's early and things may go wrong. I've always felt honesty is best with kids especially as the sickness goes on for such a long time xx good luck with whatever you decide to do and good luck with the pregnancy. There is a fantastic HG thread on here with lots of support xx

aw it's horrible isn't it! I had terrible sickness and my 3 little ones (7,5 & 2) used to see and here me throwing up and even come in to rub my back bless them! I kept quiet though and just said mummys ok but just not feeling very well.....on the day of the scan my hubby dropped me off at hospital and took our kids to McDonald's as was summer holidays so no school and when I came out I said well I now know why mummys not been feeling very well.....and showed them the scan pic of their new baby brother! was a priceless moment and worth the wait x

#moonstone how far along were you when you told them?

@Cornberry I was only 6 weeks but having been through HG 3 times I knew I was likely to be hospitalised shortly after. So I thought it was for the best xx

Im 24 weeks with second and my 1st is 5yo. I just told him i was sick and had a bad belly. My anxiety was through the roof so we didnt tell him until after the 12w week scan and told him i went to the doctors and they said i was sick because i had a baby in my belly and showed him the scan. Anyone who let slip family wise was under pain of death until then! He didnt know what the word pregnant meant (i checked and asked him what he thought it meant) so was able to talk about it somewhat with him in the room if he wasnt paying too much attention x

Thanks. I guess I should hold tight for a while. I know it’s for the best, I just feel guilty being a crap parent and not being able to explain why!