Child Acting a Little Unusual Since I Found Out I'm Pregnant

Talking about it in front of him... well, a kid CAN hear you ya know. AND at his age, understand what you are talking about.
My daughter and son, can hear MANY different conversations going on, even though they are doing something else. And they will comment on it.

"Regression" in a child... is often a symptom of stress or something bothering them. It is a way for them to "cope" with what they cannot cope with or are unable to understand etc.

When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, we told my Daughter. She was happy. BUT... we spent a LOT of time, "prepping" HER... for the baby. Before the baby came. Explaining to her that we all love her, that her baby brother will love her, that we are FAMILY, that she is still important, that she can tell us anything she wants and how she feels... that she is our 1st baby and nothing will change that,
including her in things. We did NOT scold/punish her for lapses in behavior while adjusting to the baby... because we knew it is a BIG change for a child. But, we gave her lots of understanding and comforting, bought books on being a "big sister" etc.
Instead of focusing just on my pregnancy, I focused a LOT of time in prepping my Daughter through it.

ALSO, what helped my daughter is this- I explained to her that just because she will now be an "eldest" child... that does not mean she SUDDENLY has to be all grown-up or "perfect." I told her I know she is just a child... and I won't expect her to be any different. AND she does not have to "share" everything with baby. For a child, simple things like this can make a big difference in their whole adaption. We made SURE she still felt like she fit in, and that she was a big part of the family etc.

My Daughter, when I had my 2nd child, regressed in pottying too. Its common. We just talked with her about it, but not lecturing or scolding. We knew why. She was just adjusting to everything. Its OKAY. An eldest child, sometimes feels added "pressure" upon them, or they just need lots of understanding.

All the best,
Susan

Your son knows something is going on since you've been talking about it around him. Even if he's otherwise occupied he does hear you. Since you've already done this I'd just directly tell him that you're pregnant and explain as much as he wants to know. Be brief. Let him ask questions and take the lead in letting you know what he wants to know. Emphasize when the new baby will be here. Then over time talk about how this will change all of your lives. At the beginning of the pregnancy be as "ho-hum" about it as possible. Stay focused on the child that's already here. Only get excited and emphasize changes as the due date gets closer.

Because having a second baby is a new experience that does directly affect the first child I recommend that nothing be said around the child until after the first trimester at the earliest. But once you've talked about it around him you need to talk about it with him. He knows something is going on and is anxious because he doesn't understand.

I would almost bet you that he already knows and telling him, right away would be a very good idea. Tell him that you are going to have a new baby, he will be the big brother. You are having a new baby because you loved him so much that you wanted to have a second baby just like him to love also. Believe me he has heard you talking.....

I have twin five year old boys, a 3 and 1/2 year old boy, and a 1 and 1/2 year old daughter. I'm pregnant again, and I just told my kids that mommy's going to have another baby. They're all really excited. My 3 and 1/2 year old has regressed a little in his pottying habits, too. But we also just moved into our new house. It could just be stress from anything, because my son loves that we're having another baby, and he loves our house. Just tell your son that you're going to have another baby. If he's anything like my twins, he'll want to help all the time. Then you'll have the problem of keeping him away from the baby. LOL I hope this helps.

I agree with the other posters; your son is probably aware that something is happening. I recommend reading the book Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. It's very helpful in dealing with these kinds of issues. I wish I had read the book when I only had two! lol

I think you're doing the right thing in waiting until you're prepared to handle the situation in the best way possible. Once you do tell him, allow him to express his feelings (even the negative ones) and then let him know you understand. Good luck and Congratulations!