Pregnant with 3Rd Child and Not Ready!!!

Updated on December 20, 2010
V.S. asks from Lima, OH
11 answers

Ok my husband and I have been happily married for 5 years. Our oldest daughter will be 3 in March and our youngest is 7 months old. I took a pregnancy test Thursday and found out that I am indeed pregnant again. I first thought the 2nd line was an evaporation line because it was extremely faint, but then I took the test again today and the same line appeared. I am very concerned because we didn't plan for this to happen and are not even close to being ready for a 3rd baby. Plus, I had pre-eclampsia with my 2nd child and it was pretty bad, but luckily I still had a vaginal delivery. I was on blood pressure medication for 3 months after I gave birth and it helped to keep the blood pressure down. It has been only 7 months since my last pregnancy and I'm scared that the baby won't properly grow or something will go wrong because my uterus hasn't even had time to heal. Am I getting myself worked up for nothing or what? I have 2 other kids whom I love dearly and I was hoping to be done, but my husband didn't want fixed yet because he wanted a 3rd kid. Although our plan was IF we were to have a 3rd child, it wasn't going to be for another 3 years. I'm concerned about the overall health of both the baby and myself and my other daughters. I don't want them feeling like they are being left out and that my husband and I don't love them both. I thought we were being extra careful but apparently God has other plans for us. I also don't know how we will afford it because I didn't enroll in my companies short term disability because we were not planning to get pregnant. So more than likely I won't be paid while I am off which puts a big damper in our finances. I cannot take care of 3 kids while I am home after delivery.

I'm not wanting to get rid of the baby. That is by far from my mind. We will still love it and show the baby the same love we show our other 2 daughters. I just want to see if anyone out there has had there kids 16 months apart and if anyone happened to have had pre-eclampsia before when their kids were this close in age.

Please help!

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So What Happened?

Thank you all so much. Well I woke up at 4:45am because my 7 month old woke up and I took another test, but this time it was negative. Since I took it in the morning right when I woke up, I know the concentration is higher in the urine. I am 12 days late but now I'm wondering if those lines were evaporation lines or giving a false positive. I am going to check again in another few days if I do not start, but I do have an appointment right now with a nurse this next Thursday (they make you see a nurse first before seeing the actual doctor). My periods are very irregular right now due to not being on any type of birth control (I'm too scared to go on one due to the lawsuits out there). I will update more info when I know more.

More Answers

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M.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

I have to say congrats. I wen't test crazy when I found out I was pregnant with our third although not quit as close together in age we have three under 5. I found out we were pregnant two weeks after my husband (only income) lost his job unexpectidly. We moved halfway across the country and then I found out. Definately not expecting it especially since we only planned ourselves on having two. I ended up having hyperemesis with this last pregnancy and was hospitalized in the ICU over 4 times after delivering for unbelevably high blood pressure up over 280/140 Some days i wonder how we got through it but we did. My hubby was an only parent for the first 2 months but he made it. I even managed on keeping up on breastfeeding. We new the minute I was diagnosed with hyperemesis that is was going to be a long road but we just kept saying "we can do this" now almost 8 months later we couldn't imagine what life would be like without our sweet new addition. I nearly died many times but she is worth ever hard moment. So just like you one minute I tested positive and the next I didn't on the test but those negative ones were false. it is a good thing you know about the BP before becoming pregnant I wish I new I was going to have that issue, I went two weeks with the worst headache and vomiting, before I was diagnosed with BP they kept sending me home with a migraine headache. I was so sick I don't know how I took care of the kids by myself for those few weeks with how high my BP was but when you are a mom you make it work. I guess what I am trying to do here is give you some incouragement that if indeed you are pregnant that you can do it. You are not the only one out there that has been through this (I am not saying that it might not be hard for you or that it may not work out well) but I am letting you know that we are here to help you if you need. God only give us what we can handle!

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J.L.

answers from San Diego on

Patty is right, and you have plenty of time to get ready. You know what to look out for and that is half the battle. Un planned baby's when you are married are bonus baby's from God. J.

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M.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi,

I just wanted to say that I know you are scared about this pregnancy and it being too early after your second was born--but I know a lot of women who have kids the same distance as you do. You are so right that God has a plan for your family---He has a specific plan for the new baby you are carrying right now-- think positively, go to the doctor and be well! Everything will be ok.

M

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J.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

My oldest was turning 3 (and my second was 1) when I got pregnant with #3. When #3 was born I had a 3 1/2 year old and turning 2 year old. My kids were born healthy and I really love having them that close together. Yours will be a bit closer, but not much.

I was lucky to have healthy pregnancies, you should call your Midwife or Doc. and get in early for a health check if you are concerned. Maybe there are things you can start early to keep you healthy for your pregnancy.

Somethings I wasn't ready for - my oldest stopping napping at age 3 (I really needed that nap during the afternoon) be ready to be creative to get your needed rest. I used movies, books on CD, and "family naptime" to get through the harder days of my pregnancy.

Also, the first few months with a 3 year old, 2 year old and newborn were a lot harder than I expected. Take it easy on yourself, and be ready to take help when you can get it. My Mom came and stayed with us for a week after delivery and my husband took his time off after she was here so I had help for 3 weeks after baby came. You can take care of 3 kids after delivery, be prepared before the baby comes with a stash of coloring books, board books, new videos, and new toys to pull out when you need them. Start shopping for deals now so it isn't added expense after baby comes.

Babies are wonderful - it will bring your family joy.

J.

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M.A.

answers from San Diego on

I have three friends that have kids about 12mo apart and all had normal healthy pregnancies and gave birth to healthy babies. So yes it happens a lot! Just make sure you share all your concerns with your doctor since they know your medical history and what that means for a pregnancy this soon. Good luck!

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R.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

My girls are 15 months apart. Your baby will be fine. It can be hard on your body, with the pre-eclampsia and such. Your doctor will probably monitor you very closely with this pregnancy. And you can take care of 3 children after you deliver. As a mom, you will find you can do whatever you have to do. I would look into hiring a mother's helper for a few hours most days. They are usually a pre-teen who you pay to play and amuse your older children so you can get things done. You will find this a big help!
By the way, if you do find out you are pregnant, Congrats! I will tell you, it is very rare to get a false positive result, although it does happen. False negatives are much more common.

S.R.

answers from Kansas City on

My son was 7 months old when I got pregnant again. I was bummed the whole pregnancy, scared of how hard it was going to be. But honestly it wasn't as hard as I thought, when our daughter was older and mobile and awake more, that's when the challanges started as out little boy was hitting the terrible two's. He will be 3 in January and she is now 17 months, and they are the best of friends. It will all work out!

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P.K.

answers from New York on

First congratulations! I had four babies in three years. Yes all planned.
We wanted it that way. I see very baby as a blessing. As far as the
pre-eclampsia you will have to be watched carefully, but it will not
necessarily happen again. Your children will be very close growing up and
as adults have an incredible relationship. Hope this helps.

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L.F.

answers from Cleveland on

I had pre-eclamsia with my 27 year old, not so with my 26 year old, but did with my 16 year old-go figure!! The 27 and 16 year old were both girls-don't know if there's any correlation. And the older 2 were 17 months apart.
Good luck to you!!

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S.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

In 10 years I had my six children, and the first two were 17 months apart...never had any problems health-wise.....so best wishes to you and your family. You will do fine.....

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C.R.

answers from Kansas City on

I know exactly how you feel! My two youngest daughters are 18 months apart, and my youngest was not planned! I had C-sections with all three of my girls, so that was my biggest concern. Mommy and baby were fine though. I never had pre-eclampsia so I don't know anything about that. As you said God had other plans, so you know He will take of you and your family. Just enjoy your little gift from God, and remember you are blessed during this time!

Congratulations to you!!!

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