May just be stress...

Andrea,
Wow...that is surprising news! Congratulations on your pregnancy, even if it was much earlier than you were planning for.

I'm glad you found EmpowHER, as there are many of us who are new moms, "seasoned" moms, newly pregnant, trying to get pregnant...trying to avoid pregnancy...you name it!

We would love to talk more with you about your concerns, joys and fears. As Susan said, she has three kiddos just a year apart and is a great resource; I am currently pregnant with our 2nd son...and we're here whenever you need to talk.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy pregnancy!

Thanks. Yea my son gabe is almost 9 months old so they will be ablout a year and 4 months or so apart.

This is me just created an account on here. But yea i took the test yesterday and found out that i am pregnant. It happens but me and my husband are not gonna love this baby any less. I love being a mom and we wanted to have another baby just not this soon.

Well i just found out that i am pregnant. Thanks to the both of you for your advice.

Hi Anonymous,

In response to your question about ovulation, that is correct. Ovulation and pregnancy go hand in hand and the fertilization of the egg following ovulation leads to pregnancy. Therefore, awareness of your fertility cycle is the first step on the path to pregnancy (or prevention). Every woman's cycle is unique (some cycles are short, some are long) and fertility awareness begins with monitoring your menstrual cycle and being attentive to ovulation symptoms.

Here is a link to ovulation symptoms here from Babyhopes.com
http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/ovulation-symptoms.html

If your biggest fear is becoming pregnant again, the best advise was given by Allison. Prevention is key. Hope this helps.

Thank you Alison. I am getting a test today when i go into town and yes we are able to talk about it. We usually use condoms but we were out. I also have another question... You can only get pregnant when your ovulating right? My parents where never really clear with that.

Are you using any type of birth control?

You mentioned that you tried to use your usual "withdrawal method", and just as you said...it doesn't always work according to the best plans (happens to many people!), and that is why it is only about 75% effective with typical use.

That said, there is a chance of pregnancy any time you have sex without using any protection (condom, pill, etc). It would be a good idea to take a home pregnancy test since your period is late, so you have the information to know if your late period is due to a pregnancy or stress. I understand the desire not-to-know (because this isn't in your plans right now), but I assume you would keep worrying/stressing by not knowing.

If you and your husband do not want any more children right now, are you two able to talk about how you can most effectively prevent a pregnancy until you are ready for more children (or not)? I just hate to think of you being worried each time you have sex that you may/may not be pregnant, and there are so many options for pregnancy prevention that are highly effective (in the 98-99% range).

Please let us know what the results of the home pregnancy test say; once you miss your period, they are about 99% effective at detecting any pregnancy hormone.

Good luck!