My husband and I aren't planning on having children for at least 2 more years. Although, over the last 6 months or so maybe even a year, I constantly think about being pregnant, and wanting kids. At least once a day I think about it. Whenever I'm around my baby nephew I'm just fascinated by him. I've also been reading up about pregnancy and delivery etc. to learn more about it. It just makes me wonder, even though having a baby isn't in our plans for a couple years, why do I think about it so much?

That's funny, I was just having this conversation with my sister....single, even, and feeling the same way as you! As for me, we just had our third baby, and I can tell you EXACTLY when I started to feel this way. I think, for some, it is hardwired in our genetics to want babies. I know not every woman feels this way, but I did. And it hasn't really stopped:) Not long after giving birth, I am always thinking about getting pregnant again. (My new one is just 2 months old, so I am not quite there yet, but I will be...)
Anyway, I think this is very normal and beneficial for you! You can spend the time reading up and educating yourself. I'd say talk to your husband about it. I remember thinking mine would think I was nuts, but he didn't, and our daughter was conceived right away.

You're not alone!
Maryn
Bella Online Pregnancy Editor

My husband isn't quite ready.. lol... sometimes he is very open about talking about it, but other times (if I mention it too much) he's just not interested at all! The only reason we are waiting is money. Assuming our finacial situation goes as planned, we'll have any debt gone this time next year, and be ready to buy a house the following year. And after that point, he said then it's up to me when we have a baby. He's also hoping for some sort of trip, to Hawaii, Mexico or Vegas before a kid comes along.

I don't mind waiting for the house either. It would be a much better situation. But still, it's almost as if you "ache" to have a baby.

I hit a spell where I wanted a baby and I wanted it NOW. Hubby gave in and I got pg right away. He wound up being my only, and after having a hysterectomy at 32 my surgeon asked how many years I tried before having the one I got, he said he is a miricle baby, the odds were very highly stacked against me. Seems my body knew I had this small window of opportunity? I don't know, but I am sure glad I got my one!

Yeah you right Lala, babies are marvelous and full of fun and it�s natural when you think about it, but in the other hand bring a lot of difficulty.
When I married, we hadn�t any plan for having child at least in first 3 years but my daughter couldn�t wait even for this short period! Lol
About me, I never had any anxiety to have child at all, even didn�t want to think about it but now can�t think about life without my daughter.

I guess your man is right, maybe it�s better you straighten and improve your financial affairs then prepare for baby.
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I don't know what it is. I just had baby #6 (#5 living). He's 2 months old and I still want more, I just have this feeling that our family isn't complete (evil snickers can be kept to yourself, thank you, LOL)

I think a lot of it goes back to our basic biological purpose...to reproduce. Our body has a way of telling us when we are at the best point to do this, IF we listen. Those who are more likely to produce healthy and strong offpsring easily have signs more often. It's just a theory anyhow. Sure, we don't need to populate the earth anymore but some instincts don't disappear, they only fade a bit.

In the end, each year of a female's life brings a lesser chance of conceiving and when conception does occur the chances of a healthy offspring are less (even if by a miniscule amount.)

Meg

I wonder if men have the same urge to have children, or if it's mostly women. I know that lots of men want to have a child, but is it for the same reasons as women do?

Women get these urges from time to time and when they strike, they are really strong.

Oh yeah...they have the same urges. I am my husbands second marriage. He never had children with his first wife, so when I first asked him his thoughts about children...he was like I WANT THEM!!! I think God is giving him a 2nd chance to be a father and we are having our first in March of 2008. He's practically bouncing off the walls all the time. It's amazing how the Lord works and blesses each of us.

I am getting married in December and my husband-to-be is a little older so we have always planned on having a baby as soon as possible but despite that I too have been having that craving to be pregnant. Not a lot of my friends feel this way so I am happy to hear other discuss it. I guess your body really does let you know when it is time.

I think there is a strong biological/hormonal urge - I knew lots of women who didn't want children in their early 30s and then watched them change their minds over the next 10 years or so. The biggest surprise - a friend who had no interest at all in children suddenly decided to have one at 44 - I now believe because woman have a "window of opportunity" to fall pregnant it creates pressure as you age. (not all women feel this way, of course) Many women will give in to this urge - others resist it or have to resist it for various reasons i.e. not in a stable relationship, spouse not interested etc.
Men also have a "use by" date but the line is not so clear and you still hear of men fathering babies even in old age. (whether its desirable is another issue entirely)
Its interesting too that woman are often more interested in having sex when they are ovulating - a friend did a research paper on the topic some years ago. I guess its natures way of ensuring the continuation of the species.

I heard something recently that with men who are older, if they Father children there is an increased posibility of things like schizophrenia in their off spring.

I have always heard this called Baby Lust. I had a terrible case of it when I was in my later 20s. I was over at families house and one of the women was raising her grand daughter who was just gorgeous. I couldnt get enough of her and another woman there who also had children saw it in me, that I wanted a baby SO badly.

I had my only daughter the day before my 30th birthday. I had always wanted more but I was not in a stable relationship and was unwilling to do it again on my own. With my daughter I was alone from the beginning and I don't regret a minute but I just don't feel like I can do that again. If I were to have another, I would want to experience what its like to have the love and support of the Father. To have him there for the visits, for the birth and all the fun that comes with raising a child.

lala21, I noticed that you just had your first baby. Congratulations! After a lifetime of no interest in having children, an "epiphany" has suddenly hit me (if that's the right word) that I finally feel ready for a baby. I am 31 yrs old, been married for 10 yrs, and my husband and I have gone all this time not wanting children. Now my feelings have changed, and he is literally in "shell-shock" - he doesn't know what to think. A lot like you described your husband - willing to discuss some of the time, but very intimidated/angry at other times. How long did it take you to convince him to have a baby? I want to give him one year to decide, but I'm trying not to be pushy. Given my age, it is getting so hard to exercise my patience. Would you have any advise?