I'm older (42 now, with boy who will be 3 on 3/16/2005), and had gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension (eclampsia), and severe, debilitating depression as well as HG. Whole experience was nightmarish, and lasted a year and 7 months.
Although I would love another child, we won't have one. It was too hard on me, my partner, and my parents. Many of the friends I've made with children my son's age have had their second child, and it's hard to see them with their babies. I hold them as much as I can!
It's hard to remember that my experience of pregnancy and the first year was *nothing* like theirs. My body is different.
Although I do believe that I could receive better medical care with another pregnancy and not have such a nightmarish experience, I'm trying to get beyond feeling cheated and sad.
I'm staying open to the joys of having an only child. He's a precious gift, and I can devote as much attention to him as he needs.
I know there are a lot of people on the forum with a lot of children, but I wanted to add my voice as someone who is learning acceptance and appreciation of one child.
Jenny