“So, how much longer do you plan on being pregnant? – My mother-in-law asked me with a sarcastic grin.”

“Are you trying to set a record for the number of children or what? How many more little ones are you planning on having?” My mother-in-law, Margaret Evans, sneered at me over the phone.

“Hello to you as well! Margaret, please, theres no need to be sharp,” I replied as politely as I could manage. “Edward told you we’re expecting, and thats bothered you?”

“Bothered? Of course it has! After your third I asked you both to put a stop to all this. But does anyone ever listen to me? I gave you a massive box of condoms for Christmas I thought youd finally take the hint, but youre still at it!” she grumbled on.

I couldnt help but remember that awkward Christmas, when she handed me a giant packet of condoms in front of everyone. It was also our eldests birthday, so her meaning was more than clear she thought it was high time we drew a line.

“We heard you, Margaret, but you can’t fight Mother Nature,” I answered, doing my best to keep my voice even.

“Oh, being clever now, are you? Fine then, you can sort out your own kids, Im done helping you…” She carried on, but before I could respond the call abruptly ended.

I tossed the phone on the bed, let out a sigh, and instinctively stroked my stomach, which didnt yet show any sign of the news. Edward and I were expecting our fourth something that clearly irritated Margaret. I honestly didnt understand why she was so upset.

Its not as though she helped out, either with the children or money. If were lucky she pops round once a month, and only ever brings something if its a special occasion. It rankled a bit she had plenty of money, she could spoil the grandchildren with biscuits or sweets if she wanted but I held my tongue, never even mentioned it to Edward. Our children are well-dressed, well-fed, and happy. Thats all that matters.

Edward does well at work and I try to bring in a bit myself at home. My little business started bringing in decent money, and with it I hired a nanny so the kids wouldnt distract me while I worked. Shes wonderful, playing games with them and taking them out so I can concentrate.

Our family is lovely, truly. The only blot is Margarets attitude. Shes never warmed to me much, and as soon as the children started to come one after another, she grew angrier.

When it came to our third, Margaret didnt accept the news at all she even suggested I should have an abortion. She eventually softened, in her own way, and became affectionate with our daughter, but just as things were settling down, I found myself pregnant again. This fourth baby wasnt exactly planned, but its happened, and were grateful for it.

Youd have thought wed brought some disaster upon the family with the fuss she made. I truly believe shes worried Edward will stop supporting her financially. He often gives her money, and when this baby comes, maybe therell be fewer extras shes mentioned her little antiques shop struggling more than once.

Ive never minded Edward helping his mother as long as it’s not at the childrens expense. But were managing fine for now, and I even encourage his good nature. He sorted out her dental work, took her on a seaside holiday, and arranged for her flat to be redecorated.

If Im right and her worry is about money, then it might only get worse as the family grows. Margarets nagging is enough to drive anyone up the wall, especially when youre expecting.

But no amount of her complaints will ever make us turn our backs on our baby weve made our decision and thats that. The only real question is, what gives her the right to dictate how many children we should have in our own home?