How Will My Second Pregnancy Be Different from the First?
Not all babies have the same needs. Therefore, it’s somewhat common for mothers to encounter different situations with each pregnancy.
You should keep this in mind throughout the course of your pregnancy. In the same way, you may discover major difference between the delivery of your first baby and that of your second.
9 differences between your first and second pregnancy
The differences are usually quite noticeable. Think back to the symptoms and discomforts you experienced with your first pregnancy.
This simple act of recollection will reveal a lot to you about how different your current pregnancy is. Below are some of the most noticeable differences:
More exhaustion
Going through pregnancy for the second time will make you feel more worn out. This can sometimes be upsetting, since you’ll notice yourself neglecting things you did easily during your first pregnancy.
You may also spend less time maintaining your physical appearance or exercising.
Weight gain
During your second pregnancy, you probably won’t put on as much weight as you did with your first. But don’t worry, this won’t have any negative effect on your baby.
In fact, it’s quite common for second babies to weigh more than their older siblings.
Less stress
More than likely, you’ll be much more relaxed this time around. This is because you already have knowledge about the process that lies ahead, and about birth itself. The arrival of a new baby is less frightening when you’ve already had experience.
Different physical transformation
The way in which your body changes during your second pregnancy will be different from your first. For example, your belly will probably begin to show earlier on.
This is because your skin and muscles have already gone through this process, so they’ll stretch and spread more easily. As a result, you will start to look pregnant earlier than you did before.
More discomfort
A woman’s second pregnancy often comes with symptoms and discomforts she didn’t experience during the first.
You’ll have more back pain and more varicose veins will appear. These problems arise because of an already-present stretching of the ligaments, joints and blood vessels.
Easier delivery
The delivery of a second child tends to be shorter, as dilation happens faster. Your internal structures are more relaxed and flexible, which also accelerates the process.
Breastfeeding
The fact that you already have experience with lactation will make it easier for you to adapt to your second baby’s needs. You’ll be able to observe that your breasts are ready as well .
Less postpartum depression
Being a mother has already blessed you with an abundance of experience. This will help you feel more sure of yourself this time around. It will also help you overcome the hormonal process that occurs after birth.
More painful recovery
After a second pregnancy, the uterus takes longer to return to its original size. This process can be very painful during the first 3 or 4 days after childbirth.
Necessary precautions you should take for your second pregnancy
The fact that you’ve been through this before doesn’t mean you don’t need to be cautious during your second pregnancy. The same recommendations that apply to a first pregnancy are still important for your subsequent pregnancy.
- Attend prenatal appointments: Seeing your doctor regularly during gestation is an important way to control your baby’s development. Your medical professional will provide you with indications about what you should avoid and what you should do during these months.
- Eat healthy: It’s important you maintain healthy eating habits for your own good and that of your baby. Your diet should include foods that provide vitamins and nutrients such as folic acid.
- Stay active: There are a variety of activities that can help you stay active and avoid fatigue. For example: Yoga, pilates, walking, and swimming.
- Stay hydrated: Health professionals recommend that pregnant women drink 2 liters of water each day. Dehydration has its consequences, so keep a bottle of water with you at all times.
- Avoid bad habits: Unhealthy habits like drugs, tobacco and alcohol are especially dangerous to your little one’s development.
- Stay away from raw foods: Eating uncooked foods increases your risk of bacterial infection.
- Do perineal exercises: Making these exercises a part of your daily routine will help you have an easier delivery.
Your previous experience of pregnancy and childbirth will undoubtedly come in handy as you await the arrival of your second child. However, remember that each pregnancy is unique and each child has different needs.
Don’t become overconfident, but remain open to learning new things.