A second pregnancy is much like the first in some ways, but some of the physical and psychological differences may surprise you.
Once you become pregnant with your second child, you may think you know what to expect. From your first pregnancy you may remember the symptoms, the specific food cravings, the exact amount of weight you gained, and the exact length of time you were in labor, and expect this pregnancy to be similar. While it may be the same in some ways, in others it may be very different.
Some symptoms may be worse than the first time. If you had varicose veins the first time, they will very likely be worse; if you only had spider veins before, they may become varicose. Varicose veins are more than just ugly – they can actually cause shooting pains in the legs, especially if you are on your feet for a long period of time. Moderate exercise helps to minimize these symptoms, as does wearing maternity support pantyhose from the first signs of a problem. If possible, put the support hose on first thing in the morning before getting out of bed, before the blood has the chance to pool in the lower legs.
Prevention is the best medicine for varicose veins. However, once these unsightly veins have appeared, the best thing to do is to keep them from getting any worse by wearing maternity hose with the appropriate level of support.
Nausea is another symptom that may be worse in a second pregnancy, but it may very well be less of a problem than the first time around. This differs from woman to woman and is difficult to predict. To help relieve nausea, be sure to take your prenatal vitamin at the time of day when you are least nauseous – or, if your “morning sickness” sticks around all day, always take the vitamin with food. Also, stress is known to make nausea worse, and there is no stress quite like the stress of taking care of a high-needs toddler when you’re pregnant and exhausted! If possible, get help from your husband or a family member or friend so that you can rest.
Some of the differences between a first and second pregnancy are psychological. With the first child, many women have concerns such as how the child will change their relationship with their husbands ; how their bodies will change (and will they ever be the same ?) ; how painful labor really is; how to choose a daycare if the mother works outside the home ; and a host of other fears and worries. With many of these questions answered after having the first child, the pregnant mother now wonders: “Will I love my children equally ? Will I have enough time for my first child, with whom I have such a strong bond?”
The first question is usually resolved easily as the new baby becomes a part of the family – there’s enough love to go around. As for the second, experienced mothers recommend having the firstborn “help” with the new baby. The older child can help feed, dress, or entertain the baby (with parental supervision, of course). Also, be sure to have someone watch the baby now and then so you can give your older child your undivided attention (and maybe a trip to the park, library, or ice cream parlor!).
A second pregnancy may be different from the first in many ways, some more pleasant than others. Once drastic difference is that the length of time spent in labor is usually cut in half with the second baby! But however your second pregnancy compares to your first, remember to both take time to rest and also to prepare your older child for his or her new sibling. The best birthday gift you can give your new baby is a happy, loving family to come home to.
By Natalie Cooper