It is very common for mothers to start showing an early baby bump after their frist pregnancy. They can see their baby bump sooner, as early as 12-14 weeks, when pregnant with their second baby. The baby bump progression is much more visible during the second trimester if you’ve had more than one baby as compared to the second trimester of the first pregnancy.
This early baby bump progression happens because after one pregnancy, your mid-abdominal muscles separate and never really go back to their original size, which is also why most second-time moms also carry the baby lower. Therefore, with your second pregnancy, you will see an early bump progression.
How Is 2nd Pregnancy Different From 1st?
1. You will start feeling like you are pregnant sooner
As a seasoned mom, you are likely to experience early pregnancy symptoms different or similar to your first pregnancy symptoms. Some common ones include morning sickness, indigestion, constipation, frequent urination, food cravings, and breast enlargement, and sensitivity. These symptoms may vary in severity, and you may experience more or less of them compared to your first pregnancy.
Morning sickness is a common early pregnancy symptom and is not related to the gender of your baby. It happens because of the hormonal changes in your body and may be experienced differently in each pregnancy. It is also worth noting that you may experience different symptoms even if you are expecting the same gender as your first child. Each pregnancy is unique, and it is possible to experience a completely different set of symptoms.
2. You will show sooner
If you have had a previous pregnancy, you may notice that your belly will show earlier during your next pregnancy because your abdominal and uterine muscles will already be stretched. Yes, they will not go back to their original size and will remain a little more relaxed than before. But this could result in discomfort, like back aches. The positive side will be that you get to wear your maternity clothes sooner.
3. You might be more tired
With your second pregnancy, you may find yourself more tired than during your first pregnancy. You will have another child to take care of, which can take a toll on your energy levels. Be prepared for the fatigue to set in sooner and seek help when needed, such as taking a nap. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying active with exercise will help replenish your energy levels and keep you feeling your best during this time.
4. You will carry low
During your second pregnancy, it’s possible that your abdominal muscles may not be as strong as they were during your first. This can cause your baby to be carried lower, resulting in more frequent trips to the bathroom and pelvic discomfort. Additionally, this position may also lead to the appearance or reappearance of stretch marks. It’s essential to keep in mind that every pregnancy is different and to take care of your body as best you can to avoid discomfort.
5. You’ll notice your baby moving more quickly
As your abdominal muscles become more stretched, you may start to feel your baby’s movements as early as 16 weeks. This happens because you have previous experience in feeling your baby’s movements and, therefore, are more attuned to their kicks. This early sensation of movement can bring joy and excitement to expectant mothers as they experience the movement of their growing babies.
6. You will be more relaxed
During your first pregnancy, it’s natural to experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. As a first-time mom, you may have questions and concerns about each trimester and what to expect. However, with your second pregnancy, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s ahead and can feel more relaxed.
Despite this, it’s normal for mothers to experience some level of worry during pregnancy, especially if it’s affecting their daily life. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to call out to your obstetrician for support and guidance. Additionally, you may notice that your body will start to show signs of pregnancy sooner this time around due to your previous experience.
7. You will have a new feeling
When it comes to pregnancy, the emotional rollercoaster is an experience that almost all mothers go through. The excitement and joy of bringing a new life into the world are mixed with the fear and anxiety of the unknown. It’s normal to worry about how your second child will fit into your family dynamic and if your love for them will be the same as your first child. This is a common concern among expectant mothers who have been pregnant before.
However, you must remember that your family is growing, and so is your love. The bond you have with your firstborn will never change, and the love you have for your second child will be just as strong. The fear and anxiety will subside once you hold your second bundle of joy in your arms and experience the same love and joy as you did with your first. The love in your heart has the capacity to grow and expand, just like your family. Embrace the new emotions and the love that will come with them.
8. You will have a new person to share this news with
When you have a child, it’s important to include them in the exciting news you have to share. Whether it’s a baby, toddler, older child, or adolescent, it’s important to approach the situation in an age-appropriate manner. For example, if your child is a firstborn, they will be transitioning from being an only child to the oldest child. It’s crucial to involve your child in the big reveal and make it a memorable experience for them. This will help them share in the excitement and feel included in the new journey your family is embarking on.
However, finding a means to explain these things to your firstborn and assist them in getting ready for the birth of a new baby may be challenging if they are still toddlers. In this case, it’s important to be patient and find creative ways to engage with your toddler and help them understand the situation. This could be through the use of pictures or toys or by having a special activity to celebrate the news. Overall, the key is to make the experience as inclusive and special as possible for your child.
9. You may have a shorter delivery
The experience of having given birth previously can impact the speed of your labor and delivery. Second-time mothers typically experience shorter labor, with each phase being quicker than the first. This includes the duration of pushing, as your cervix and uterus have become more relaxed from prior experience. For second-time mothers, previous labor and delivery knowledge helps with a smoother and faster second-time birth.
10. More Braxton Hicks contractions
When you are expecting a second time, you will experience a higher number of Braxton Hicks contractions. Your body has already gone through real contractions and is now able to recognize Braxton Hick’s contractions with greater ease. Additionally, the stretching of your uterine muscles during your previous pregnancy may result in an increased frequency of Braxton Hicks contractions. To determine if a contraction is a Braxton Hicks or a real contraction, try changing your position or drinking a large amount of water. Braxton Hick’s contractions will eventually subside, while real contractions will persist regardless of your actions.
11. Ease in breastfeeding
If you have already experienced breastfeeding with your first baby, the process will likely be smoother and less challenging this time around. With prior knowledge of how breastfeeding works, you will know what to expect. Although each baby may present unique challenges, your confidence and ability to troubleshoot will be stronger. However, if you encounter any difficulties, such as sore nipples or difficulties with latching, seek the advice of a lactation consultant for guidance and support. Your breastfeeding experience this time around may be less frustrating.
Do Second Pregnancies Carry Lower?
Yes, this is usually the case. The reason for this is that the muscles in the uterus are not as strong as they were during a woman’s first pregnancy. Additionally, as women have multiple children, the size of the baby can increase, leading to additional pressure on the uterus and potentially causing more back pain and other aches during pregnancy.
Is Second Pregnancy Harder or Easier?
It depends, really, since there are both advantages and disadvantages.
A great thing about a second pregnancy is that your body knows what to expect since it has undertaken this journey before and has adapted to the changes. Because of this, labor is often over faster with a second pregnancy, lasting 5 hours on average as opposed to 8 hours during a first pregnancy. Additionally, since your body has already been stretched to support childbirth, stitching or episiotomies are less common. Since there are now noninvasive tests that can provide the same results as invasive procedures like amniocentesis, screening may also be simpler.
A second pregnancy does, however, come with drawbacks of its own. As your ovaries generate relaxin early, symptoms may manifest earlier. This means you could be having joint pains from the very first trimester. You may also experience more tiredness as you try to balance pregnancy and the demands of motherhood. Even if you had no issues with your first kid, problems like postpartum depression or hypertension are always a possibility during the second pregnancy.
Are Second Babies Bigger?
Studies have shown that second-born children tend to be larger than their older siblings, although this is not always the case, and the size difference is generally minimal. On average, second babies weigh approximately 100g or 3.5oz more than their older brother or sister. This slight difference may be due to various factors, such as the mother’s previous pregnancy experience, genetics, or the growth of the uterus. However, every pregnancy and baby is unique, and there are no absolute guarantees.
Why Are You Showing So Early?
In the second pregnancy, women may experience a noticeable baby bump earlier than in their first pregnancy. This happens due to the abdominal muscles becoming more relaxed after undergoing pregnancy once before, causing the bump to show sooner. In contrast to their first pregnancy, which may not be apparent until the second trimester, women typically begin to show in the first trimester of their subsequent pregnancies. However, the baby’s growth rate remains unchanged despite these changes in appearance.
How Do I Prepare My Body For a Second Pregnancy?
Preparing for a second pregnancy can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, with a little planning, you can improve your odds of having a second healthy pregnancy. Here are some tips to get ready for your second baby:
Pre-pregnancy Check-Up and Fertility Screening
Before getting pregnant, it’s important to get a complete medical examination from an obstetrician-gynecologist (O&G) specialist. This will help in detecting any underlying health conditions and ensure that you are in optimal health for pregnancy. The doctor may also perform a fertility screening to check your vitals and see the probability of you getting pregnant.
Healthy Nutrition
To prepare your body for pregnancy, it’s essential to adopt a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This will provide the necessary nutrients to nourish your body and support a healthy pregnancy.
Folic Acid Supplements
Taking supplements with folic acid, a form of vitamin B, can help lower the chance of congenital disorders, including brain or spinal cord problems. It is often ingested before conception and during the first trimester, with a daily consumption range of 400 to 800 micrograms being advised. Nevertheless, depending on your doctor’s prescription, the precise dosage can change.
Exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight by exercising at a moderate to high intensity is essential for enhancing your fertility and increasing your chances of becoming pregnant. Your chances of conceiving successfully might be increased, as well as your general health.
Ovulation and Menstrual Cycle Monitoring
Your chances of getting pregnant might be considerably improved by being aware of your fertile window (ovulation time).
Bottom Line
In conclusion, while a second pregnancy can be easier in some ways, it can also be more challenging in some aspects; however, this would vary from one woman to another. Understanding the differences is crucial so you can prepare accordingly. This will guarantee that your pregnancy is healthy and risk-free no matter what happens.
