What to expect from a second pregnancy

Even though you know what to expect your second time around the pregnancy block, it does not make it any easier. If anything it is more of a challenge. Now when you have morning sickness you cannot take a catnap. You have your little one to look after that is still going to need 100% of Mom all the time. You might be carrying your first child around plus your unborn load.

The first big surprise that will await you with baby number two, your belly will automatically pop instantaneously. I know, after all those crunches in the gym; the effort will have been fruitless. Unfortunately, you will get bigger and you will get bigger faster. There is a reason why you get bigger the second time around; it is because your abdominal muscle tone is not the same as it was with the first baby.  You will never regain that slim belly you once had even if you're very physically fit.  Without that muscle tone your uterus is more mobile -- which explains not just why your baby belly is so big but why it feels so low. The uterus can sink a little into the pelvis. There can be more pelvic pressure and even more trips to the bathroom later in the pregnancy. So be prepared to make the bathroom your second home. If you remember how hard it was to sleep with your first pregnancy well it is even harder with your second. You may be calling out even louder for the sand man if your first child is still not sleeping through the night.

If you had any complications with the first -- gestational diabetes, breech baby, or cervix issues -- expect your doctor to be on top of it from the get-go this time, because it could become an issue again. However if both you and your medical team are prepared things should go smoothly.

At times you might think that you do not have the energy to go on another day but you find the energy. Other Mom’s will inspire you, family and friends. However, do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Being a busy Mom will sometimes be enough to make you forget about all those aches and pains you may experience.

Being that you know what to expect the second time around things will be easier. You will know what to expect and how to prepare for the worst. Much of your anxiety will be put to rest. You know what changes your body goes through as well as what the fetus is doing inside you at what times. Being less preoccupied by the changes your body is going through helps you stay focused better on the long-term goal.

The second time around brings with it more of some things (get ready for Braxton Hicks -- sorry) and less of others (vaginal tears are less common -- hurrah).  This time around your baby will drop into the pelvis and your cervix will start to efface when you are actually in labor and not before.

Second labors tend to be quicker a lot quicker. Labor is about half as long the second time. And though no one likes to think she's lost vaginal muscle tone, you'll be happy to know that this will help baby slide out that much easier. Pushing time is much shorter for second-timers -- between 30 minutes and an hour. With the second pregnancy, you will feel more relaxed and at ease about the whole experience. Embrace what wonderful gift you have been given, the gift of being a Mother.

 
Information References: http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-life/emotions/pregnancy--take-two

Photos taken from: http://www.stay-a-stay-at-home-mom.com and http://images.inmagine.com