Second Pregnancy: What Are The Signs And Symptoms?
Second Pregnancy: What Are The Signs And Symptoms?
Second pregnancies feel different possibly because your body is now familiar with the changes that occur after you conceive. Besides the common symptoms of pregnancy, women who are pregnant the second time may experience a few new changes.
Bump gets bigger sooner- Most second-timers start to show the bump earlier than they did in the first pregnancy because the stomach muscles are weaker than the first time. As they have already been stretched once before, the abdominal muscles are less resistant to stretching the second time, and the belly shows soon as the baby starts to grow.
Breast changes- Change in breasts is general during pregnancy, but the breasts become more tender and painful during the second pregnancy. They become more sensitive when you are breastfeeding, and the nipples may also hurt more. The pigmented area around the nipple, called areola, gets darker.
Early baby movements– In the second pregnancy, you will feel the baby’s kicks and movements sooner because you will identify the sensations sooner. You’ll feel the baby being active before 18 to 20 weeks when they’re generally experienced.
Some of the usual pregnancy symptoms you noticed in your first pregnancy may recur. They include:
- Morning sickness
- Frequent urination
- Food cravings and aversions
- Fatigue
- Bloating and constipation
- Mood swings
- Nasal congestion
Is The Second Baby Easier To Deliver?
Second babies are generally easier and faster to deliver. Since the muscles, bones, and tissues have undergone stretching previously, it becomes easier for the baby to move through the birth canal in the successive delivery.
Coping With Your Older Child during the Second Pregnancy
- Tell the child about a new one growing inside your womb, and encourage them to pat your bump, talk or sing to the baby.
- Take them to prenatal check-ups, and let them also listen to the fetal heartbeat sometimes.
- Mention about the baby frequently, but be careful not to go overboard lest they get jealous.
- Involve them in shopping for the baby. Let them choose simpler things like clothes and toys for the little one.
How Can You Prepare For Your Next Baby?
- Get the diaper bag ready before delivery
- Pack a bag for your older child so that it is easy to carry when you go to the hospital
- Stock up the household and personal essentials
- Sterilize pacifiers and feeding bottles
- Arrange a family member or a babysitter to take care of your older child
- Keep everything ready in the storage (such as old clothes, car seat, jumpers, bibs, burp rags) for the new arrival