Being pregnant for the second time bring a lot of excitement and apprehensions for most of the females. Some women become panicky and are surrounded by innumerable ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. The second pregnancy begins with itself the usual signs such as nausea and vomiting. However, some visible differences are observed with the advancement of pregnancy. ‘Short labor’ is regarded among the good changes while ‘strong after pains’ is considered among adverse changes.
You will be surprised to see that as compared to first pregnancy where you showed quite late this time ‘you will show sooner”. This is due to the fact that the uterus does not revert back to pre-pregnancy size. Since your uterus has previously experienced the pregnancy-related enlargement, the uterine ligaments and muscles have stretched earlier so your second pregnancy will become evident soon.
Fetal movements
During the second pregnancy you are more bodily aware as compared to the first time.
For example, during the first pregnancy, you considered fetal movements as gas, this time you know it quite well that the flutter is not gas but movements of your baby.
Tiredness
Extreme tiredness is common in second pregnancy. First of all you have a first child to take care of secondly the usual fatigue is also associated with pregnancy- both combine together to enhance your fatigue many times more than normal. Carelessness in not taking proper supplements are also responsible for increased tiredness. Prenatal multivitamins, calcium and iron are very effective in boosting your energy and keep you healthy throughout pregnancy.
Pains and aches
Another important change is increased pains and aches during second pregnancy. Mild abdominal exercise can help you strengthen abdominal muscles and reduce low back pain.
According to experts, the hormone relaxin (which usually accelerates in first 14 weeks of pregnancy and then decelerates around 24 weeks) is found to be more pronounced in second pregnancy. Owing to previous stretching in earlier pregnancy, the second baby descends down low in abdomen. This causes loose hips, backaches and round ligament pains. These aches usually subside after delivery of the baby.
Avoid lifting, running and bending while handling kids as this will further worsen backaches. Bend your knees and ensure you lift babies from a crouching posture to reduce unwanted stress on your back.
Braxton Hicks contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are defined as sporadic uterine contractions beginning around 6 weeks of pregnancy, but are more noticeable during mid-pregnancy. John Braxton Hicks was the first doctor who described them in 1872.
Braxton Hicks contractions are far more pronounced in second pregnancy as compared to the first one. During first pregnancy, you perceived these contractions as labor pains, but now you know well these are not real pains. That time you confused them with fetal movements.
Shorter labor
The span of the process of labor is shorter in second pregnancy as compared to the first one. This is a proven and medically accepted fact, because the cervix and uterus have already experienced the pregnancy changes earlier so in second pregnancy the process is short for second-time mothers.
According to doctors, the first time mothers experience nine to ten hours of active labor and second time moms have six to seven hours of active labor.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins worsen with every pregnancy. The pain can be reduced by wearing special support hose and exercises.
Worse after pains
The second time mothers experience very bad after pains. This is because of loss of decreased muscle tone as compared to the first time. The after pains are very strong and quite hard to bear. The experts are of the opinion that these symptoms extend in further pregnancies.
Increase in Waist size
Your waist will be bigger as compared to earlier pregnancies. Start wearing maternity outfits as the pregnancy advances.
Urinary incontinence
It is a very annoying condition frequent in pregnancy. Practicing daily Kegels can help you avoid urinary incontinence.
Similarly, while having stretch marks you will be more careful and particular in avoiding them by keeping weight gain under check.
Complications
You are most likely to have no complications if your first pregnancy was a normal one. But with more babies, your chances of having complications also increase as uterus loses its elasticity. Other complications such as PPH (postpartum hemorrhage) and placental abruption have been found to be more frequent in subsequent pregnancies.
If preeclapsia was noticed in first pregnancy, then you are more likely to have it in the second one too.
Other complications such as preterm labor, PPH, placental abruption, etc if observed in first pregnancy, increases your vulnerability to them many times in second one too.
Each pregnancy is different from the previous. Knowledge about the associated discomfort is helpful in motivating you and reduces the intensity of the symptoms. For example, your last time experience of having constipation or hemorrhoids will help you deal with them in a more easy way. You can take plenty of fiber in your food and drink plenty of fluids to avoid constipation. Every pregnancy is exclusive and unique and no two pregnancies are the same. There is simply no comparison or prediction about pregnancy.
