While you might know what to expect second time around, remember that every pregnancy is unique. Vhi Midwife Support Service Manager Breda Crotty looks at points of potential difference and the best way to approach them.

Along with providing great joy as your family grows, having a second child can place you one step ahead when it comes pregnancy preparation. As a midwife, I always go into meeting an expectant second-time mother with great positivity: they’ve been on this journey before and know a lot of what they can expect, which can make things easier for everyone involved. It certainly helps your clinical team. Knowledge truly is key when it comes to maternity matters, so it’s a great help to have all that information from a first-time pregnancy, including things like potential risk patterns and how your previous labour experience panned out.

All that said, every baby is different, right down to how they arrive into the world, so we can’t expect the experience to be a total repeat of what went before. Indeed, the very nature of a second pregnancy will present some fresh challenges, along with making other aspects easier.

Your early progress

There can be increased awareness of, and sensitivity to, any physical changes that pregnancy brings, so it’s likely that you’ll feel symptoms earlier this time around. This can go beyond the more obvious likes of missed periods and morning sickness. From my own personal experience, I remember taking a sip of tea, being disgusted by it, and instantly guessing that I was pregnant again due to how my sense of taste had undergone a similar change when I was carrying my first child!

In terms of your pregnancy showing, your baby bump will also appear earlier. This is due to first pregnancy weakening your abdominal and uterine muscles and your skin not being quite as taut. It means your second baby won’t be held in quite as tightly, with the baby dropping lower in your abdomen.

Even baby kicks can be felt earlier. Whereas you can expect some movement around the five-month mark on your first pregnancy, you might feel them around month four the second time due to increased sensitivity. Your breasts may be tender or hypersensitive within just one or two weeks of conception, as hormones like oestrogen and progesterone start to quickly soar.

How symptoms may differ

Those loosened muscles can have an impact on your overall experience. A second pregnancy is likely to bring about a need to urinate more frequently, as the lower position of the baby puts increased pressure on your bladder. There’s also the chance of lower back pain and other aches as your musculoskeletal system, including your smooth muscles (those which contract without voluntary control) and ligament supports are put to work once more. If you had any problems with pelvic girdle pain during your first pregnancy, this may also make an appearance once again.

However, using supports early on in your pregnancy can help mitigate this. For instance, there are maternity support belts and pregnancy bands that will serve to distribute the baby’s weight over your abdomen and lower back. This can stabilise the pelvis, improve your balance and alleviate pressure on those lower muscles, ligaments, joints and the back itself.

Performing daily Kegel exercises can strengthen your pelvic muscles. One “Kegel” involves tightening and releasing the muscles around your urinary and vaginal opening, as if you are trying to hold in urine. It’s recommended that you hold this for a count of 10, do this 10 times, then perform three of these sets every day. A qualified physio can make sure you’ve the right form and give you other tips on exercising safely.

Fatigue can hit you harder during your second pregnancy. This is compounded by the fact your life will be busier as a parent, with your firstborn potentially waking you up in the middle of the night or hopping into the bed in the mornings. There’s always the chance that your first-time symptoms will change when you’re having your next baby, so factoring in the potential for surprises is important. If you didn’t have morning sickness before, for instance, that doesn’t mean it won’t be an issue this time.

Your previous experience will also bring positives. Simply knowing how you fared last time gives you the tools to navigate some tricky symptoms. For example, if certain foods brought on nausea or heartburn during your first pregnancy, you can be sure to avoid them this time!

What to expect from labour

Be aware that Braxton Hicks contractions can be felt earlier in a second pregnancy and may be more frequent. These are the false “contractions” that come about as your body prepares for actual labour and they generally go away if you change positions or move around.

Luckily, labour and delivery can go more quickly. The first stage of labour, which is cervix dilation, generally lasts around eight hours for first-time mothers. On a second pregnancy, this can be reduced to approximately five hours. The second stage of pushing and the birth itself can last for less than two hours, compared to an average of three hours for first-timers.

Your first delivery is a good indication of what can be expected this time around. If labour slows down or there are any issues, your clinical team will have greater knowledge as to possible causes, making it easier to quickly find a solution and keep you and your baby safe.

Your postpartum recovery

Once your second child has arrived, your recovery can be a little slower, so postpartum exercise is recommended not just for improving muscle tone but also helping your mental wellbeing. Walking with your newborn baby can be a good cardiovascular outlet, while home strengthening exercises are extremely beneficial.

Postpartum cramping can also be more severe. This is caused by your uterus contracting, as it returns to its pre-pregnancy location and size. If you experience particularly severe pain that doesn’t lift, seek the advice of your healthcare provider.

Utilising your support structure

While experience brings a degree of confidence in your ability to manage, this is still a journey that requires the right support. That can be as simple as a partner or friend looking after your firstborn while you get some much-needed rest, or expert guidance if there’s something of which you are unsure.

If a previous negative experience is making the prospect of a second pregnancy feel daunting, the best advice I can give is to discuss your concerns with your midwife. They’ll be there to offer reassurance and practical tips to help you get through.

Overall, I’ve found that expectant second-time mothers benefit from being able to draw on their earlier experience. Going into it with the right mindset will be key. Knowing that this journey can go in directions you might not expect, and that landscape can change rapidly, will help you adapt and get on with looking forward to welcoming another little one into your expanding family.

To learn about Vhi's member maternity benefits and how to book an appointment with a Vhi midwife, click here. 

This content is for information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your GP or an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your health, or before commencing a new healthcare regime. If you believe that you are experiencing a medical emergency call 999 / 112 or seek emergency assistance immediately.

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