Are you preparing for a second pregnancy or wondering what you really need for a second baby? Here’s everything you need to know about baby #2.
This post breaks down everything you need to know about second pregnancy symptoms, second pregnancy bump progression, major second pregnancy differences, second baby must haves and so much more about baby #2!
This post is all about baby #2.
Baby #2
Second Pregnancy Symptoms
The crazy thing about pregnancy is the symptoms vary with each pregnancy and each person.
You could have had a lot of morning sickness and nausea with your first pregnancy but your second could be totally different.
There are a few second pregnancy symptoms that are a little more intense the second time around though. These include:
- Fatigue – Fatigue, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, is without a doubt more intense. With a first pregnancy, you can mostly rest when you need to, try to sleep in on the weekends and catch a few naps. But with a second pregnancy, you are most likely chasing around a toddler and don’t have the ability to stop and rest whenever you need it.
- Bloating/Bump Progression – Most women will tell you that they started showing earlier with their second pregnancy. We’ll talk more about this in the next section but you will usually start showing sooner with a second pregnancy.
- Morning Sickness – Whether you experienced this during your first pregnancy or not, it’s very possible to feel it while pregnant with baby #2. Some people believe that it’s an early indicator about the gender of the baby but even so, it should be temporary so do whatever you need to to get through it.
- Feeling Baby’s Movements – Many women often note how and when they feel baby kicks to be different with a second pregnancy. This is most likely due to them knowing what to look out for so they can pick up on it sooner.
- Braxton Hicks – It’s possible that you will feel Braxton Hicks contractions sooner. They are false labor and they usually stop when you change positions or move but it’s your body’s way of preparing you for labor.
There are other second pregnancy symptoms that will be similar to what you experienced last time too. These include frequent urination, food cravings and aversions, mood swings, constipation, and nasal congestion.
Second Pregnancy Bump Progression
Many moms will tell you that they started showing much sooner with their second pregnancy than they did with their first. This is totally common and normal!
Showing early during a second (and subsequent) pregnancy can be due to a variety of things including:
- A woman carrying more than one baby
- Pregnancies are closely spaced
- Your hormones might be more pronounced after first pregnancy
- Your progesterone levels, which relax smooth muscles, might also impact your skeletal muscles and loosen your abdominal walls.
There is no reason to be alarmed if you are showing early. Especially if you are receiving regular prenatal care and your doctor does not have any concerns.
Second Pregnancy Differences
As mentioned above, every pregnancy is different, which means there can be many second pregnancy differences.
These differences can include:
- Increased pelvic pressure
- Lower back pain
- More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions
- You may notice your baby’s movement sooner
- You may have a quicker labor
- After birth, you may experience more intense cramping as your uterus shrinks back down to normal size.
But one of the biggest second pregnancy differences is that you will be more exhausted than with your first pregnancy given you have another child to take care of now.
Because of this, you can’t rest whenever you want to and your sleep may be interrupted. Plus keeping up with a toddler while pregnant is pretty tiring.
But on a positive note…
- Your step count will naturally be up from playing with your toddler.
- You are already somewhat used to interrupted sleep.
- You generally know what to expect during pregnancy.
- You know the morning sickness and pregnancy aches and pains are temporary.
- This pregnancy will most likely fly by more quickly than you expect.
Pregnancy with baby #2 isn’t always rainbows and butterflies but the anticipation of knowing you are growing another little human is one of the best feelings. I hope you’re able to enjoy it while also soaking up all of the 1:1 time with your first child.
Second Pregnancy Emotional Changes
In addition to the physical changes, you will probably experience some emotional changes and even some worry during this time too.
If you’re like me then you will be thinking about how the family dynamic will change when the baby is born, how will your toddler adjust, how will you be able to give both children 1:1 time and that you’re not ready for the sleepless newborn nights.
All I can say is it is totally normal to have these feelings but it will all work itself out.
Bringing a new baby into the family will be a big transition for all but in the end you are giving your toddler and family the greatest gift of all.
And you have a big advantage already. You have already gone through pregnancy and postpartum once so you know what to expect to some degree. This can take out some of the unknown about what pregnancy will be like and hopefully allow you to be more relaxed and in tune with your body postpartum.
Second Baby Must Haves
A second baby registry is not a necessity, but many moms put one together, especially if they are having another baby shower or baby sprinkle. Typically a baby sprinkle is a smaller baby shower for your second child.
The pros of putting together another baby registry is that family and friends know exactly what you want and need for your second baby. Plus most stores offer you a discount at the end so you can purchase any remaining items. That alone makes it worth it to me!
If you saved a lot from your first baby, there probably won’t be too many second baby must haves that you need to purchase.
There may be some things you want to refresh but there are definitely a few things I recommend having multiple of. These include:
- New pacifiers
- New nipples for bottles
- Sound machine – You want one for each child. This is my tried and true sound machine!
- Car seat – Unless your previous one has not expired
- Double stroller – If your first child will still want to ride in it. I highly recommend this one!
- Humidifier – I highly recommend a second because your children will inevitably be sick at the same time and need a humidifier. I’m so picky about humidifiers but this has been my favorite so far!
- Diapers and wipes
- Crib and mattress – Unless you will be reusing what you already have
- 2 crib sheets and 2 mattress protectors
This post was all about baby #2.