Every pregnancy is unique. While you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect the second time around, you might also be surprised by the differences. The guide below looks at the changes most commonly experienced by mothers having their second or third baby. 

4 Ways Your Second Pregnancy May Be Unlike Your First

1. More Noticeable Symptoms 

Because you’re already familiar with the symptoms, you may realize you’re pregnant much quicker the second time around. You may also experience certain milestones, like Baby’s first kicks, sooner since you’ll understand what those gentle flutterings mean.

As for symptoms like morning sickness, food aversions, and breast tenderness, they may be more or less severe than during your first pregnancy. 

2. Less Energy 

Second pregnancies aren’t necessarily more draining than first ones, but chances are you have a lot more responsibility now. You didn’t have another child to care for during your first pregnancy, for example. Regardless of how old your first child is, he or she undoubtedly needs most of your attention when not in day care or school. Try to cherish your time together because your family dynamic will inevitably change once your second comes along. 

3. Additional Aches 

Women tend to carry lower their second time around because their uterine muscles aren’t as firm anymore. This can cause more back pain and muscle stiffness as Baby grows. Subsequent babies tend to be larger, as well, which can contribute to pronounced aches and pains as the pregnancy progresses. 

4. Quicker Labor & Delivery

Your relaxed uterine muscles can also encourage your cervix to dilate faster. So, in addition to second-time moms better knowing the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and real labor, which can stop them from going to the hospital early, the process of active labor is usually shorter for successive births.

For your second pregnancy, turn to Innovative Women’s Health Specialists for comprehensive prenatal care. Located in Chattanooga, TN, this OB-GYN practice is proud to see patients at all stages of life. Equipped with the most advanced equipment, their state-of-the-art facility is still a warm and comfortable environment. Learn more about their offerings online. To request an appointment, call (423) 771-9680.