What to expect when having another baby
Having another baby, although familiar territory, is not the same as having your first. During your first pregnancy you may or may not have experienced complications, and this may lead you to feeling either relaxed about the second birth or highly concerned. What needs to be kept in mind is that there are differences and similarities between the first and second pregnancy that include:
- less time to prepare for the second pregnancy because of on-going care for the first child
- the pregnancy bump appearing sooner than the first did
- reduced experience of morning sickness
- resurfacing of leaky bladder, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, and pelvic joint aches
- re-occurring medical problems or worries about pregnancy
- feelings of isolation
- antenatal appointments
Knowing a little of what to expect can bring peace to mind. Talking with your health care professional is a start and also going back to any notes you made about your maternity experience the first time round can help you remember how to handle your pregnancy. If tiredness or time is a concern, think about ways in which you can build in additional rest and emotional preparation needed for your second birth.
Get your first child to do pregnancy exercises with you or to experience your exercise environment if still a baby. Eat regularly by preparing easy but health meals. Take time to inhale and feel your baby grow. If you need medical care, don't put it off. Join antenatal classes where you can, and also any online pregnancy groups or communities discussing baby care. Being proactive during your pregnancy can help you enjoy the experience without isolation, and serve as a self-motivating support.
Having Another baby:
- Having Another baby
- Choice motivations for having another baby
- Planning and preparing for a second pregnancy
- Health considerations when having another baby
- Telling your partner and first child that your are expecting again
- What to expect when having another baby
- Possible complications when having another baby
- Differences in midwife care
- Attending to yourself and the first child when having another baby
Pregnancy Guide
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Pregnancy
- Signs of Pregnancy
- Symptoms you Shouldn’t Ignore
- A Pregnant Mother’s Developing Body
- Pregnancy calendar
- The Role of the Expectant Father
- What you should and shouldn’t do during Pregnancy
- Prenatal Care
- Prenatal Methods of Testing
- Exercise during Pregnancy
- Pregnancy - Expecting Twins or More
- Pregnancy Predicaments
- Sleeping during Pregnancy
- Having Another baby
- Having a baby over 35
- Losing a baby
- Myths about Pregnancy
- Plus Size Pregnancy
- Piercing and Pregnancy
- Tanning and Pregnancy
- Tattoos and Pregnancy
- Pregnancy FAQ
Related Guides
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Guide to Getting Pregnant
- Guide to Pregnancy
- Guide to Giving Birth
- Guide to Pregnancy Tests
- Mother, Baby & Beyond Guide
- Guide to Pain Relief in Labour
- Guide to pregnancy scans
- Pregnancy calendar guide
- Baby calendar guide
- Child development calendar guide
- Guide to miscarriage
- Guide to breastfeeding
- Guide to sleeping for mother & baby
- Guide to birth defects
- Guide to Post Natal depression