The thought of having a second child is usually accompanied by lots of questions and anxiety. The biggest challenge is taking care of your first child while you get ready for your second baby’s arrival. However, getting terrified will not take you anywhere. Here are a few things you need to know about having Baby #2.
1. No Perfect Time
Your first pregnancy might have been planned. But, when it comes to your second pregnancy, you will never have a plan and will never be ready. You might be waiting for an ideal stage setting for their entrance. However, there is no perfect time for your second baby. Accept the fact that whenever baby#2 joins you, your days will turn out to be crazy and fun-packed. So, get ready for the precious little one when it happens.
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2. No Two Pregnancies Are Alike
Since you had a first-hand experience, nobody is going to scare you this time with those horror pregnancy stories. But, do not expect your pregnancy period to be exactly like the first one. Those who never had any pregnancy worries may experience something new their second time. Moreover, you have baby#1 who is a handful for you. If you have a toddler, then it will be all the more difficult for you.
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3. No Special Treatment
Remember those affectionate, extra special treats on your first pregnancy? Well, do not anticipate such feasts this time. People will treat you as a veteran mom and there will not be any red carpet rolled out for you. Instead, there will be long speeches on your additional responsibilities on a more serious note. Don’t let them make you nervous, after all you know, this too will pass.
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4. Easier Labor
Here is one good news. Your labor will be quicker and easier with baby#2. If you had a vaginal birth previously, some stretching would have happened. So, in the absence of any other complications, labor will be swifter.
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5. Fetal Movements
By the second pregnancy, some women may start to feel fetal movements as early as 13 weeks. This is probably because you are able to recognize those kicks and wiggles from your first experience. And chances are that you will not be able to keep the good news under wraps for long as your little bump pops sooner than you expect.
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6. Proper Diet
A nutritional diet is the cardinal rule of pregnancy. For your second one, it is all the more important. Your body is deprived of nutrients, especially if baby#2 is happening less than a year after your first delivery. You might survive on your first baby’s leftover food. But, once you have a second one, do not forget to eat for your baby and for yourself. Include nutrient-rich foods making sure that you get much-needed protein, vitamin D, calcium, and zinc.
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7. Preparing Your First Child
You will be flooded with advice on how to prepare your first child. But, the fact is that no amount of preparation will do justice. There may be a bumpy start. You may also feel that your first child loves you less as you spend more time with your newborn. Always remember, this is all part of the game. Eventually, all of you will adapt to the new environment and welcome the little one.
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8. Lifting Your Toddler
This is one major concern of expecting mothers. If there are no pregnancy complications, you can lift your toddler. However, do not strain yourself. When you are not comfortable, you should move on with other techniques like hand-holding to show affection.
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9. Mood Swings
Mood swings are part and parcel of pregnancy. Blame it on stress and hormonal changes. When you are expecting a second baby, you are bound to go through the worst moods. One day you may be ecstatic at the thought of having a second baby, and then start worrying about the first child. You may think that the second baby was a bad idea and then regret that you had such a bad thought. Don’t worry at all, that’s normal. Talk to expecting mothers and you will realize you are not alone.
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It is quite normal to have apprehensions about having a second baby. However, it will be a delightful and incredible experience, like your first one.
