5 ways my 1st pregnancy differs from my 2nd
Many women who’ve had subsequent pregnancies share how each pregnancy brought it’s own joys and challenges. “Each pregnancy is different” is such a commonly known statement. My experience thus far is no different. While I have some similar symptoms from my first pregnancy, this journey has brought a lot of new experiences. I’ve shared several differences from my first and second pregnancy along with some tips on how I managed these new changes.
Enjoy and share with a friend!
Position of baby
Throughout my entire first pregnancy I carried my baby much higher than where this current baby loves to sit. In this second pregnancy baby prefers to rest and grow low. So low it’s pretty much resting on my bladder/pelvic floor. Because of this I’ve had to practice various strategies to lift baby to increase my comfort as baby grows. If you have a low positioned baby or heavy baby, click on the image to access the Kinesiology Tape I used or get yourself a belly band for support. Either or both options will increase your comfort and better adjust baby.
Weight Gain
At the beginning of this second pregnancy my weight was much smaller than I was for my first. However, I’ve gained more weight and faster this time around. Honestly, if your doctors aren’t concerned about how much weight you’ve gained, you shouldn’t put to much pressure on yourself either. Ensure you are eating a well balanced diet; protein, veggies, water, healthy fats and don’t be afraid of some carbs. It’s okay to indulge in your cravings as well, just in moderation. Don’t consume yourself worrying about the number on the scale. The most important thing is that you and baby are healthy and strong.
Quickly helped ease symptoms.
3. Morning Sickness/Nauseous
I did not experience morning sickness or nausea during my first pregnancy. On one occasion I had an aversion to avocados when I was 6 weeks pregnant but it passed quickly. Unfortunately this was not my experience this second time around. In my first trimester I was nauseous daily. If I didn’t eat enough, ate too much or if I was dehydrated I easily became nauseous. I often felt like I couldn’t win. Even entering the third trimester of this second pregnancy morning sickness has returned. I get motion sickness, morning sickness or nauseous randomly throughout the day. To ease my stomach I drink gatorade, liquid IV or take a stomach settle.
4. Growing pains/Round ligament pain
Our uterus grows and gets stretched after each subsequent pregnancy. This gives baby more space to grow a bit faster making belly show sooner than their first pregnancy. Along with the fast growing bump often comes with growing pains - which were not fun. Thankfully they did not last very long for me. It felt like random sharp pains which is normal and known as round ligament pain. Find comfort in rest and water if you experience round ligament pains. If they are too frequent and last longer than 30 seconds to a minute contact your doctor, doula and/or midwife.
5. Body aches
In addition to the round ligament pain, I’ve also experienced soreness in my hips and lower back. I even struggle with charlie horses in my calves. These were not areas of concern during my first pregnancy. To aid in this experience I incorporated stretching daily and created a online stretch community to hold me accountable. Additionally, upping my water intake has positively impacted my body. My stretch community practice stretching on the birthing ball, yoga mat and in the bed to ease the body aches. Together we target strengthening our pelvic floor, practicing breathing techniques, save movements and being present with ourselves mind, body and spirit. These techniques have not only benefited my mobility but have also improved my quality of sleep.
*If you are currently pregnant, just gave birth or know someone in either category that may be interested joining my online stretch community contact me. We would love to have you!
