Every pregnancy is different but these second pregnancy symptoms have knocked me off my feet. I’ve had to shift gears once I realized that this won’t be the same rodeo. Here is Part 2 of my Second Pregnancy Series.
Dear Mom unsure of what symptoms the second time around could bring,
I too thought I would be fine this time around because I had done this before. But to my surprise, things were different with this second pregnancy. It all started with the severe cramps I was having due to not drinking enough water. I thought I knew that basic step but I wasn’t drinking enough for this baby.
Now six months into this second pregnancy and after lots of conversations with my doctor I realize this time is much different from the last. This is Part 2 of my Second Pregnancy Series. Make sure you check out Part 1: Second Pregnancy Is Different From Your First. In that post, I explore ways to recognize and cope with the differences of your second pregnancy.
Let’s explore some other symptoms you may be experiencing the second time around.
Second Pregnancy Symptoms
Symptom 1: Larger bump sooner
Yes, unfortunately, the second time around the bump gets bigger quicker. You start to show a lot sooner than you may have shown in your first pregnancy. The first time around I didn’t show until I was about 5months pregnant. The second time around I started showing at about 3months.
To my surprise, I wasn’t showing a little bit but I was showing significantly. It was, very easy to tell that I was pregnant. If you’re expecting to squeeze into your jeans for a little bit longer you may want to think again. It might be time to find that old bag of pregnancy clothes sooner rather than later. I was forced to buy pregnancy clothes a lot earlier than I had the first time around.
Along with showing earlier I also gained weight quicker. It caught me off-guard when I stepped on the scale to see I had already gained pounds that took me months to gain the first time. I was not only larger but I was also heavier. This threw me off completely. Although I was happy to b pregnant again, I was having a hard time coping with the quick changes.
In a second pregnancy, it is very common that your body is already aware of how to do its job. This includes stretching to make room for the baby even if the baby isn’t as large yet. So get ready to make room earlier.
Symptom 2: More tired than the first time around
Another surprise that caught me off guard was how exhausted I was early on. I was hit with two waves of exhaustion. The first one came at the beginning of the first few weeks of pregnancy and then it went away. The second wave hit me at about 4 months. I would fall asleep while playing cars with my kid or even watching a movie. I would fall asleep on my husband and kid at random.
The first time around I experienced some exhaustion but had a lot more time to take naps. With less responsibility for taking care of a kid, I had more time to myself to be able to relax. In this second pregnancy, I not only have more responsibilities but also less time to relax. So this wave of exhaustion has been challenging.
Think about it, life is much different from your first pregnancy. Of course in your second pregnancy, you’re going to be a little bit more exhausted because of those changes. So prepare yourself by listening to your body and taking it easy. Get as much rest as you possibly can. We all know once the baby arrives you’re going to be even more exhausted than you are while pregnant.
Symptom 3: Noticed movement sooner
Most second pregnancy symptoms aren’t as fun but this one has to be the best. You can notice signs of movement a lot earlier than the first time. In my first pregnancy, I didn’t know what to expect for a first kick or the first swim across my stomach. But this time I knew exactly what to look for.
In my first pregnancy, I felt Potato’s first kick around 5 or 6 months. It was truly something beautiful. Those little kicks are gentle but have enough punch to recognize it was not gas. Movement in the womb is always a good sign and my first child did a lot of it. In this second pregnancy, I noticed movement at about 4 months. I was very surprised to feel movement so early but there it was.
As this pregnancy continues the movement increases and intensives. In my second pregnancy, I not only feel movement earlier but the movement is strong. This kid packs a punch, kick, and flip. During an ultrasound appointment, my little one wouldn’t stay still for pictures. We clearly saw this kid turn away from the screen. It is quite amazing how babies can have so much activity in the womb. And with me being a lot larger earlier on, this kid has more room to play.
For the Win (conclusion)
Yes, all pregnancies are not the same. You will have similar symptoms and some new ones too. I encourage you to embrace this new process and what it has in store for you. Listen to your body and what you need. I know I only mentioned some second pregnancy symptoms but, I would love to hear others.
What other second pregnancy symptoms are you experiencing?
Don’t forget to check out The Second Pregnancy Series, Part 1: Second Pregnancy Is Different From Your First
