It is so exciting to have moms come back to the studio with baby #2. I am honored that they allow me to be a part of watching both of their children grow and develop, thus creating images that will be treasured for a lifetime. Madison brought her baby brother, Cole, in for his newborn session. Big sister was so proud and baby brother did amazing!
(Madison newborn)
(Cole newborn)
I often notice how different siblings can be, and, similarly, the moms share differences between their first and second pregnancies. Even my mom has said that her pregnancies with me and my two sisters were so different – mine was the easiest for her! Here are a few differences that may be experienced between a first and second pregnancy.
- An earlier baby bump – Although your baby is growing at the same rate, you may feel your waist becoming thicker at an earlier stage in your pregnancy. Since the uterus does not shrink back to its original size after your first pregnancy and your ligaments and muscles have been stretched before, your body will show a baby bump several weeks earlier than in your first pregnancy.
- Baby carried lower – A second baby is often carried lower than your first baby. Since abdominal muscles have been stretched during your first pregnancy, they are weaker and not able to support the baby as well as they did before. This is good news in regard to having less discomfort in breathing and eating, but bad news in regard to an earlier onset of frequent urination and increased lower back pain.
- More aches and pains – Back pain in particular tends to increase in a second pregnancy. Abdominal muscles are generally a little weaker and a second child is often carried lower, which lead to back pain. Paying attention to how you bend and lift things, including your first child, can ease some of your pain.
- More fatigue – Most of the increased fatigue in a second pregnancy is due to caring for your first child. You won’t have as much time to nap or just to rest as you did the first time around.
- More aware of Braxton Hicks contractions – The nature of these contractions will be similar to your previous pregnancy, however, you may experience them earlier in your second pregnancy. Part of this may simply be explained by your ability to more easily distinguish a Braxton Hicks contraction from movement of the baby the second time around.
- Shorter labor – This sounds great to an expecting mom! Labor is generally shorter for a second pregnancy because the body has been through the entire process before. Generally, all phases of labor are shorter for second-time moms.
Have you noticed differences between your first and second pregnancies? Please, share your experience!
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