First Pregnancy Versus Second Pregnancy

Congratulations! You found out that you are expecting number two and while it may be as exciting as the first time around, it may also be a little bit frightening. So let’s look at my experience with my first pregnancy versus my second pregnancy.

My Initial Concerns

The big concern for me when I found out was if it would be the same experience as the first and am I able to manage two children at the same time since they would be 17 months apart (Yikes!). This is how I see the second pregnancy…

Have you ever seen that commercial where a first-time mom walks around with her hand sanitizer everywhere she goes with the first kid but on the second one she hands him to the greasy hand mechanic without any care? IT IS SOO TRUE!

Are you more excited, a bit concerned or both? Let me know. Please feel free to share your own experiences or ask your questions or concerns below. I will be happy to help you!

There is a huge huge difference in the first pregnancy compared to the second one. Of course, I have to admit that every pregnancy is unique in my opinion and unique in its own way.

Some moms may have had a great pregnancy experience for the first, and the total opposite for the second or vice versa.

There is no instruction manual when it comes to preparing or being ready for your second child as with the first. The experience built from the first one will however help to navigate the journey of the second experience. Here are my feedback and takeaway moments that I am sure other moms can attest to.

“The first kid had the “silver spoon” in his mouth literally, while the second one… is plastic spoon ok? I guess so.”

First Pregnancy

It is so true the difference between pregnancies from the first mom experience to the second time around is so unique. The experience was way more different the second time around by far hands down do the giggle dance if I may. This is my view but remember everyone is different.

Before The Baby Arrived

With the first baby, everything was perfectly planned to perfection most of the time. You had everything picked out, arranged, packed, etc. The nursery was finished and packed with everything you needed and ready to go.

You tracked each stage of the pregnancy by taking baby photos of your bump each month.

You bought the most sought-after expensive furniture and toys you could find (gym, rocker, etc.).

If you felt indigestion or Braxton hicks contractions, you had the doctor’s number on speed dial or even went to the ER just to make sure that the baby was fine.

You bought the heart check monitor to ensure that the baby’s heart was pounding away as you went along the journey (Yes I am guilty of this!).

The gender reveal party and baby shower was planned out to perfection with a theme, guest list, and a registry to die for (I actually had two baby showers, one of which was a surprise).

After The Baby Arrived

After the baby arrived, you had the huge diaper bag packed with 10 outfits, 20 diapers, 6 blankets, wipes, wipes for pacifiers, wipes for buggers, you name it the bag had it all.

You had monthly professional studio photos done reflecting the growth spurts.

You cried when you had to return to work or if you had to leave the baby with a caregiver because you missed them so much.

You pretty much neglected the hubby all the time because bonding with the baby was all you ever thought about. Overall, you never missed a beat when it came to preparing for the first one.

Second Pregnancy

The second pregnancy however was more about going with the flow for the most part.

Before The Baby Arrived

Nothing was ever arranged or ready assuming that you had the first baby’s things already there.

The nursery, what nursery oh the oldest gets kicked out of the crib, and in goes the second one. The cycle continues with everything else, re-use the clothes, shoes, and everything after the first if its the same gender I assume, unless you are my lovely sister who decided to use pink bibs on her son because nobody would see them on him at home (I love you, dear sister).

Braxton hicks and indigestion were the norms and you just brushed it off and kept going.

The heart check monitor was more or less growing dust in your nightstand.

A second baby shower was not even on your “to-do list”, especially if you had to plan it yourself.

After The Baby Arrived

The huge diaper bag became, “why do I need all this stuff?.” A mommy purse with one outfit maybe 2 the max, wipes, and 2 diapers, yes I said it 2 diapers the most. Yep, we are ready to go!

Monthly bump photos and monthly professional growth track photos were now non-existent. The second baby had 3 photos done if any at all for the birth, christening, and 1st year.

Going back to work was not as emotional as the first time around even though you still missed being at home with your child.

You welcome any chance you get for an offer to babysit so that you could get some alone time with the hubby.

Is Pregnancy Easier The Second Time?

Nonetheless, as you can see. Things are a bit more spontaneous and get easier the second time around. It goes with the trial and error of the first and not repeating the same things. It also now involves juggling two children, which will mean less time and attention for both.

Nevertheless, as moms, we instinctively know how to handle two children. At first, I was a bit worried about managing two, but then once I got into a routine after the first couple of months, I was able to be comfortable with taking care of two.

Be confident in your God-given ability to be able to do anything as a mom. You will have everything under control.

I do hope that this helped calm your nerves for the second time around in the world of pregnancy. I hope that it will also give you ease in knowing that there is absolutely nothing to worry about because you’ve got this!

Here is some other blog post that can help to motivate, encourage and inspire you on your parenting journey the second time around.

• Benefits Of Self-care As A Mom
• Overcoming The Hurdles And Struggles Of Motherhood
• 10 Uplifting Mommy-Inspired Quotes
• A Mom In Need Of A TIME-OUT

Did you find the strategies listed in this article helpful? What were some of your favorite tips? How have they worked for you? Leave a comment below, I’d love to know what you think.

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