Usually, the second pregnancy is different from the first. Everyone’s question is, When do you start showing with second Pregnancy? The answer is, we might experience more fatigue, stronger or more frequent backaches, and Braxton Hicks contractions earlier in this pregnancy. Although labour will probably expect more quick recovery from childbirth might be slower. After going through it once, the mom might feel like a pro at being pregnant, and in many ways. As we take part in the thrilling journey of becoming a mom for the second time, learn about some more changes we can anticipate.
1. Symptoms: Second Pregnancy
It’s challenging to predict correctly when you start showing second pregnancy symptoms and how your pregnancy will go because every pregnancy is dissimilar. But here are a few typical differences between your second pregnancy and subsequent pregnancy.
1.1 Fatigue
Many second-time mothers who are pregnant report feeling overly exhausted. The uterine lining is made ready for growth and implantation by progesterone. Progesterone has some other physiological effects besides fatigue, but this is one of them. Before becoming pregnant, one should have their blood count checked. If the mother is Anemic, they should take iron supplements to restore the blood count to normal.
Pregnancy fatigue is common. If a pregnant mother’s level of fatigue becomes excessive, be sure to let the Gynecologists’ and Obstetrician know so they can investigate any other potential causes, such as Thyroid or Hypertensive disorders or Medications.
1.2 Back Pain
The potential changes in the centre of gravity caused by the growing belly, and back pain may manifest earlier in the second or subsequent pregnancy. The abdominal muscles weaken noticeably during a second pregnancy, which could lead to back pain manifesting earlier. The second baby makes the body’s joints quickly begin to relax, which makes the body aches worse than they were with the first baby.
At the point where the pelvis and spine meet, or the Sacroiliac Joint, back pain in pregnancy is common. There are numerous possible reasons for this. The list of some of the more likely causes is as follows:
• Gaining Weight- Women typically gain between 25 and 35 pounds during a healthy pregnancy. Usually, the weight must be supported by the spine. That might result in lower back pain. The developing baby causes the weight increase in the uterus. So, the blood vessels, nerves in the pelvis region, and the back are compressed.
• Transitions in Posture- Your centre of gravity is changed by pregnancy. As a result, the mom might start to gradually — even without realizing it — modify their posture and movement. Back pain or strain could result from this.
• Changes in Hormones- The body produces the hormone Relaxin during pregnancy, which permits ligaments in the pelvic region to loosen up and joints to relax in preparation for labour. The same hormone can make the ligaments supporting the spine lose, which causes instability and discomfort.
• Muscle Division- The rectus abdominal muscles, which run in two parallel sheets from the rib cage to the pubic bone, may split down the middle as the uterus grows. The separation could make back pain worse.
• Stress- Back pain or back spasms can result from emotional stress causing muscle tension in the back. During pregnancy’s stressful times, we might notice that the back pain gets worse.
1.3 Changes in Breast
During the first pregnancy, our breasts were especially vulnerable and painful. They might not get as big or as uncomfortable this time. As a result of our body’s prior preparation (in their previous pregnancy) for breastfeeding, we might experience fewer changes to your breasts, including breast swelling, soreness or tenderness, a heavy feeling, or a feeling of fullness.
1.4 Baby Bump Progression
This pregnancy will likely cause us to start showing a baby bump earlier than our previous pregnancy, when do you start showing with second pregnancy? It occurred as a result of the first pregnancy’s increased flexibility of the uterus and abdominal muscles. The likelihood of the baby’s bumps protruding increases with muscle weakness. The same reasoning suggests that the baby bump, this time around might be very large.
1.5 Baby Movements
Pregnant women describe the movements of their unborn child as butterflies, muscle twitches, or a tumbling motion. Between weeks 16 and 25 of your pregnancy, pregnant women should begin to feel the “Quickening,” or “First Movement” of the unborn child. Mom might not feel the baby moves until closer to 25 weeks if that is the first pregnancy.
It might be challenging to determine whether the baby has moved at first. Moms expecting their second or subsequent pregnancies can distinguish the baby’s first movement from gas, hunger, and other internal motions. Pregnant Moms might feel the baby moves more quickly during the second pregnancy than they did during their first pregnancy. Some women feel baby movements as early as 13 weeks into the second pregnancy.
1.6 Hormone Effects
Relaxin, a hormone that the ovaries and placenta produce, seems to work better during the second pregnancy. It can increase your risk of injury, but the majority of people never experience its effects. The muscles, joints, and ligaments are loosened and relaxed by the Relaxin hormone during pregnancy. The hormone allows the body to stretch, which also aids in our body’s preparation for delivery. Although most people never experience its effects, it can significantly raise the likelihood of getting injured.
1.7 Physical Health Conditions
1.7.1 Skin Issues
Stretch mark is more common in any pregnancy, either first or second/ subsequent pregnancies. The Elastic Fibers under the skin will tend to tear during pregnancy, usually around the breast and tummy area. Apart from the stretch mark pregnant women may feel some other skin issues like,
- Dry skin, Itchy Skin and skin rashes especially around the stomach.
- Sun Sensitivity is increased. Pregnant women could consequently burn more easily. When spending time outside, make sure to wear powerful sunscreen.
- From the navel to the pubic hair, there is a dark line or linea nigra running down the middle of the belly.
- Darkened skin patches on the face are also known as the “Mask of Pregnancy”.
- Wart has been an indication of the discharge as well as hormone changes, and the immune system causes Genital Warts to grow more quickly during pregnancy. It may not completely eradicate warts.
1.7.2 Dental Issues
Teeth may become looser because pregnancy hormones also affect the ligaments and bones in the mouth. After the pregnancy, they get back to normal. If the gums are bleeding or swollen, visit the dentist. These signs of periodontal disease may be present. Low birth weight and preterm birth or early birth have both are associated with this condition. The ideal time for dental work is during the second trimester.
Bleeding Gums, Nosebleeds, and Congestion. These are brought on by an increase in blood flow to the mouth’s and nose’s mucous membranes.
1.7.3 Heart-Burning Sensation
At the end of the first trimester, heartburn can start or get worse. The pressure from the expanding uterus on the stomach can push food and acid into the Oesophagus, resulting in a burn.
1.7.4 Urinary Track Infection
During the second trimester, the mom could contract an infection. Due to the pressure from the enlarged uterus and hormonal changes, the bladder doesn’t completely empty. Inform the doctor if we believe we have a UTI because untreated UTIs can cause preterm labour. The need to urinate more frequently, a burning sensation during urination or the presence of blood or a strong odour in the urine are all symptoms.
1.7.5 Constipation
After becoming pregnant, some women experience constipation, which is usually brought on by the hormones of pregnancy, which can slow the digestive system down. Others experience constipation before becoming pregnant, and the condition is just a continuation or exacerbation of their regular issue.
Other negative effects of constipation are possible. Haemorrhoids are enlarged blood vessels in the rectum that can develop in some constipation sufferers and be extremely uncomfortable if they cause pain, itching, or bleeding.
1.8 Mental Health Conditions
The moms will probably experience a lot of ups and downs while pregnant. They might feel any or all of these feelings.
- Surprise- If the pregnancy was unanticipated. The moms may then experience joy if they welcome the pregnancy.
- Fear- If the mom is unsure about the change to their life or both happiness, especially if they have been trying to get pregnant and feel well.
- Anger- This can be caused by the body’s hormonal changes, a feeling of vulnerability, or uncomfortable or painful pregnancy symptoms, or fear for the baby’s health if they are worried that their baby will be born with an illness or a disability.
- Psychological Disorder- Fear of childbirth is a recognized psychological disorder. You can conquer this fear by seeking counselling and speaking with a midwife or doctor.
- Sadness or Disappointment- If the mom experiences illness or pregnancy complications or is unable to have the birth you had hoped for. If we experience a miscarriage, a loss later in the pregnancy, or a stillbirth, may experience Grief.
1.8.1 Mood Swing
Due to the body’s fluctuating hormone levels, the mothers are likely to feel both good and bad emotions more intensely. And it seems that everyone will experience a range of emotions. While the mother may be overjoyed to have a baby, she may also feel stressed and burdened. The way the body is changing might not be to everyone’s taste. Women who are expecting might worry about putting on too much or not enough weight. Or not being able to perform the usual physical activity.
When they take into account hormone-related fatigue, forgetfulness, and moodiness are completely out of control. All of this is extremely common.
1.8.2 Depression
While they are pregnant or even shortly after giving birth, women are more likely to develop depression. This could happen at any time during the first trimester of both pregnancy and childbirth. The reproductive hormone changes that take place during pregnancy can make a contribution to depression and anxiety, two disorders. Women who are pregnant frequently are not aware of their depression. It’s possible that they mistakenly believe they are experiencing pregnancy symptoms or the “baby blues,” which many new mothers go through.
It’s good to be aware that depression has treatments available.
Each individual will experience a different set of signs. They can be anything from minor to major. Some of the more typical signs are as follows:
- Changes in appetite, such as overeating or a lack of interest in food.
- Changes in sleep, such as difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, and lack of energy.
- Feelings of Sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness, uncontrollable crying, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities pregnant women usually enjoy are all examples of appetite changes.
- Depression in a new mother may make it difficult for her to care for her child. They might not want to spend time with their child, and this can result in a crying baby.
1.8.3 Anxiety
Pregnancy complications and unfavourable delivery outcomes are caused by anxiety during pregnancy, including postpartum Haemorrhage (bleeding), protracted labour, increased rates of caesarean deliveries and neonatal monitoring, preterm delivery, and low birth weight infants.
1.8.4 Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as Manic Depressive Disorder, is without a doubt one of the most difficult mental health conditions to treat. Patients with bipolar disorder go through severe mood swings, including manic (high) and depressive (low) episodes.
Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can have an effect on mood. On some days, the mother might feel on top of the world, while on other days, she might feel down and out of sorts. Bipolar disorder symptoms may become more obvious during pregnancy. The same is valid for additional types of mental health issues.
1.9 Labor
Now, the mom is in her last phase of pregnancy. All sorts of struggles physical and mental, which the mom faced throughout the pregnancy are coming to end. When it comes time to deliver the new baby at the end of the third trimester, you’ll probably notice some positive differences from the first pregnancy during labour and birth.
It is the chance to try a different birth plan if the mom’s first delivery was unpleasant. The second child delivery should theoretically be quicker and easier if they’ve already given birth vaginally because some stretching is likely to have taken place. Of course, as every woman and every pregnancy is unique, many women report that their second pregnancies made labour and delivery easier.
The cervix will start to dilate (open) and efface (thin) as we begin experiencing mild to moderate contractions that get stronger, longer, and closer together, when the cervix dilates from 3 or 4 centimetres to the first to 8 or 9 centimetres, to the second time moms. For the Second Child, the latency would be around 10 to 12 hours for repeat moms compared to about 20 hours for first-timers. The first-time mom may push for up to two hours if they haven’t had an epidural and three hours. An epidural can extend this stage.
Otherwise, if it was a C-Section happened in the first pregnancy. In the past, doctors advised women who underwent C-sections to give up vaginal birth entirely and plan C-sections for all subsequent pregnancies. Let’s see the reasons behind this.
- A Transverse Incision, also known as a Horizontal Incision, goes through the uterus’ lower, more delicate region. It increases the possibility of a VBAC and is frequently used during C-sections.
- A Vertical Incision, which carries a higher risk for a VBAC due to the potential for uterine rupture, a tear in the uterine muscle, cuts through the uterine muscles that vigorously contract during labour.
However, a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (or VBAC) is currently regarded by many women and their newborns as a safe option. A vaginal delivery also enables you to go home earlier and recover more quickly. The second baby will likely weigh a little bit more when it is born than the first baby did.
2. Conclusion
For every issue definitely, there will be a solution. For the second-time mom, it is an added advantage to knowing, previously facing or prior pregnancy symptoms and how their body reacts to them. Now, they need little precaution to feel better from those symptoms. Total eradication of pregnancy symptoms is not at all possible. For Example, Fatigue – Have proper sleep, be hydrated, change sleeping posture, and maintain the blood sugar under control. Back Pain – Applying the ice bag, hot water bag or heating pads on the painful area. “Pregnancy is a boon“, it’s a dream for some. So, enjoy every second of the pregnancy.
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