Even though the best indicator of how your second pregnancy will feel is how things went during your first, you may find that some things are completely different.
What changes can I expect?
In the second pregnancy, moms notice changes in their bodies earlier. And may feel things that are altogether new.
Belly: It grows faster the second time around. Probably because the uterus and abdominal muscles stretch more easily the second time around.
Movement: Some experienced moms feel the baby's movements as early as 16 weeks, probably because they know what to expect!
Braxton Hicks contractions are more recognizable because you’ve experienced them before.
Will I have morning sickness again?
We don’t have a set observation comparing vomiting and nausea in a second pregnancy vs. a first one. There’s no way to predict whether you’ll experience it the same way. Some women have terrible nausea during their first pregnancy but not their second, or the other way around [2].
But if we are looking at what is known as late toxicosis related to preeclampsia, then, unfortunately, the answer is yes. If you experienced the condition during your first pregnancy, you will likely have it again. The good news is that if you didn’t experience preeclampsia during your first pregnancy, it’s less likely to present in subsequent ones [3].
Can I develop gestational hypertension or gestational diabetes again?
If you experienced any of these conditions during your first pregnancy, your doctor will monitor your health closely for a recurrence because it is common (but not guaranteed) [4, 5]. You’ll probably have to take a few extra tests and have a few more check-ups to keep an eye out for these conditions.
If I lost my first pregnancy, is my second pregnancy also at risk?
Miscarriage recurrence depends on what caused previous losses. If you had one or two early miscarriages, it does not increase the risk of having another [6]. However, if you've had multiple miscarriages or lost a baby later in pregnancy, the risk may be higher. It all depends on the specific causes. Feeling worried or anxious during a new pregnancy is normal. Talk to your doctor about your emotions and discuss any preventive measures that could apply. Seek help from a psychologist if need be.
