Your first pregnancy, you feel like a princess. Your family and friends lavish you with attention, and you dream of having the sweetest, cutest baby. Now, you’re pregnant with baby number two, but this time it is a lot different. You’re chasing a toddler. You struggle to fix your hair, let alone glow. They say each pregnancy is different, and this week I have been thinking about ways that my second pregnancy has compared to my first so far.
Body and Belly
With my first pregnancy, my bump was basketball shaped, and I had the glow. Many women spend time pampering themselves during their first pregnancy: massages, naps, pedicures. This time around, I can’t seem to get a long shower or get extra sleep. I’ve also noticed more breakouts on my face. The once beautiful glow has been replaced with teenage acne.
I’ve seen so many cute ideas on how to capture weekly belly photos, but after your first pregnancy, you might be lucky to remember to even wear cute enough clothes to get your picture taken. So far, no stretch marks. If I do get some, I plan on trying Mango Mama Bump Butter. A plus to having a second pregnancy is that you usually feel the baby move sooner or show earlier.
Worries, Fears, and What ifs
With a first pregnancy, you tend to worry about everything–Autism, developmental and genetic disorders. You are bombarded. Every little cramp or even a lack of movement can cause a first-time mom to go into a panic. What about all of those things you’re not supposed to do or not supposed to eat while pregnant? The first time around, you follow that list strictly. I remember worrying once because I ate some yummy queso blanco at a Mexican restaurant. My baby came out perfectly healthy. I’ve noticed the second time around that I still am cautious with being healthy for my baby, but I’m not as concerned with worry. My worries this time around are more about where baby will sleep in my tiny house, or if my toddler will still be in diapers at baby’s birth.
Your Focus
During your first pregnancy, you are focused on baby. You get the cute emails weekly. You sing songs to your growing belly, and remember to send all of your family your latest sonogram photo. I’ve noticed that being pregnant while taking care of a toddler changes your focus some. While I am still focused on my growing baby, I sometimes have to remind myself that I am in fact pregnant. I’ve just started having my toddler pat my belly and say, “Hi, baby.” While I am not getting the weekly emails, I am reading a weekly book about baby and mom’s development.
So, mommas, how did your first pregnancy compare with the second, third, fourth, or even fifth? How do we still be mom to our children who need us so much, and still focus on the growing miracle we have been blessed with? This is something I don’t have the answer to, but I am learning every day. You’re a mom once you’re pregnant. I may just have one child to chase right now, but I have enough love to give to both. That’s enough for me this week.
Karyn Meyerhoff is a stay at home mom in Northeast Indiana who loves to read, write, and nap. She loves being pregnant and loves being a mom. It’s definitely the hardest job, but she wouldn’t change a thing.
Tags: belly photos, first time mom, pregnancy, second pregnancy, week 17
I’m 17 weeks pregnant with baby #4 and chasing around a 13 month old and newly 3 year old who I am trying to potty train plus schooling my 7 year old… I, too, often forget I’m pregnant unless I’m nauseated, starving, or falling asleep sitting up. Everyone naps at this house or at least lays down quietly for 2 hrs!