Pregnant Silhouette

The problem with getting pregnant only when you hit thirty is having a five-year window to get pregnant again without complications. That was why I really wanted to get pregnant last year. However, it wasn't time. This year, I'm finally pregnant again and I'm seeing a lot of differences between my first pregnancy and my second pregnancy.

 

Pregnancy Changes You Forever, Physically

 

One of the things that forever changed for me after my first pregnancy was my eyesight. I used to see just fine. However, after I gave birth I needed glasses. My nearsightedness kicked in. I realized that it's the kind of thing that's irreversible. I'll have to live with it and do some maintenance measures but the reality is: my body is very much different from the way it was when I was single.

 

Given that my eyesight changed drastically after giving birth, I think of what will change after I give birth the second time around. I'm expecting a heavier toll. However, knowing what I know, I think I can better prepare myself as well. I'm trying to eat healthier and taking supplements to make up for my nutrition deficiencies. I'm guarding against possible gestational diabetes as well because diabetes runs in my family.

 

There's an excellent book that talks about what happens after birth and the toll it takes on your body: Life After Birth by Kate Figes with Jean Zimmerman.  The book gives you a clear picture of what happens after birth not just a fuzzy, warm account of being a mom. It's realistic without being pessimistic.

 

One Pregnancy Will Be Different From Another

 

During my first pregnancy, I was never nauseous. This time around, however, I felt nauseous all throughout my first trimester. I wasn't vomiting or anything but I felt sick at random points during the day and I could feel the food I ate in my throat. I thought that skipping the nausea was genetic or something and that I'd not feel it during any of my pregnancies. Surprise, surprise. Maybe it's because I'm older? Or, as they say, maybe it's because one pregnancy will always be different from another.

 

Another thing I noticed: I could feel the baby in my tummy as early as the first trimester for my second pregnancy. With my first pregnancy, I only started feeling my baby move around during my fifth or sixth month. I've read somewhere that second-time moms are more sensitive and aware of fetal movement. It's true!

 

Older and Wiser

 

What's good about this second pregnancy is: I'm older and wiser. I now know what to expect, more or less. That doesn't stop me from reading up about pregnancy again. But at least now I know that:

 

  • I'm going to breastfeed and I know lots more about it (vs. my first pregnancy) so I can prepare early.
  • I don't have to be so O.C. about timing my contractions during childbirth and timing my breastfeeding. I wasted a lot of time and energy worrying. Not needed at all.
  • I'm prone to postpartum blues. That means I have to supplement with fish and Omega 3 so I make sure I have enough levels of serotonin.

     

    All in all, I feel so blessed to be a mother a second time around. I'm looking forward to November when we will welcome our little one into the world. 

     

    Image from Flickr.com/mahalie.

     

    If you're pregnant again too, feel free to share your experience in the comment box below. I'd really appreciate hearing from you.