Going through pregnancy and childbirth for your second child can be startlingly different from your first experience of motherhood. Find out how the symptoms and risks could change.
Although you may generally know what to expect from pregnancy after your first child, you will need to re-educate yourself if you are considering having a second baby. By doing a little research, you can prepare for noticeable differences and ease potential fears as you move through this exciting experience once again. The following is information your Little Rock OBGYN would want you to know before deciding to have a second baby.
Secondary Infertility is a Possibility
According to a medical study published in The Lancet, about 10% of women suffer from secondary infertility after successfully carrying and birthing their first child. Stress, advanced age, structural abnormalities, and lifestyle changes such as weight gain and smoking are the main causes of this form of infertility.
If you have been trying to become pregnant for more than six months to a year, it might be time to seek help from a Little Rock OBGYN or fertility doctor. Resolving the underlying causes, taking medication, or receiving fertility treatments can help you overcome this hurdle after deciding to have a second baby.
Pregnancy Symptoms May Appear Earlier
Pregnancy symptoms tend to come on sooner with the second pregnancy than they do with the first. In fact, the rapid development of fatigue, headaches, and morning sickness may be your first sign that it is time to take a pregnancy test. The symptoms might come on stronger as well, especially pain from muscles and joints in the back, legs, and pelvic regions. There is some good news: If your first pregnancy caused stretch marks, your second is unlikely to add new ones.
Risk of Complications is Higher
If you are deciding to have a second baby within a few years of your first, your risk of becoming iron deficient during pregnancy increases considerably. Your iron stores take time to replenish after pregnancy, due to the increased demand for this vital nutrient. If your iron remains low, you could become anemic, which can have a negative impact on your health and that of the developing fetus.
The circumstances of your first pregnancy, including the diagnosis of pregnancy-related conditions, will also play a role in your future risk of complications. For example, if you had gestational diabetes or preeclampsia during your first pregnancy, your risk of developing these conditions is elevated during the second pregnancy.
Adjusting to Breastfeeding is Easier
If you breastfed your first child, feeding the second time around should come to you naturally. Learning how to facilitate a good latch, feed evenly from both breasts, and produce ample amounts of milk is all behind you at this point. Instead, you can focus on bonding with your second baby and take in all of the little things you may have missed while learning how to breastfeed the first time around.
Prioritizing Your Prenatal Care
Upon deciding to have a second baby, make an appointment with your Little Rock OBGYN to discuss your plans. Your physician will help you evaluate your physical and mental health to prepare for the demands of pregnancy and birth. If any problems arise, your OBGYN can help ensure your journey through pregnancy and childbirth remains as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
If you are deciding to have a second baby and have questions for a Little Rock OBGYN, contact the Woman’s Clinic at (501) 664-4131 to schedule an appointment with a member of our experienced, compassionate staff.
