What are the signs of Second Pregnancy?

Second Pregnancy Signs

Many women, who have been through one pregnancy, believe that they know what to expect, when it happens again the second time around. However, while many of the signs, symptoms and the physical as well as the mental changes that they go through, may be the same as their first pregnancy, it is quite normal for second pregnancies to be different. Many women notice signs and symptoms that they never felt, the first time that they were pregnant. One such difference experienced by many second-time mothers-to-be is the sensation of expanding, pulling and tugging of the abdomen that begins about a month earlier than the first pregnancy. This is a normal symptom of second pregnancies, because the uterus has already been stretched before. Another possible symptom of a second pregnancy is experiencing more painful and frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions, mainly during the third trimester. Other common signs of second pregnancy are:

•    Morning sickness might not be as severe the second time, as compared to the first. However, while this is a strong possibility, it may not be true in all cases. Unfortunately, other problems associated with pregnancy, like hemorrhoids, leaky bladder and varicose veins are likely to occur the second time too.

•    Women going through their second pregnancy may feel that they get tired very easily and much faster. This could be because they do not get as much rest as they did, the first time, as they probably have to look after their older children too.

•    The pelvic joints could hurt more than they did during the first pregnancy. Therefore, it is important for women who are expecting again, to be more careful about their posture, while sleeping. They should ensure that the lie on their side, preferably on their left side.

•    The second time round, the belly might enlarge and a bump may be evident a lot earlier, than the first pregnancy. Therefore, many second pregnancies can become apparent as early as the 8th or 10th week - even before the second trimester.

•    In most cases, the duration of the labor period for second pregnancies is a lot less than the first ones. This is because the cervical muscles dilate faster the second time. However, this only applies in the case of normal first deliveries, not C-sections.

Apart from the physical signs of second pregnancy, that are different from the first, there are various emotional differences between first and second pregnancies too.

Submitted by P T on June 26, 2010 at 07:43

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