During my first pregnancy, I still remember that exact moment – my heart genuinely skipped a beat as I stared down at the two pink lines on the test. This is what Danny and I had hoped for, and I couldn’t quite believe it had happened… and so quickly, too. I couldn’t wait to tell him. When I finally did, his voice changed into this mix of excitement and not quite believing it. And for the second pregnancy – it was those same feelings but more disbelief because we didn’t think it was going to happen and we started to tell ourselves, or at least I did that, “Maybe I’m supposed to be a mum of one.” But the day I seen the positive test for my second pregnancy, we ran quite literally to the car to head to Tesco for a Clearblue test! It confirmed what the first one said – pregnant and at 2-3 weeks. We’ve always wanted Freddy to be a big brother and now with just a few weeks to go, it’s getting really close and Freddy will meet his baby brother soon.
So, is the second pregnancy anything like the first? Honestly, yeah and no, there are a few differences.
Resting in your first pregnancy versus your second
Gone are the days when you had more freedom for naps. Now, I’ve got a 3-year-old who wants to play, luckily his daddy is the fun one most so that helps. But still, this time around feels a little different, in the best way. I’ve got my little boy looking after me too, alongside Danny. During those rough weeks of sickness (which the worst lasted up until around 24 weeks), he’d come over, gently put a blanket on me while I lay down, and say, “Mummy sick.”
And then there’s the “Hi baby brother,” which melts my heart every time. Freddy also loves rubbing my belly and I think it’s the sweetest thing.
The sickness for me this time round has been twice as bad
I remember being sick all the time when I was pregnant with Freddy, no matter the time of day. But it did start easing off around the 12-13 week mark. This time, though, the sickness stuck around a lot longer into the second trimester. I don’t think the reflux has helped either. Gaviscon just doesn’t help this time, and neither do Rennies for long-term relief. I’m glad my GP was able to prescribe tablets that actually help. And it feels so good to be able to enjoy meals again – especially as someone who loves my food!
Changes in my body
It’s no surprise that pregnancy takes a toll on your body, both physically and emotionally. I remember just how much I loved being pregnant the first time, even with the trips to the hospital for my blood pressure. There’s something so heartwarming about growing a child – watching my bump grow and feeling those little movements inside me get stronger. This second pregnancy has been no different. I’m embracing the stretch marks on my thighs, and recently, a few new ones on my belly – constant reminders of the incredible things my body is doing to carry a little human.
The love and support
Without a doubt, the love and support from my husband is still there and honestly, it feels even stronger this time. But I do feel like the support from others isn’t quite as much as it was the first time around, and I’ve had to come to terms with that. There’s just less excitement with this second pregnancy, unless you count the coworkers who weren’t around for the first pregnancy. Everyone has their own lives, so I get it, but it would be nice to feel that extra support. The specialist mental health midwife team were helping me with my second pregnancy in the earlier months, especially when it came to explaining the changes Freddy was facing at school – moving him from private nursery to school nursery back in September. And honestly, I’m feeling a little anxious about labour too. My last phone call with the team was canceled in March with no real explanation – just a message saying no clinicians were available. So, I’m really hoping I can reschedule soon as the anxiety is kicking back in.
It never helps with the rollercoaster of emotions pregnancy brings. I also feel that some little comments, even if they not intentional, can just make things harder. They tend to make those moments when I’m already feeling low and exhausted worse, especially when I’m juggling Freddy’s challenging moments too.
How did your second pregnancy compare to your first? Can you relate to any of the experiences I’ve shared here?
The Mama Perspective | Mum Blog 
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