I'm pregnant with my second child. Can I expect any differences in my second pregnancy?
Answers from Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D.Every pregnancy is different — and there's no way to predict what your next pregnancy will be like.
However, during a second pregnancy you might notice a few differences from your first pregnancy, including:
- Different breast changes. Your breasts might not be as tender or increase in size as much during your next pregnancy.
- Showing earlier. Many women feel that they show earlier during their second pregnancy. This could be because their prior pregnancy stretched their abdominal muscles.
- Feeling the baby move earlier. You might feel the baby move earlier during your second pregnancy simply because you know what to look for.
- Changes in Braxton Hicks contractions. You might notice false labor contractions earlier during your second pregnancy.
- Shorter labor. Labor might be shorter in a second pregnancy.
Also, keep in mind that if you had any complications during your first pregnancy, such as premature birth, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, fetal growth restriction or postpartum depression, you might be at increased risk of the same problem in your second pregnancy or later pregnancies. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about signs and symptoms to be aware of and any steps you can take to reduce your risk.
With
Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D.
Products and Services
- Free Pregnancy App — Expert knowledge at your fingertips!
- Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
See also
- Air travel during pregnancy
- Allergy medications during pregnancy
- Ankle swelling during pregnancy
- Antibiotics and pregnancy
- Aspirin during pregnancy
- Baby brain
- Pregnancy back pain
- Breast-feeding while pregnant
- Childbirth classes
- Couvade syndrome
- Dental work during pregnancy
- Thinking about exercise during pregnancy?
- Falling during pregnancy: Reason to worry?
- Flu and pregnancy
- Flu shot in pregnancy
- Hair dye and pregnancy
- Headaches during pregnancy: What's the best treatment?
- Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy: Prevention tips
- Leg cramps during pregnancy
- Introducing a new sibling
- Placenta
- Pregnancy due date calculator
- Pregnancy acne
- Pregnancy and exercise
- Pregnancy and fish
- Pregnancy and hot tubs
- Pregnancy and lactose intolerance
- Pregnancy constipation
- Pregnancy diet: Essential nutrients
- Pregnancy glow: Is it real?
- Pregnancy nutrition don'ts
- Pregnancy nutrition basics
- Pregnancy weight gain
- Pregnant. Now What Happens?
- Prenatal testing
- Prenatal testing: Quick guide to common tests
- Prenatal vitamins and pregnancy
- Prenatal yoga
- Rheumatoid arthritis medications: Dangerous during pregnancy?
- Sex during pregnancy
- Sleep during pregnancy
- Vegetable recipes
- Fetal ultrasound
- Smoking and pregnancy
- Twin pregnancy
- Vaccines during pregnancy
- Fetal ultrasound
- Working during pregnancy
- X-ray during pregnancy