What Is the Difference Between a First & Second Pregnancy?

A second pregnancy can be different from the first

While many symptoms and experiences with pregnancy are similar, each pregnancy is different. Some women are surprised at the differences between their first and second pregnancies.

Visible Signs

Many of the visible signs and symptoms of pregnancy are seen earlier in second pregnancies than in first pregnancies. These can include seeing a visible bump about a month earlier than the first pregnancy, and carrying their second baby lower in the abdomen than their first baby.

Movement

Most second-time moms feel their babies earlier than in first pregnancies, often feeling motion and movement by the baby in month four instead of month five or six.

Discomforts

During a second pregnancy discomfort is increased and comes earlier than the first time around. This can include increased pelvic pressure and a more frequent need to urinate.

Labor

Labor is often shorter during a second pregnancy compared to a first pregnancy, though this is not guaranteed.

Delivery

Previous delivery complications may limit delivery options for the second birth. For example, a woman who had a Caesarian section may have to have subsequent births by C-section.

References

• Parents Magazine: Second Pregnancy
• American Pregnancy Association: VBAC