When I found out I was pregnant for the second time, I felt ready. Put me in, coach! To my surprise, my second pregnancy has been nothing like the first.

However, my research found many moms experience differences in their pregnancies. 

To some moms, this might be obvious. But I was unprepared for a few of the things this pregnancy has thrown my way.

I asked some very close, beautiful moms I know about their stork stories, specifically after their first pregnancies, and compiled them in this article. I hope their experiences may be useful if you’re pregnant with another bundle of joy!

>> RELATED READ :: How to Survive Raising Two Kids <<

Body Changes

I noticed I began to show a lot sooner with this pregnancy than the first. After doing a bit of research, I found this happens with most second-time moms because the body is aware of the changes needed to accommodate the baby. In other words, the body remembers what happened the first time, so it can quickly adjust.

Along with the quick body change, I experienced round ligament pain earlier than before. But something I have really enjoyed is feeling the baby move a lot sooner.

Energy

After my first pregnancy, it was clear there was no tired like pregnancy tired. I stand by that. But have you ever been pregnant while having to take care of a child? Well, that is a different level tired. 

Whether you’re taking care of another child, working one or more jobs, or all the above, everything is more taxing when you’re pregnant.

Even if you’ve slept, it still feels like you have not slept at all. Y-A-W-N! It feels impossible to get anything done when energy is in such short supply.

I recommend getting help if you can and asking someone to keep your other children so you can rest. And try to avoid the sleeping mistakes in this article.

Labor and Delivery

Most moms I spoke with said labor with their second was much shorter than the first. One mom shared that her first labor lasted 36 hours and her second was only about 15 hours.

It is very possible you may may have a shorter labor than your first, which in my opinion, is a win. 

>> RELATED READ :: A Tale of Two Epidurals <<

Mental Status

As someone who struggled with depression pre-pregnancy, I have had to work a lot harder to keep myself mentally healthy through this pregnancy. Between the nausea and pregnancy exhaustion, somedays I just do not want to do anything.

I do not want to get out of bed. I do not want to go to work. Sometimes, I fear that I am not being a good mom to my son.

If you experience this in your pregnancy, talk to your doctor about your feelings. If possible, talk to your partner about what you need. If you are a working mom, reach out to your human resources department about accommodations or FMLA benefits. Some companies offer these benefits before having the baby.

>> RELATED READ :: Perinatal Mental Health & Where to Find Help in Fort Worth <<

Symptoms

Symptoms in your second pregnancy may be different from your first — or they may not change at all!

In my first pregnancy, I had nausea in the first trimester, but it quickly faded. With this pregnancy, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to make it through day without losing my breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. I am having a little girl this time around, and many seem to agree that you are likely to be more nauseated when carrying a girl.

It is amazing the different experiences women have with their pregnancies. Especially in stories where the first pregnancy was high risk, yet the second pregnancy goes smoothly for mommy and baby. No matter the differences, I am grateful to have the choice and experience of creating a life.

Please share with your experience as a mom of two or more. How were your pregnancies different or were they not different at all?