The second pregnancy

Nicole Wendler holds a PhD in biology in the field of oncology and immunology. As a medical editor, author and proofreader, she works for various publishers, for whom she presents complex and extensive medical issues in a simple, concise and logical manner.

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With a second pregnancy, most women are more relaxed. However, everyday life with a child is more exhausting. In addition, after complications in the first pregnancy, there is often great fear of experiencing a repetition in the second child. Read here what is different with a second pregnancy and what you should pay attention to.

How long do you wait until the second pregnancy?

If you want a second child, the question of the best age gap may arise. Basically, there are advantages and disadvantages for every period of time. If there are less than two years between siblings, the first time is exhausting for the parents. However, the siblings can soon play together. Parental leave then usually lasts a little longer and the way back to work may be more difficult.

Many fathers and mothers find an age difference of around three years to be useful, as the first-borns are then a bit more independent. With a longer break between pregnancies, it is often easier to return to work.

Gynecologists recommend giving the body six months to regenerate after a normal first pregnancy and childbirth. After a caesarean section or a complicated birth, it is often advisable to take a year off. Opinions on this, however, differ. Recommendations on how long to take a break after a miscarriage also vary.

The 2nd pregnancy: what is different?

In the second pregnancy, most women feel more secure and more relaxed. You have lived through everything from conception to birth. Small complaints are easier to classify, and the impending handling of an infant is no longer new territory.

In women whose first pregnancy was associated with complications, however, the fear is usually great that they will experience the same thing again. Whatever the course of your first pregnancy, it is difficult to be certain what to expect in your second pregnancy. Every pregnancy is different. If you suffered from severe nausea the first time, this does not have to happen again with the second pregnancy. However, the reverse is also true.

Also in the 2nd pregnancy as a precaution

In the case of some complications such as gestosis or gestational diabetes, it is to be expected that they will also occur during the second pregnancy. Information about previous pregnancies and births is therefore important for the doctor in order to be able to assess the risk of the second pregnancy and to be able to take preventive measures. Pregnant women who see a new gynecologist for their second pregnancy should definitely inform them about previous pregnancy complications and miscarriages. You must also go to the gynecologist's check-ups in your second pregnancy. Don't miss an appointment at the gynecologist!

A problem that plays a role especially during a second pregnancy is the so-called rhesus intolerance. Rh factors are certain substances on the surface of red blood cells. Not everyone has them; The people concerned are referred to as rhesus negative (Rh-) - in contrast to rhesus positive (Rh +) people. A rhesus intolerance can occur if the expectant mother is rhesus negative but the father is rhesus positive. The unborn child can then also be rhesus positive. When the maternal and child's blood come into contact, the maternal body forms antibodies against the Rhesus factor, which is unknown to it, i.e. against the child's blood.

This is usually not a problem during the first pregnancy because the maternal and child blood usually only mix at birth. It is different with the second pregnancy, when the unborn child is Rh + again: the Rhesus factor antibodies are already circulating in the mother's blood. These enter the child's bloodstream via the placenta and destroy their red blood cells. Then the life of the unborn is threatened!

In order to prevent this, the formation of antibodies (anti-D-globulins) is prevented in pregnant women who are expected to be rhesus intolerant.

The second belly grows faster

In the second pregnancy, many women notice the growing belly - and also the child's movements - often earlier than with the first child. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that the tissue has already been stretched a lot. On the other hand, some mothers had their first pregnancy not that long ago and their bodies have not yet fully regressed.

Rest and recovery in the 2nd pregnancy

Even if prognoses for the course of the second pregnancy are difficult, at least one thing is clear: you already have a child to care for and will have less time to yourself. Perhaps you have already started working again. If the first child is still young, the nights may also be restless. Lack of sleep and tiredness can seriously impair your well-being and put additional strain on you. Everyday life in the second pregnancy is therefore usually more strenuous. It is all the more important to create times for rest and relaxation in between. Regularly ask your partner, grandparents or friends for help during the second pregnancy.

Many mothers skip the preparation course during their second pregnancy. But even if you already know what to expect, a new birth preparation course, pregnancy gymnastics or pregnancy yoga make sense. The courses give you the opportunity to have time for yourself and your unborn child. Take the opportunity to relax and exercise. It can also be helpful to share experiences with other mothers. Perhaps solutions can also be found so that problems do not recur at the first birth.

Once a caesarean section - always a caesarean section?

Nowadays, gynecologists open the uterus during a caesarean section (Caesarean section) normally with a horizontal incision. This reduces the risk of a rupture of the uterus, so that most second women have the chance of a vaginal birth after a cesarean section. However, after a caesarean section, the risk of a uterine rupture due to a tear in the old scar in the uterus, an adhesion of the plazena to the uterus or an adhesion of the scar tissue in a second pregnancy or birth is slightly increased.

From an only child to a big sibling

Parents know what to expect with the second pregnancy. However, the situation is different for the firstborn. It must now learn to share love and attention. Some children react to the new situation with defiance and jealousy. You can counteract this by involving your child in the preparations for the new family member. The older the child is, the easier it is usually. Small children, on the other hand, cannot yet understand what is happening in their wombs. With the help of an age-appropriate children's book, pregnancy and birth can be explained well. A baby doll to take care of can also help to find the role of big brother or sister more easily.

When siblings should be informed about the second pregnancy depends on the age of the children. For toddlers under three years of age, it is advisable to wait until the belly can be seen and the baby may already be felt. Older children can take over the situation earlier.

Family life in the 2nd pregnancy

Every additional child means not only a lot of joy but also an additional challenge for everyday life. The cooperation of both parents in everyday and family life is therefore even more important during a second pregnancy and after the birth. Talk to your partner about ideas, wishes and possible problems. Everything can be managed and realized better together!

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