Will my second pregnancy be different from my first?

Every pregnancy is unique. It’s normal to have different symptoms and different emotions as you navigate your second pregnancy.

Your bump might appear earlier this time. This is because your stomach muscles have already stretched during your first pregnancy.

You might feel your baby move earlier too. This may be because you recognise the feeling and know what to look out for. If you haven’t felt any movement by 24 weeks, it’s important to contact your midwife, doctor or local maternity unit.

Pregnancy sickness can also be different. You might have it this time even if you didn’t before. If you did experience it in your first pregnancy, it may happen again, but not always.

Some people notice more Braxton Hicks contractions in their second pregnancy. They’re a normal part of pregnancy that can come and go. Braxton Hicks contractions prepare your body for giving birth by toning the muscles in your uterus.

You might feel more tired and find you have less time for yourself, especially if you’re caring for another child. It’s important to ask for help and take time to rest when you can.

You may also notice that your pelvic floor muscles are weaker. This can sometimes cause urinary issues including leaking or incontinence. If this is happening to you, speak to your midwife or doctor.

Will my emotions feel different from my first pregnancy?

You may feel more confident this time around. Or you may have new worries.

If your first pregnancy and birth went well and you are happy as a parent, you may be feeling good.

If you had complications during your first pregnancy or labour, you understandably may worry about it happening again.

You are especially likely to feel emotional if you have had a traumatic childbirth experience or pregnancy or neonatal loss.

If your pregnancy is unplanned, you might feel confused about what to do.

It’s also common to feel some guilt because you can’t give your full attention to your:

• first child
• pregnancy
• work
• partner

It's important to look after both your mental health and your body, and seek help early if you are not coping.

How do I balance pregnancy with looking after my first child?

You might feel tired from looking after your first child while you are pregnant. Try to take a few hours by yourself for self-care each week.

If you have a partner, plan some quality time with them. This may be hard at first but will help your relationship stay strong.

Breastfeeding while you are pregnant

You may be pregnant again while your first baby is still breastfeeding. This is fine and will not harm either child.

You might decide that now is a good time to wean (stop breastfeeding) your older child. Or you may continue to breastfeed during your pregnancy. You can breastfeed more than one child at a time. This is known as tandem feeding.

What are the best ways to look after my health in a second pregnancy?

Your midwife is a good person to talk to about staying healthy while you are pregnant.

Pregnancy care

You might feel like you already know what to expect during pregnancy, or that you don’t have as much time for antenatal care this time around. But it’s important to attend your antenatal appointments. If you can’t make one, try to rebook it as soon as you can. Your schedule has been designed for you and your baby.

Even if your first pregnancy was straightforward, seeing your midwife and having ultrasound scans is important. These appointments help your healthcare team check on both your and your baby’s wellbeing and make sure everything is progressing as it should.

Healthy lifestyle

You should try to eat well and stay physically active. But don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t manage to exercise or eat as many vegetables as you would like. A meal planner can be a good way of stocking the pantry and having healthy snacks on hand.

Do your best to quit smoking or vaping. This will be good for the health of you and your children. Encourage your partner to quit too.

You should also avoid drinking alcohol while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

When to see your doctor

If you are planning a pregnancy, ask your doctor:

• to review any medicines that you are taking
• if they recommend that you take any vitamins or supplements such as folic acid, iron or vitamin D
• if your vaccinations are up to date

Follow your midwife or doctor's advice about having checkups, tests and scans during your second pregnancy.

How do I manage stress and protect my mental wellbeing?

It’s common to feel stressed when you are pregnant.

Having another baby is a major change in your life. Being pregnant brings changes to your body, identity, emotions and relationships.

If you start feeling very anxious, overwhelmed or have symptoms of depression, you can get support for your mental wellbeing by talking with:

• your doctor or midwife
• a psychologist
• a counsellor
• your friends and family

Every pregnancy is different — it’s always best to get support early.

Ask your doctor about getting a mental health treatment plan. This can help to cover some of your counselling costs.

Learn how to improve your mental health.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Will the birth be different for my second pregnancy?

Just as every pregnancy is different, so is every birth.

Here are some things that may be different the second time around:

• If you had a vaginal birth, you will probably go through the stages of labour and birth more quickly.
• If you had a caesarean section, it does not always mean you will need a caesarean again. You can plan for a vaginal birth after caesarean.
• You may find it easier to breastfeed this time.

How can I prepare my home and routine for 2 children?

You might worry about how you will cope with looking after 2 children, or if you have enough money.

You can look at your home and think ahead about things like:

• What extra equipment will you need — cot, car seat, double pram.
• Where your new baby will sleep. Is it time for your toddler to move to a bed?
• How to organise your baby supplies. Have nappies and feeding items ready.
• Plan a safe space for your toddler to play on their own.
• Who can help care for your eldest child if needed.
• How much time to take off work.

Try to plan your new routine, but stay flexible as things can change along the way.

How can I help my first child understand and accept their new sibling?

Becoming a sibling is a big change for your toddler. They might show signs of jealousy.

You can help them get ready for your new baby by:

• talking to them about your pregnancy in a positive way
• letting them feel the baby move
• singing or talking to the new baby together
• giving them time to get used to changes in their routine and around your home
• reading books
• showing them photos of people with their siblings
• getting them a baby doll to care for, as you care for the baby

Tell your first child how much you love them. You will still have a special relationship with them.

You will learn to give love and attention to each of your children.

Practical tips for parents

You may want to consider when to tell people you are pregnant. This might be sooner than you did with your first pregnancy, or you may want to leave it later, this is a personal decision.

You will also need to think about which model of care you wish to have for your pregnancy care, and where to give birth to your baby.

If you are not sure about the models of maternity care available in Australia you can find out more about this here.

You may also wish to create a new birth plan.

Read about preparing your home for your new baby.

Find out more about if you can claim any payments to help with your new baby.

Asking for help and support

It is normal to need help and support with growing and changing family dynamics. It’s important that you find support from trusted people, that feels right for you. This could look like a partner, friends, family, parenting groups in your local area, or help from a health professional.

Your partner

If you have a partner, communication is key, it may help to share how you are feeling and tell them what you need. Talk with them about how they can support you through your pregnancy.

Friends, family, and community support

Your friends and family can offer support while you are pregnant.

You can also join a parent group or playgroup.

This will help you to meet others in a similar situation. The group might be face to face or online.

Professional support

When you are pregnant, you might see several different healthcare professionals. Such as a:

• midwife
• doctor
• obstetrician (a doctor who looks after pregnant women)
• counsellor or psychologist

Ask for help when you need it. Health professionals are there to help.

Resources and support

There is lots of support available to help you navigate pregnancy.

• The Royal Women's Hospital has information about pregnancy care and birthing options, as well as shared care and money matters while you are pregnant.
• Read more about having a second child at the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE).
• Visit PANDA or call them on 1300 726 308 to get support if you have anxiety and depression during or after pregnancy.
• For urgent help call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.