Pregnant again? Congratulations! Adding to your family is a true joy—although this pregnancy may be very different than your first go-around. Here’s how:
• An earlier baby bump – Often, 2nd-time moms “show” their pregnancies in their bodies earlier. The body’s uterus, muscles and ligaments have already stretched a bit, so they know what to do—essentially, you have a head start on that baby belly.
• Symptoms change—or don’t – Overall, your 2nd and subsequent pregnancies may be quite similar to your previous experiences or wildly different (in terms of morning sickness, aches and pains, other health conditions, sensations, pre-labor contractions and more.
• Labor can differ – Some people have faster labors (especially after a previous vaginal birth), while others find that a second or subsequent baby’s different size, position or gestation makes the general feeling of labor markedly different.
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