I can’t believe I finally get to sit down and reflect on life and how unexpected and crazy it has been. Finding out I was pregnant, less than a year after having our first, was a shock, and now going through pregnancy a second time in a second consecutive year has been quite the experience. It has taken some time to wrap my head around the fact that we will be parents of two under one and a half in just a few weeks. Here are some things that have been different during pregnancy for me this time.
Less Anxiety About Giving Birth
This is a definite positive. Even though I know that every single pregnancy and birth can be drastically different, even for the same person, I have less anxiety surrounding all things labor and delivery. I welcome it because it will mean I’m not pregnant anymore. I think I’m ready never to be pregnant again, but I’ve been told: “never to say never.”
I Forgot I Was Pregnant At Times
Especially in the beginning, days would go by before I remembered I was pregnant. Taking care of a baby takes up a lot of mental space, and since it’s something I’ve experienced before, I haven’t been obsessively checking apps and seeing what size the baby is now or what could be developing now. Now that I’m in my third trimester, constant kicking is a reminder that another life is growing inside of me - not to mention not being able to fit through tight spaces and the aches and pains.
I’m More Tired
Hauling a heavy baby up and down stairs for naps and diaper changes, plus all the other wrestling I’ve had to do with Baby #1, has more than likely contributed to my fatigue. I was napping more during naptime during the first trimester, but I’m just feeling down and tired - especially now that the third trimester is in full swing.
I Feel More Emotional
My emotions have been all over the place since the beginning. Hormones are strange, and I’ve felt much more emotional since this pregnancy started. They can range from happy to sad to angry, and it’s been a rollercoaster. My poor husband is a saint, truly.
I’m Less Motivated to Exercise
I still walk most days and try to fit in Pilates or the treadmill when I can, but the motivation to exercise is low. Probably because I’m constantly hauling around a large weight that is our now toddler! The only thing that helps me stay semi-motivated is that I want to be ready for labor and delivery!
I Have Fewer Photos
J insisted on taking a weekly photo when I was pregnant the first time; however, I believe it was not until the third trimester that we took that first pregnancy photo of me. However, we did a maternity photoshoot again to remember the time by. Honestly, I wouldn’t have done anything with the weekly photos had we done them again. But there are hardly any photos of me where I’m visibly pregnant this second time. There are a few weeks left, so perhaps we will still get some in.
I Have Moments of Excitement About Being a Family of Four
As crazy a thought as it is having two under two and being a family of four, I am looking forward to the amazing moments I know we will have. It will be a chaotic, exhausting, and messy season of life, I’m sure, but I am also certain that there will be happy times too! I’m curious to see what the transition from one to two will look like.
How different were your subsequent pregnancies? Would love to hear about them below!
