Planning for baby no. 2

Many women experience a different pregnancy the second time around. Here are some things to consider.

“Having a family and adding to it is a joy for countless couples, and we’ll do everything we can to help patients so they can continue to grow their families.”

Dr. Linda Karadsheh, an OB/GYN at McLaren Macomb, has guided countless women through pregnancies — some more troublesome than others.

Though not a sign of trouble or a reason to be concerned, the majority of women experience a very noticeable difference from their first pregnancy and any subsequent pregnancies.

So when baby no. 1 inspires feelings of continuing to expand your family with baby no. 2, there are a few things to consider.

Your bump most likely will appear sooner, and you may feel the baby sooner.

You may feel more fatigued this time around.

It’s more likely you’ll have back pain.

Labor often occurs sooner, but it’ll also be faster.

Recovery following the birth may take longer.

When it comes to complications, it’s true that the likelihood increases with each pregnancy, but it’s really only significant in women who have had many children.

OB/GYNs offer that if a mother is in overall good health and didn’t experience complications with her first pregnancy, then there are no reasons to be overly concerned or to expect complications during the second pregnancy.

If there were complications during the first, chances are high that there will be complications the second time. These complications could be preeclampsia, preterm labor and birth, placental abruption and postpartum hemorrhage.

In terms of morning sickness, OB/GYNs say it’s most likely women’s experiences will be similar to their first pregnancy. However, if women become pregnant while they’re still breastfeeding, it’s most likely the placenta’s growth will slow milk production and that the taste may even turn salty.

“Every woman reacts to pregnancy differently,” Dr. Karadsheh said. “And pregnancy can have a personally unique effect on a woman’s body. The most important thing to remember in this situation is knowing that you’re not alone.”