The strong opinion of some women that the second pregnancy is easier than the first is not entirely correct. Psychologically, it is certainly easier, but there are quite a large number of different complications that the expectant mother cannot predict. Plus, since a woman most often experiences a second pregnancy and childbirth at a more mature age, possible chronic diseases can also have an impact.

Every fifth woman, after the birth of her first baby, thinks about a second child a couple of years later. Doctors, in turn, support this desire in every possible way and advise planning the next pregnancy no earlier than 2-3 years after the first. This time is enough for the female body to regain strength and not completely forget the previous birth; moreover, as obstetric statistics say, it is thanks to this break that the second birth is somewhat easier. After the surgery caesarean section the break should be at least 5 years, since during this time the suture on the uterus should be completely healed. In cases where more than 5 or 10 years have passed, the birth is considered the first.

Doctors are unanimous in the opinion that each case is individual, and there is actually a difference between births. Pregnancy with your second child can be easier, or it can be more stressful. This largely depends on the woman’s age, her diet and professional activities.

There are also very frequent cases when the second pregnancy, which began in the first six months after birth, does not make itself felt until the moment when the woman begins to feel the baby’s movements. Those around her have been observing the emerging belly for a month now, but the expectant mother herself has not yet understood what is happening to her. Positive sides second births are also obvious. This is the colossal experience that the mother has already acquired while raising a growing baby, as well as the responsibility and discipline of a woman in handling a newborn.

Experienced mothers worry much less about repeated births, and their existing experience, on the contrary, helps them better navigate the symptoms and manifestations during the second pregnancy. Before planning a second pregnancy, even experienced woman It would not be superfluous to consult a gynecologist and family doctor. If necessary, both partners will need to be tested for sexually transmitted infections. In their absence, childbirth, as a rule, takes place without complications.

However, there are a number of factors that can provoke certain complications during pregnancy. Doctors pay closer attention to such women. These factors are:

• unplanned pregnancy with a second baby, when the time from the birth of the first child to the next conception is less than a year. Most often this happens when partners used the period of lactational amenorrhea as contraception. There is no need to terminate such a pregnancy, because by following all the doctor’s instructions and advice, you can successfully carry and give birth to a healthy baby;
• Women with kidney, heart or lung diseases are at risk. In such pregnant women, the period of toxicosis is longer and more difficult, labor is not active, and premature birth is also possible;
• Women whose second pregnancy is accompanied by chronic diseases are also under close medical supervision;
• Rh conflict between the blood groups of the mother, father and unborn child. This factor can be prevented by administering antibodies at 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.

Features of the second birth

If your first birth was difficult, then do not think that the second one will be the same. In medical practice, there are certain features of the course of the second pregnancy and second birth. Among them:

1. You won't be able to hide your situation for long. The fact is that the second pregnancy manifests itself faster, since the uterus is already somewhat stretched and it is easier for it to tilt forward under the influence of amniotic fluid and fruit. And hence the feeling as if the stomach is rapidly growing.
2. During the second pregnancy, you will feel the first movements of the baby already at 17 weeks, while during the first pregnancy they appear only at 20 weeks.
3. During the second pregnancy, the stomach is more drooping even in the initial stages. To reduce stress on the lower back and legs, it is recommended to wear a bandage.
4. Full dilatation of the uterus during the first birth is achieved in 12-18 hours, and during the second - within 5-8 hours. Due to the fact that the vaginal muscles are more elastic, the pain of labor is also reduced. Accordingly, only a specialist can determine the approximate due date during the second pregnancy, taking into account all the risk factors or characteristics of the pregnant woman’s body.
5. If during the first pregnancy the woman was very bothered by toxicosis, then this time it may manifest itself more intensely. This also applies to swelling in the legs and increased blood pressure. It is extremely important for the expectant mother to follow a diet, control blood pressure, and take urine and blood tests.
6. Often, during the second pregnancy, Rh conflict between mother and child is diagnosed. In this case, a woman should determine the amount of antibodies in her blood every month and undergo an ultrasound to monitor amniotic fluid and the size of the placenta (it should not be thickened).
7. The gender of the children also influences the course of pregnancy. For example, when a woman is pregnant with a boy, toxicosis practically does not appear. A second pregnancy with another man may also be different.
8. Obstetricians say that the second child is born, as a rule, larger than the first by about 200-500 g. This occurs due to the fact that comfortable conditions have already been created in the uterus for the development and growth of the baby.
9. The contractions and birth of the placenta the second time are not as painful, but much more intense.
10. You should also know that if a woman has a second pregnancy, but the first child (the previous pregnancy ended in miscarriage or abortion), then the birth must be considered the first.

Risk factors for repeat pregnancy

Repeated pregnancy and the second birth is more difficult in cases where there are certain factors that have a direct impact on the gestation period and labor. These include:

• previous miscarriages or abortions;
• not fully cured infections of the internal genital organs;
• Caesarean section during the first birth;
• loose postpartum sutures on the uterus;
• mother's age. Most optimal age Doctors consider 18 to 30 years of age to bear and give birth to a child. For those over 30 years old, it will be somewhat more difficult to bear a child. In any case, constant monitoring by a gynecologist is required.

Factors influencing the perception of repeat pregnancy:

• The more time passes between births, the faster a woman forgets her feelings. And the new pregnancy will be as easy for her as the first time;
• in the case when, after the first labor, the young mother did not develop new diseases in the gastrointestinal tract, significant weight gain or endocrine changes, then the repeated period of bearing the child may not have significant differences;
• Pregnancy with a boy and a girl has its differences.

Signs of a second pregnancy

If the next pregnancy proceeds similarly to the previous one, and the symptoms do not differ significantly, this does not mean that everything will be the same this time. Genetically, the baby is different from the previous one, and the conditions for its gestation are different, which means that pregnancy also manifests itself differently:

1. The first trimester of the second pregnancy is usually accompanied by similar and familiar symptoms. Toxicosis can be either mild or vice versa. Pain in the mammary glands and their enlargement appear a little earlier, this also applies to reactions to odors.
2. At the beginning of the second trimester, the belly is already visible and very soon the expectant mother will feel the first movements of her baby. However, a woman may develop chronic diseases due to the fact that her body is no longer so active and easy to cope with everything at the same time: both infections and bearing a child.
3. The third trimester is characterized by a significant drooping of the tummy, due to which the mother can breathe a sigh of relief. Pain sensations appear in the pelvic area, as the bones began to move apart earlier. The weight of mother and child has increased, which means varicose veins are inevitable. A positive point should be noted: labor in multiparous women goes faster than the first time.

Precursors of childbirth during repeated pregnancy

The symptoms, which are a signal of approaching labor, are always practically the same and have no differences. A woman can independently determine that labor is about to begin based on the following signs:

• Approximately 2 days before giving birth, the woman’s mucous plug comes off, as evidence of the beginning of dilation of the cervix. In appearance and consistency it resembles the white of a chicken egg, sometimes with a brownish tint and is similar to premenstrual discharge. In cases where the fetus is large (up to 5 kg), the plug can literally fly out, and the woman in labor clearly feels this. But mostly it comes out gradually and in parts. When the cervix does not ripen very actively, the mucous plug begins to stand out a week or even two before birth. However, this is rather an exception to the rule, and most often this harbinger notifies a woman several hours before the onset of labor;
• regular contractions. Contraction of the uterine muscles continues periodically and rhythmically. Contractions before childbirth differ from false ones in that they cannot be calmed by taking a warm bath. And if they are also accompanied by copious discharge, then childbirth is already very close;
• One of the precursors of labor is frequent urge to go to the toilet. Thanks to the work of hormones that stimulate labor, a woman’s intestines are actively emptied; in addition, contractions may be accompanied by vomiting and nausea;
• sometimes the approaching birth makes itself felt by dull pain in the lower abdomen, in the lumbar region;
• very often there is also labor fever;
• fetal activity changes. Before birth, the baby can move both very actively and slowly;
• characteristic precursors of childbirth can also be a decrease in appetite and a decrease in the total body weight of the expectant mother;
• change of mood as a result of changes in the endocrine system. Fatigue can be replaced by sudden activity, and vice versa;
• nesting instinct. Feeling at the subconscious level that the baby will be born very soon, the woman begins to prepare baby things, set up a playpen, sew, clean and spend more time doing household chores;
• Well, the most obvious sign that labor is beginning is, of course, the breaking of the waters. This harbinger is probably noticed by all women in labor. Amniotic fluid may suddenly rush out of amniotic sac, and may also leak slowly. There is no pain, but the woman should immediately go to the maternity ward.

Nutrition during pregnancy

A multiparous woman with experience should already know what she can eat during pregnancy and what she should avoid. Food should be prepared only from natural, high-quality and fresh products. For the next 9 months, you should forget about smoked meats, canned food, hot and sour foods. Products must not contain dyes, preservatives or flavor stabilizers.

The uterus is enlarging, which means you need to eat in small portions so as not to create additional stress on the internal organs. From morning until lunch it is better to eat meat and fish with cereals, and after 12 o’clock - fermented milk products and vegetables. Now we need to remember that the main thing the female body needs is proteins and vitamins.

The daily dose of proteins for the first 5 months for a multiparous woman should be at least 100 g, then their amount should be increased to 120 g. Vegetable and animal fats in women's fats are sufficient and 80 g per day. Nobody cancels healthy carbohydrates, such as wholemeal bread and cereals. Berries and fruits, as well as vegetables in large quantities. It’s better to forget about fast carbohydrates for a while. Pasta, sweets and baked goods will add extra unnecessary weight to you.

Do not forget about maintaining the water regime. The ideal amount of fluid per day is 2 liters. If you don’t have the opportunity or desire to drink so much pure water, replace it with herbal teas. By the way, liquid in vegetables and fruits is also taken into account in the total amount. It is best to consume vitamins and minerals only with the permission of your doctor. Yes, they are extremely necessary for a woman and her child during the second pregnancy, but an excess of nutrients will not lead to good consequences.

The list of necessary and important nutrients for a pregnant woman includes:

• zinc, which helps avoid premature birth, as well as the birth of a child with low body weight. Available in sufficient quantities in stewed beans, peas, spinach;
• Calcium is directly involved in the formation of the fetal skeletal system, improves the functioning of nerves, blood vessels and muscle tissue. Yogurt, cottage cheese and broccoli are rich in calcium;
• In the first weeks of pregnancy, it is extremely important to saturate your body with folic acid, which helps the embryo develop. Eat legumes, grains and spinach;
• Iron, which is rich in red meat, green leafy vegetables and chicken meat (but not breast), helps maintain the development of the placenta at the proper level;
• thanks to protein, normal formation of fetal tissue occurs;
• Sources of vitamin A include eggs, raw carrots, lettuce and natural cereals. These products are rich in nutrients necessary for both the mother and child's body;
• tomatoes, strawberries, kiwi, sweet peppers and oranges will help replenish vitamin C reserves.

Always be mindful of your baby and wash him before eating an apple (or any other food). The fact is that unwashed vegetables and fruits, raw seafood and eggs, as well as unpasteurized milk can cause the appearance of pathogenic bacteria.

Limit your caffeine intake in the form of coffee, energy drinks, and other products containing this component. Doctors warn that an excessive daily dose of caffeine (more than 200 mg) can lead to miscarriage.

Diseases digestive system During pregnancy, mothers provoke diseases of the fetus’s nervous system and other negative aspects that can lead to its death.

Second birth after caesarean section

Number of artificial births performed during last years has increased significantly. This is not a whim of doctors, but an extreme necessity in order to save the life of a newborn and his mother.

Some women, in order to avoid pain during natural childbirth, ask obstetricians to deliberately perform surgery. Therefore, today, cesarean section is a natural alternative to vaginal birth.

In this regard, in our country the process of carrying out the operation is optimized and simplified as much as possible:

• new one purchased modern technology and materials;
• Lighter anesthesia appeared;
• the risks of complications during childbirth are minimized.

Obstetricians also prescribe this procedure in cases where natural childbirth may lead to serious complications. If these are not observed, then, of course, it is better to resort to natural childbirth, since their advantages are obvious:

• reduced risk of bleeding;
• the likelihood of thrombosis and infections is minimal;
• the newborn manages to avoid breathing problems and adapt to the external environment more easily;
• A woman’s lactation period goes through the lactation period easier, and babies suckle better and more actively at their mother’s breast.

If a woman’s first birth ended with surgery, then she needs to plan a second pregnancy only after the sutures have healed, otherwise uterine rupture cannot be avoided.

In any case, childbirth with a scar on the uterus should be carried out in inpatient department and with a full team of doctors who will be able to quickly perform an operation at any time and save the lives of the mother and baby.

So, making the decision to have a baby naturally after a caesarean section, it is necessary to weigh all the positive and negative factors, which may affect natural labor.

Positive points include:

• woman's age under 40 years;
• you have already given birth on your own, or you have given birth with a suture on the uterus;
• labor began spontaneously after the water broke;
• there are no prerequisites for the operation.

Negative points:

• you have had more than two caesarean sections;
• premature fetus (less than 38 weeks);
• large fruit (more than 4.5 kg);
• the use of medications to induce labor.

If doctors decide to operate before birth, it is necessary to discuss with them the names of pain medications, as well as the likelihood of using epidural anesthesia. The fact is that some drugs can slow down the process of labor to such an extent that the operation will have to be performed again. Moreover, there is no need for epidural anesthesia when the cervix is ​​dilated to five fingers. Some painkillers can cause significant harm to the baby, as they easily penetrate the placenta.

A woman preparing to become a mother for the second time after a caesarean section should make every effort to ensure that her birth takes place naturally. At the same time, stimulation of labor should also be natural, using all possible methods for this. If doctors begin to use drug stimulation, it will most likely not be possible to avoid surgery.

Second pregnancy. Video

After the birth of their first baby, young families often think about going “for a brother” or “sister” soon. After all, it has long been believed that the birth of two children in a row makes the life of parents much easier, both financially and morally. The clothes from the firstborn have not yet worn out, but mom and dad have not forgotten the nuances of caring for a newborn. However, doctors have a slightly different opinion on this matter.

When to plan a second pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth are serious stress for a woman’s body, because hormonal changes affect all vital organs and systems.

You need to plan a second pregnancy after the body has fully recovered

Therefore, with the birth of a baby, a young mother should remember about protection in order to avoid new, unplanned pregnancy. The female body recovers within three to five years. During this time, a balance of minerals and vitamins is established in the body, and the immune system returns to normal.

Based on this, when planning a second pregnancy, you should focus on the following recommendations:

• after natural birth at least two years must have passed;
• after a cesarean section or childbirth with complications, it is advisable to wait up to five years (until the scar on the uterus or other sutures on the internal genital organs are completely resolved).

Danger early planning repeat pregnancy (less than five years) is an increased likelihood of rupture of the uterine organ along the suture left from the caesarean section. At the same time, pregnancy 10 years after a cesarean section risks complications due to engorgement in healed tissues.

To determine the degree of readiness of the female womb for re-bearing a fetus after a previous operation, it is necessary to do the following examinations:

• Ultrasound examination of the uterus with a vaginal sensor;
• hysterography using the introduction of a special liquid into the organ cavity and X-ray irradiation;
• hysteroscopy using an endoscope.

Based on the examination results, the gynecologist will give recommendations to the expectant mother according to the timing of reconception. If connective tissue remains on the surface of the uterus, planning a new pregnancy becomes undesirable. And when the scar is almost invisible or the trace from the operation has preserved only muscle tissue, you can become pregnant again without fear.

When preparing for a second pregnancy, it is equally important to take into account the age of the expectant mother. Doctors unanimously came to a clear conclusion on this issue. The minimum risk of developing pathologies in the fetus and health complications in a woman exists between 18 and 35 years.

In addition, when planning a second pregnancy, a woman should take into account the following points:

• the degree of security and financial readiness for the arrival of a second child in the family;
• the level of relationship with the spouse and the presence of support from close relatives;
• availability of comfortable living conditions necessary for the first child and the future newborn;
• acceptable age difference between children (psychologists recommend an age of 3–4 years).

If a woman has firmly decided to have a second child and there are no contraindications for this, it is important to follow doctors’ recommendations on preparing the body for another pregnancy. Thus, gynecologists advise couples planning to conceive to regularly take folic acid, exercise and eat healthy foods. You should stop drinking alcohol and smoking, maintain weight standards and get proper rest.

However, a second pregnancy is not always safe for the woman and the unborn baby. This happens if the mother of an only child has one of the following diseases:

• defects of the cardiovascular system and rheumatism of the heart - dangerous intrauterine growth retardation, placental abruption and premature birth;
• diabetes- leads to developmental defects in the embryo and spontaneous abortions;
• pathologies in the functioning of the endocrine gland - increased or decreased levels of hormones are fraught with miscarriages and deterioration intellectual development fetus

At the same time, the above list is not strictly restrictive. After all, the level of modern medicine allows you to carry and give birth to a healthy child with due attention to the condition of the pregnant woman from doctors.

How to understand that you are pregnant again

If a woman plans to give birth to a second child, she monitors changes in the body more vigilantly than usual. And the onset of pregnancy is detected already in the first weeks after conception. At such early stages, only intuition and an appropriate test help.

A planned pregnancy for the second time is even easier to bear psychologically

However, it is not uncommon for a second pregnancy to occur a year after the birth of the first child. And, as a rule, the young mother did not prepare at all for the arrival of a new family member.

The first sign of an interesting situation, as the first time, is a delay in the menstrual cycle. Often women attribute such a disturbance in the body to fatigue and stress, but not to the fact that conception has taken place.

The situation is more complicated if conception occurred during the period of so-called lactational amenorrhea, when menstruation is generally absent. Theoretically, pregnancy should not happen in this state. Because of this belief, a young mother may not pay attention to changes in well-being, especially if there is no toxicosis or dizziness.

Each woman copes with pregnancy individually, and often the second pregnancy is easier than the first. And in the case of breastfeeding a child, the birth of a new life can be detected by the parent only at 16 weeks, when the fetus first moves.

At the same time, the second pregnancy is easier to recognize (unlike the first) by external signs:

• The tummy increases - already from the first weeks;
• the breasts swell noticeably (and with breastfeeding, the sensitivity of the nipples also increases);
• weight gradually increases (especially noticeable for mothers who watch their figure).

In general, both pregnancies are detected approximately equally, and the woman’s condition depends in both cases on her level of health. Second time due to age or deterioration material well-being An interesting situation may become more difficult. Here, a lot depends on the psychological mood of the expectant mother and the degree of desirability of another baby.

Video: signs of a second pregnancy

How is the second pregnancy progressing?

After the expectant mother of her second baby learns about the interesting situation, she needs as soon as possible register with antenatal clinic. This is important because in the second pregnancy the health risks for the woman and child increase significantly.

The second pregnancy is usually easier than the first

If a young mother leads an active lifestyle, does not smoke and eats right, then there may not be any difficulties when carrying another baby. The exception is the risk of Rh conflict between maternal and child organisms. But you shouldn’t be scared in advance - modern medicine has in its arsenal medicines that eliminate this serious pathology.

And the pregnancy itself will proceed according to this scenario:

• from 2–3 weeks the belly is already noticeable to others and its volume is larger than during the first pregnancy;
• at 10–12 weeks, swelling in the legs and varicose veins appears due to the increased load on the kidneys and limbs;
• pain in the back and pelvic area begins to appear as early as 34 weeks, as the muscles quickly stretch;
• false contractions also appear a week earlier than during the first pregnancy.

Many multiparous women consider the speed of a new pregnancy to be an interesting feature. For the first time, a woman is more tense about her situation and focuses all her emotions on it. When another pregnancy occurs, the young mother no longer has fear of the unknown and unnecessary worries about childbirth. In addition, the first child still requires constant attention, so the gestational period sometimes passes almost unnoticed.

The situation is somewhat different with the second pregnancy after a caesarean section:

• to avoid rupture of the uterine scar, you will have to visit a gynecologist weekly;
• the doctor will prescribe medications that relax the muscles and relieve tension from the scar;
• you will need to take medications that improve metabolism and blood supply to the placenta;
• Hospitalization in a hospital is required at 35 weeks of gestation.

If the suture is in normal condition, pregnancy after a cesarean section is no different from the first, except for close monitoring by doctors.

Separately, it is worth highlighting a repeat pregnancy with several embryos, that is, multiple pregnancy. In itself, this situation for the first time is an increased load on the body. And if gestation occurs repeatedly, then twice or even three times more attention from medical workers is required.

The distinctive moments of bearing two or more children after the birth of the first child are called:

• severe toxicosis from the first weeks;
• increased pigmentation on the body;
• anemia from the second trimester;
• increase in pressure.

To exclude pathologies in the development of babies, a future mother of many children is advised to be hospitalized in a hospital under round-the-clock supervision by specialists from the second trimester.

At the same time, you need to remember that every woman’s body is individual, and a repeat pregnancy, even with multiple births, can be easy and without complications.

Video: second pregnancy - third trimester

Features of repeated delivery

At the final stage of the second pregnancy, a mandatory referral for inpatient observation occurs.

The second birth feels virtually no different from the first, but lasts less

At the same time, in some multiparous women, the stomach drops for a week ahead of schedule, while in others no prolapse is observed at all. This is due to the degree of stretching of the muscle tissue of the uterus and abdominal cavity. If during the first pregnancy the belly was voluminous or there was multiple pregnancy, then the first option is possible. Otherwise, such a harbinger imminent birth It's better not to hope.

Other signs of the onset of labor during a second pregnancy are:

• discharge of the mucus plug two days before birth;
• obvious and rhythmic contractions;
• frequent urges “out of great need”;
• changes in fetal activity;
• the appearance of labor chills.

After the amniotic fluid breaks for someone preparing to become a mother for the second time, the woman is sent to the maternity ward. The birth process then takes place within 5–8 hours and is less painful than during the first delivery.

Natural childbirth with a uterine scar places increased responsibility on doctors and is possible only if:

• the woman giving birth is under 40 years old;
• delivery began on its own after the release of amniotic fluid;
• the suture on the uterus is thickened by more than 4 mm.

Otherwise, after a cesarean section, a repeat pregnancy also ends with a planned operation.

Statistics show that after the first caesarean section, every third pregnant woman gives birth naturally.

In addition, with a suture on the uterus, the second birth by surgical intervention is prescribed:

• if less than two years have passed since the first pregnancy;
• when the first cesarean was transverse (from the base to the navel);
• if the baby weighs more than 4–4.5 kg or, conversely, the pregnancy is premature;
• in case of thickening of the placenta or its fusion with the tissues of the uterus.

Speaking about childbirth during a repeat pregnancy with multiple pregnancies, it should be noted that a cesarean section is mandatory at 36 weeks. This explains the desire of doctors to avoid unnecessary risks to the health of mother and child.

Video: multiple pregnancy

Risk factors

Repeated pregnancy is perceived by a woman’s body as a “habitual thing” if two or three years have passed from the first gestation. And many multiparous women talk about a positive perception of the interesting situation with their second baby.

Pregnancy after 35 years is dangerous for complications for both mother and baby

However, not everyone is so lucky, especially after the age of 35. Indeed, in this case it is impossible to speak unequivocally about the physical readiness of the body for a new pregnancy. Despite the fact that there is stretching of the abdominal and abdominal muscles, and “training” of the uterus, the expectant mother may experience worsening or chronic diseases. The load on the entire body can result in diabetes mellitus and even the formation of tumor areas.

Other dangerous moments of a second pregnancy include:

• untreated infectious diseases in the internal genital organs;
• a history of abortions and miscarriages;
• insufficient or overweight women.

In order for the waiting time for a new family member to pass with the least worry, a pregnant woman with her second baby should immediately inform the gynecologist at the antenatal clinic about all the health features and take the test without delay. necessary tests.

A woman generally perceives a second pregnancy more calmly than the first. The expectant mother already knows a lot about pregnancy and childbirth. She knows what changes occur in the body, how well-being changes, what are the harbingers of childbirth, how to behave correctly during the birth process and much more, which usually instills anxiety in first-time women. However, the second pregnancy often proceeds completely differently from the first, which is due to many factors.

Planning a pregnancy

Doctors recommend planning your pregnancy in advance to prepare your body for this important period. But, despite the existence of various methods of contraception, quite often repeat pregnancy occurs unexpectedly. It’s good if one and a half to two years have passed since the previous birth, when the mother’s body has already managed to recover. Sometimes premature pregnancy occurs due to women's misconceptions about the effectiveness of breastfeeding as a method of contraception. This method involves the use of lactational amenorrhea (suppression of ovulation in the first months of breastfeeding). If a number of conditions are violated, ovulation resumes and, sometimes, conception occurs immediately. A woman may not notice the onset of pregnancy if the menstrual cycle has not had time to recover and there are no signs of early toxicosis.

Pregnancy planning involves preparing the body for conception. healthy child. Thorough examination before a planned conception, it is primarily necessary for those who had problems during their first pregnancy and during childbirth, in order to avoid their recurrence. But, even if everything was fine and calm the first time, this is not a reason to refuse an examination, since the body undergoes significant changes after childbirth, and the occurrence of any gynecological or somatic problems cannot be completely ruled out.

What examinations will need to be completed?
First of all, a complete examination by a gynecologist is necessary. As a result of the examination, the doctor will be able to identify the following pathologies: deformation of the cervix, which threatens miscarriage and usually requires surgical intervention; erosion of the cervix, which in a neglected state is a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogens; other diseases that threaten the course of pregnancy and the health of the unborn baby. In addition, in the gynecological office, the woman will take smears from the vagina and cervical canal for infection and cytology.

It is also necessary to carry out ultrasonography pelvic organs. Using an ultrasound, the doctor will assess the condition of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, their condition and readiness for fertilization and bearing a child.

It is advisable to check your general health. With age, the body wears out, new diseases appear that can complicate pregnancy. If there are chronic diseases, such as heart disease, blood diseases, and others, consultation with a specialized specialist is necessary.

The main differences between repeat pregnancies

• You should know that a cesarean section does not always lead to complications in subsequent pregnancies. Its use in previous births can be dangerous for the course of a subsequent pregnancy if a longitudinal incision was made. This method is the most traumatic for the uterus. The consequences of surgical delivery may include complications such as placental insufficiency and miscarriage. When using a transverse incision above the womb, in principle, in the future, depending on the condition of the scar, the possibility of natural delivery is not excluded.
• For a number of reasons, women carrying a second child are more likely than first-time mothers to develop varicose veins. You should be attentive to any manifestations of the disease, such as, for example, spider veins on the legs, and take timely measures. It is good to use preventive or therapeutic knitwear with the compression strength recommended by your doctor.
• If during the first birth there was damage to the cervix with subsequent deformation, the risk of premature termination of pregnancy increases. If a dangerous deformity is detected already during pregnancy, and there is a threat of miscarriage, a circular suture may be placed on the cervix.
• Women who are pregnant for the second time are more likely to suffer from anemia, especially if the body has not had time to recover from a previous birth. Before conception, it is necessary to bring the main blood parameters, which include the hemoglobin content, to normal.
• By the time you become pregnant, it is advisable to stop breastfeeding your first child. During lactation, a woman loses large quantities useful microelements and vitamins, so necessary for the proper formation of a new organism. In addition, this is a double burden on the woman’s body, which is fraught with consequences for her health. The very act of sucking activates the production of oxytocin, a hormone that has a stimulating effect on the uterus. As a result, there is a risk of miscarriage.
• All changes during the second pregnancy appear a little earlier. Due to the abdominal wall being stretched during the first pregnancy, the tummy becomes noticeable earlier. The sensation of fetal movement also appears earlier, since the woman already knows how to distinguish them from contractions of the intestinal muscles, for example.

How do repeated births proceed?
If childbirth is not complicated in any way, then in general, it proceeds faster than the first. The painful period of contractions is significantly reduced. If the first time a woman gives birth on average within 10 to 12 hours, then repeated births take approximately 4 to 5 hours. As a rule, the birth canal does not lose its elasticity after the birth of the first child and it takes much less time to open.

Before the second birth, false contractions are more common. These precursor contractions differ from the real ones primarily because they are painless, but, nevertheless, they cause anxiety for pregnant women. False contractions subside if you take a warm shower and change your body position. If the effect does not occur, most likely the contractions are true, and it’s time to get ready for the maternity hospital.

Overstretching of the abdominal wall muscles after the first birth is associated with weakness of labor during pushing. For prevention, starting from twenty weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended to wear a prenatal bandage that maintains the abdominal muscles in optimal condition.

Bleeding in postpartum period occurs more often in multiparous women. This is especially true for those women in labor whose previous births were performed by caesarean section. This is also facilitated inflammatory diseases history of uterus.
Precautions for pregnant women with small children

It is difficult for a woman if her first child is still very small, and she is already pregnant with her second.
Of course, you have to look for opportunities to reduce the load on the body and take precautions so as not to harm yourself and your unborn baby.
First, try to carry your small child in your arms less. Leave it to other family members. Teach your baby to be independent; he will most likely already be able to climb into and out of his crib, with your support, of course. Let him climb up onto a chair or onto your lap. There is no need to bend over to lift the baby, this puts additional stress on the spine; it is better to carefully sit down to it, and then, keeping your back straight, rise.

If you are a supporter co-sleeping with a child, it is better to accustom him to your crib long before birth, so as not to expose the baby to double stress and yourself to unnecessary hassle.

Happy is the mother who has two or more children. Life becomes more harmonious and rich. And there is enough love and care for everyone.

A woman who already has a baby believes that she knows almost everything about pregnancy and childbirth. But this is not entirely true: the first and second pregnancies can be very different.

The minimum interval between two pregnancies is considered to be one and a half to two years. The body must fully recover and be ready for a new pregnancy. Here, competent family planning comes to the fore; it must be remembered that pregnancy can occur in the absence of menstruation after childbirth, so it is important to use the necessary contraception.

When planning a second pregnancy, it is advisable to undergo a complete medical examination, this is especially important if pathologies were identified during the first pregnancy and childbirth.

It is imperative to do an ultrasound of the genital organs. Do all the necessary tests to exclude the presence of infection, which can occur if the cervix is ​​damaged. Be sure to make sure there is no erosion; these problems are much easier to deal with before pregnancy than during it. It is advisable to undergo a full medical examination, if you have chronic diseases, consult with specialized specialists and undergo the necessary course of treatment.

What are the main differences between the first and second pregnancies? During a second pregnancy, the risk of developing varicose veins increases sharply and it is necessary to take measures to prevent this insidious disease seriously. It is necessary to wear special compression garments designed for pregnant women. The risk of miscarriage increases, especially if there were problems with the cervix. If the birth was carried out by caesarean section, then Special attention it is necessary to pay attention to the scar on the uterus, especially if the incision was made longitudinally. It is possible low position placenta or the development of placental insufficiency, when the fetus receives insufficient nutrition due to decreased blood flow to the uterus and placenta. There is also a risk of miscarriage. Anemia appears much more often, especially if there was heavy bleeding during the first birth and the body did not have enough time to completely restore hemoglobin. Breastfeeding during a new pregnancy increases the adverse effects on the body of a pregnant woman. Milk production requires a lot of nutrients, which places a serious burden on all body systems, and pregnancy increases this load, which can negatively affect the fetus.

After the first birth, the uterus remains slightly enlarged, so signs of pregnancy become noticeable faster (by about a month). A month earlier, the expectant mother will feel the baby’s first movements. The first movements during the first pregnancy occur around the fifth month; a pregnant woman will feel her second child at four months.

Repeated births are also different from the first. They are usually much shorter in duration, since the muscles and uterus have become more elastic and require less time and effort to open. Usually the second birth lasts 4-5 hours, while the first 10-12. More often there are false contractions, to determine if they are false contractions or real ones, you need to change your body position or take a shower, the false contractions will subside. Women who give birth more often experience weakness in labor due to weakness of the anterior abdominal wall. Wearing a special bandage from the 20th week of pregnancy can help cope with this problem. Another problem that a new mother may face is a higher risk of bleeding after childbirth, especially if there is a scar on the uterus.

No matter how difficult the first pregnancy was, no matter how many complaints came from young mothers: about toxicosis, heartburn, pain, fatigue, it seemed what a terrible state pregnancy was, but very little time passes - six months, a year, the firstborn grows up a little and the mother thinks about second. Yes Yes! Again about this terrible feeling that they are ready to experience again and again! These women are amazing creatures.

When is the best time to have your second baby?

The first question that may arise when planning a second pregnancy is? Experts recommend not to rush into getting pregnant again; ideally, at least two to three years should pass after the birth of your first child. During this period of time, the mother’s weakened body after the first pregnancy and childbirth is able to fully recover. In addition, postponing your next pregnancy for several years will benefit not only your body, but also your first-born, because then you can extend the period of breastfeeding your baby, which will undoubtedly have a beneficial effect on his health. While when a new pregnancy occurs, continue breast-feeding It’s more complicated: the body has to “work on two fronts” - spend energy on developing a new life and maintain the proper composition of milk. As a result, it may turn out that the mother will be left with nothing: the older child will independently refuse the breast due to the fact that the milk has become tasteless, while the unborn child may suffer from a lack of necessary substances, the consequence of which may be malnutrition. The mother herself can acquire a whole range of diseases, one of which is anemia.

In addition, when observing pregnant women who give birth the same age, doctors were able to find out that during repeated pregnancy, women experience toxicosis not only in the first half of pregnancy, but also in the second, and iron deficiency is also likely. On later pregnancy, there may be a threat of miscarriage or premature birth. And since the pregnancy period does not always proceed well, babies are born weak and underweight. That is why it is better not to rush into giving birth again.

If, on the contrary, the interval between the first birth and the second is long and amounts to more than ten years, then in fact the second pregnancy can be called the first. Over such a long period of time, the body has already forgotten all the skills of childbirth. Yes and in most cases general condition The older mother’s health is no longer as good as before. And therefore there is a high risk of pregnancy with unpredictable consequences. Often women over the age of 35 have gynecological problems, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis and others, which can also affect the course of a second pregnancy.

Experienced mom

Many doctors note the fact that mothers who give birth repeatedly are much more responsible and disciplined than first-time mothers. They do not need to be regularly reminded of the obligatory observance of the correct daily regimen, nutrition, rest; they follow diets on their own, spend a lot of time on fresh air, regularly visit the doctor, take all necessary tests on time and undergo examinations on time. Repeated women are psychologically prepared for changes during pregnancy. It is during repeated pregnancy that mothers become more relaxed, are not embarrassed by their interesting position and happily show off their belly to others.

Experienced mothers are much less nervous and afraid during pregnancy. In addition, the experience gained during the first pregnancy helps the mother to better navigate during the second pregnancy, to better feel and understand the unborn baby.

Features of repeat pregnancy

Repeated pregnancy is quite problematic to hide from others for a long time. Since the abdominal muscles, as well as the ligaments that hold the uterus in place during the first pregnancy, are stretched, during the second pregnancy your belly will increase before your eyes. That is why the expectant mother, during a second pregnancy, is recommended to wear a prenatal bandage from the 20th week, which will relieve the load on the spine and legs. For many women with a second pregnancy, a prenatal bandage is a mandatory attribute not only at work, but also at home, during rest and rest.

Another feature of repeat pregnancy is that mothers who gave birth feel the first movements of the fetus already at the 18th week of pregnancy, since mothers who have given birth again already know what exactly to listen for, while first-time mothers may confuse fetal movements with peristalsis intestines.

If a woman had toxicosis during her first pregnancy, it is possible that during the second pregnancy the symptoms of toxicosis will intensify. In addition, if during your first pregnancy you were diagnosed with “high blood pressure”, “protein in the urine”, or you were tormented by edema, then during your second pregnancy you need to regularly take blood and urine tests, measure blood pressure, follow a diet and monitor possible excessive weight gain, observe the salt and water regime. And of course, it is necessary to warn the doctor observing you about past problems, he will help you avoid them, tell you what needs to be done, and that the pregnancy went smoothly.

During the first pregnancy, the fundus of the uterus, or as they say, the abdomen, descends approximately two weeks before birth, i.e. If the child prepares for the final stage in advance, then during a second pregnancy, the lowering of the abdomen is more difficult to notice: the baby’s head is pressed against the mother’s pubic symphysis immediately during childbirth.

During a second pregnancy, the cervix may be shorter. But only a doctor can determine this, and the doctor must also check how tightly it is closed. Closure of the cervix should be complete in any pregnancy, no matter what the number.

If during your first pregnancy there was a Rh conflict, then subsequent pregnancies will make you worry. After the first pregnancy, antibodies remain in the mother’s blood that tend to destroy the red blood cells of the fetus and can develop hemolytic disease of the child. To avoid this, you need to go to a specialized hospital for examination and further observation before conception. Mothers will have to take a monthly blood test for antibodies, use an ultrasound to monitor the amount of amniotic fluid (there should be no polyhydramnios) and the size of the placenta, which should not be thickened. All these problems can be solved if you know about them in advance.

The most important thing is that a woman knows in advance about possible complications during pregnancy, she is less nervous, and this in any case has a beneficial effect on the course of another pregnancy. But the expectant mother needs to be nervous and worry as little as possible.

Often, women's second pregnancy is much easier than the first. This fact can be explained by the fact that children are of different sexes: it has been established that in women expecting boys, toxicosis, for example, occurs less frequently. Sometimes children from different fathers behave differently.

Some mothers are convinced that the first pregnancy is always “overstayed”, while the second, on the contrary, is a couple of weeks shorter. But this is just a delusion. Childbirth occurs at the same time as before.

Repeated pregnancy after cesarean section

If your first baby was born as a result of a caesarean section, the mother should think about getting pregnant again no earlier than a year later: it is necessary to give the scars on the uterus a chance to heal. However, if you want a second baby, then you should not delay the second pregnancy: it is believed that over time the scar loses its strength and elasticity. The optimal difference between the first and second pregnancy should be 2-3 years, but preferably no more than 5 years.

It is the strength of the scar on the uterus after a cesarean section that will become the main problem of a second pregnancy. Even before conception, the expectant mother needs to undergo an ultrasound examination, which can objectively assess the condition of the scar.

C-section scar tissue is different from the inner layer of the uterus, the myometrium. As a result, if the site of attachment of the fertilized egg becomes on the anterior wall of the uterus, close to the scar, then theoretically this can lead to various unpleasant consequences, for example, subsequent fetoplacental insufficiency. But only theoretically: the placenta is an organ with great compensatory capabilities. For example, she can “grow” another additional lobe, which will provide the fetus with everything it needs. Therefore, if the problem is only in the scar, then the placenta will cope with it. In addition, a pregnant mother can always count on the help of doctors who, during each visit to the antenatal clinic, will do the appropriate examinations: ultrasound, fetal biometry and placentometry, in which case any deviation will be immediately noticed. The mother herself also needs to monitor her well-being; it is especially worth paying attention to painful movements of the fetus, which are often associated with scar dehiscence. However, even a very difficult pregnancy in a hospital setting, doctors will be able to “hold out” until the functional maturity of the fetus.

The time when after a caesarean section a woman was categorically forbidden to give birth in the future is behind us. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for not only a second baby to be born through Caesarean section, but even a fifth one. As they say, the main thing would be desire, but you can cope with difficulties.

Preparing our eldest child for a new family member

In addition to preparing for the upcoming happy event of the mother herself, the spouses need to prepare in advance for the arrival of a new family member and an older child. This is a rather important moment that needs to be approached competently. You need to prepare your child for the arrival of a brother or sister gradually throughout pregnancy; the most important thing in the preparation process is to let the child know that he is still loved. This moment is very important for the older child; he should not feel that with the appearance of a little one in the family, he will be loved less. If the child feels this, then the birth of the baby will be as long-awaited an event for him as for the parents themselves.

The course of pregnancy is laid down in the genetic program female body. But, fortunately, modern doctors have learned to intervene in certain aspects of this program. If your doctor has information about your first pregnancy, and ideally managed it himself, he will help prevent possible problems during a second pregnancy, which means only one thing: very soon you will have a healthy baby.

Magazine My little one