Until recently, I held a rather smug perspective about my first pregnancy. I simply couldn’t grasp why so many women complained about their experiences. I thought I must have been particularly adept at handling the changes, or perhaps others were just less equipped to cope. Morning sickness? Stretch marks? Weight gain? Heartburn? Surely, these were just minor inconveniences that others exaggerated. I was certain I had some secret knowledge that they didn’t possess.
But I was wrong. Smug? Absolutely.
This time around, the challenges have been relentless. I’ve felt enormous, uncomfortable, and achy, with more doctor visits in a week than I had during my entire first pregnancy. It’s clear this little one is a completely different character from my firstborn. Here’s how this experience has diverged from the last:
Nutrition and Fitness
During my first pregnancy, I was diligent about my health. I walked every day and consumed lots of salmon and leafy greens, meticulously tracking my protein intake and following a checklist of exercises to prepare for birth. Honestly, I was a bit over the top.
Now? My diet mainly revolves around whatever doesn’t make me sick and the remnants of my 3-year-old’s meals. As for exercise, it consists of running after my toddler and making multiple late-night trips to the bathroom.
Body Changes and Weight Gain
I hate to say it (actually, I don’t), but my first pregnancy left me relatively unscathed. I gained just 25 pounds and was back to my pre-pregnancy weight by my six-week check-up. I thought I had dodged the stretch mark bullet thanks to some fancy oil I slathered on daily.
This time? The scale became a source of dread once I hit my previous delivery weight in the second trimester. And discussing stretch marks? Let’s just skip that for now; it’s still too raw.
Labor Experience
I was fortunate to have a smooth labor with my first child, never feeling the “get this baby out of me” urgency, likely because I went into labor right on my due date. Even with all my preparation for a natural birth, I ended up getting an epidural, which certainly taught me a thing or two about humility.
As for this upcoming birth, I feel a mix of fear—terrified of going into premature labor or facing the prospect of being induced. My perspective has shifted, shaped by experiences and stories from others who weren’t as fortunate. I now understand that the birthing process deserves respect rather than control. This time, I plan to let go of my ego, accept whatever happens, and do what’s necessary to ensure both of us come through safely.
Recovery Challenges
A wise friend once told me, “You get one free pass. The first recovery is easy; after that, you really have to put in the effort.” Let’s just say I have my work cut out for me. I’ve already been advised to look into pelvic floor therapy (you can Google it—it’s basically physical therapy for your lady parts, quite glamorous, right?), and I have a feeling I’ll be dealing with other charming souvenirs from this pregnancy, like ahem hemorrhoids.
Growing, birthing, and nurturing babies is no small feat. I am immensely grateful for the experiences I’ve had. Having a healthy child is truly a miracle, and I find myself praying for that miracle once more.
So, to anyone reading this who might relate: cherish an easy first pregnancy—it could very well be a stroke of luck or a cosmic nudge from the universe to encourage you to procreate again. In my case, it might just be both.
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Summary
In retrospect, my first pregnancy filled me with confidence that has since been humbled by the challenges of my second. The differences in diet, body changes, labor experiences, and recovery have shifted my perspective entirely. I now understand the importance of gratitude and humility in this journey of motherhood.