This Pregnancy vs. That Pregnancy

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Updated: November 10, 2020
Originally Published: June 19, 2015

1. The Learning Curve

   First Pregnancy: You immerse yourself in every book available on pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care, as well as topics like nutrition and environmental toxins.

   Subsequent Pregnancies: You find yourself skimming through gossip magazines during the rare moments you have to yourself. After all, how else will you stay updated on celebrity lives? Been there, done that. No big deal.

2. Extracurricular Activities

   First Pregnancy: You eagerly enroll in prenatal yoga, water aerobics, and every parenting class you can find.

   Subsequent Pregnancies: You barely have time to breathe, let alone attend classes with first-time moms who are anxious about labor. You know the drill: it will be tough, but it will end. Simple as that.

3. Nursery Preparedness

   First Pregnancy: By the time you reach 25 weeks, your nursery is perfectly organized, color-coordinated, and ready for the baby.

   Subsequent Pregnancies: Wait, another baby? Panic sets in as you scramble to prepare the nursery just weeks before the due date.

4. Your Diet

   First Pregnancy: You focus on maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet to give your baby the best start possible.

   Subsequent Pregnancies: You find yourself munching on leftover chicken nuggets from your toddler’s plate while juggling dinner and bedtime chaos.

5. Your Social Life

   First Pregnancy: You still make an effort to socialize and stay out later than you should, determined to prove that pregnancy won’t change you.

   Subsequent Pregnancies: Unless your friends are offering something spectacular, like free tickets to meet a celebrity, you’ll opt out. You’ve got priorities now.

6. Diagnosing Mystery Ailments

   First Pregnancy: Any slight discomfort sends you rushing to your OBGYN.

   Subsequent Pregnancies: If it’s not life-threatening, you brush it off and continue with your day.

7. Talking/Thinking About Baby

   First Pregnancy: Pregnancy consumes your every thought and conversation.

   Subsequent Pregnancies: You think about the pregnancy twice: once when you see those two pink lines, and again when it’s time to rush to the hospital.

8. Weight Gain

   First Pregnancy: You meticulously track your weight gain, worrying about how you’ll look postpartum.

   Subsequent Pregnancies: You decide to indulge a bit more because, let’s face it, stretch marks are inevitable. Why not enjoy those treats?

9. Fetal Movements

   First Pregnancy: Each kick from your baby is a moment to pause and celebrate the miracle of life.

   Subsequent Pregnancies: While you still appreciate the kicks, if you’re en route to grab a donut, you’re not stopping. You know it will happen again.

10. Expectations

    First Pregnancy: You envision your baby as a perfect angel.

    Subsequent Pregnancies: You’ve learned that there’s a good chance your next little one might be just as demanding and chaotic as the first.

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In summary, each pregnancy journey is unique, often marked by a notable shift in priorities and perspectives from the first to subsequent pregnancies. The transition reflects a blend of learned experiences, adjustments in expectations, and a deeper understanding of the challenges and joys of motherhood.