I got pregnant for the first time in March 2017 and for the second time in May 2019. The similar time of the year makes it very “deja vu”! Both pregnancies were planned and hoped for but the first trimester was difficult both times. I know that in comparison to many, I’ve had it easy both times, but I also want to be honest and say that no matter how “by the book” everything goes and how much you already love the baby, the first trimester can be hard! It’s a time of change emotionally and physically and so it’s no surprise it’s not a walk in the park.
Every pregnancy is unique and I wanted to do a little comparison of how the first trimester has been for me these two times.
Similarities:
- Excitement- I’m still reading about the baby’s development (almost) daily
- Anxiety about hiding the pregnancy. I’m used to sharing and talking about things that are in my mind and hiding something so important was stressful. T time we told our friends and family very early, pretty much as soon as we knew, because of the anxiety I felt the first time about hiding a huge thing like pregnancy. We only kept it a secret at my work place and didn’t announce it online until 13-weeks
- Nausea from week 5 to 10 – the worst pregnancy symptom ever!
- Sensitivity to smells – paranormal ability to sniff out anything and everything and most things stink
- Extreme fatigue – it’s been a battle to get through my days. At best I’ve managed to go for walks but I didn’t really exercise properly between 4 and 10-weeks pregnant. By week 12 I was feeling a bit more energetic
- Weight gain – can’t stop eating otherwise I start feeling sick. Everything salty and beige is right up my alley
- Hungry – all the time, even when feeling nauseous, how strange
- Bloating – I have looked pregnant very early both times. In addition to bloating, I think I actually do show early because of my rather small frame (I’m 5’5/166cm tall)
- Boobs grew by a cup size in the first weeks, and probably another cup size around weeks 11-12
- Constipation- no explanation needed, it’s normal but awful
- Emotional – I cried once because my husband said that changing the nursery roller blind isn’t strictly necessary (just for the record, we did change it)
- The first trimester dragged on… Some women say the second pregnancy flies by since you’re so busy with your toddler and mum life in general, but I’ve still found time to worry about daydream/worry/feel sick enough for the 12 weeks to feel like 12 months!
Differences:
- Very little growing pains now vs. first time. In my first pregnancy I had mild cramps and twinge pains from the growing uterus from very early on but with my second these didn’t start until week 14
- My boobs grew quickly and were so sore I slept in a sports bra the first weeks. The second time around they slowly grew by 1-2 cup sizes but I’ve had no discomfort
- Dry skin – I can’t remember suffering from dry skin last time! But this time I’m moisturising daily and my skin still feels itchy from dryness
- My bump definitely popped earlier in the second pregnancy. It’s hard to tell what’s bloating and what’s the baby but either way, the bump shows more now that my belly has already stretched once. I even got offered a seat on the train at 11-weeks!
- In my first pregnancy I kept running to the toilet for a wee. This time it hasn’t been a problem during the first trimester (but definitely became one later on)
- My hair gets so oily now! I have to wash it every other day which is such a hassle. I didn’t have this problem last time (edit: oddly this passed after a couple of weeks)
- I’ve been less worried now – I have felt oddly calm during this pregnancy although I’m of course eagerly waiting for the three month scan. In my first pregnancy I was more scared of all things that could go wrong. Now I know more about the risks but at the same time I trust my body more. It’s done this before perfectly well!
- I feel more secure in my relationship with my husband. We have gone through one pregnancy and birth and the first 1.5 years of Maia’s life as a couple and I have great faith in it. ❤️ I was more nervous about the impact (of having a baby) on our relationship last time. Maybe being married now also plays a role!
Despite the differences I’ve listed, being pregnant again feels so familiar and lovely. I do love being pregnant even with all the challenges and uncomfortable symptoms. And even more so once the first trimester is over!
Did you find your pregnancies were different from one another?
xoxoxo,
Sini