When a couple decides to enlarge the family, a new stage begins that will bring great changes for everyone. While you have already lived with the first child, there are certain things to consider before looking for another baby. Therefore, we give you some tips on how to prepare for the second pregnancy.
Previously we talked about when to look for a second pregnancy. The best time to "order" another baby, taking into account three important variables such as the age of the mother, father and older brother. Once the moment has been decided (God, destiny or design through), we now talk about how to prepare.
Getting ready for the second pregnancy
Be the first, the second or the pregnancy, you have to prepare both physically and mentally to face it with health, for the sake of the mother and the baby. We have talked on occasion about things to consider before looking for pregnancy that you can check because it is valid for all pregnancies, whatever the order.
We should not start taking care of ourselves when we learn about pregnancy, but before, because the first stages of embryo formation (when we still do not know that we are pregnant) are very important. It is recommended to stop smoking, drinking, taking drugs, start taking a folic acid supplement and take care of food.
He exercise It is also important. Most likely, there have been a few extra kilos of the previous pregnancy, and of course, the most common. If we have not regained weight before, it is best to try before looking for a new pregnancy. On the one hand, because facing an overweight pregnancy can have major complications and on the other, because after the second birth it will be much more difficult to lose the excess weight of two pregnancies.
There are sports such as walking, practicing yoga, biking or swimming that if done moderately are perfectly compatible with pregnancy. It will help you to be fit before and during pregnancy.
Medical visit
As in the case of the first pregnancy, a visit to the doctor before seeking the pregnancy is mandatory. As important as before is to make a preconception query to make sure everything is in a position to face pregnancy.
Just as if you use a contraceptive method or not, prior gynecological consultation is essential. It will be useful for the gynecologist to advise you on the recommended waiting time according to the contraceptive method (if applicable), to do a gynecological examination and rule out diseases or infections.
It will also ask you about pregnancy and previous birth in case certain things had to be considered before becoming pregnant again. For example, if you have developed gestational diabetes or some other complication, how was the delivery, recovery, etc.
If there is also a history of birth defects with the first baby, a genetic consultation with a specialist is recommended to assess the degree of risks that could be transmitted to the new baby.
Time between pregnancies
A study we have commented on the blog stated that pregnancies should be spaced for the sake of the next baby. The minimum recommended to get pregnant again is six months after delivery, the expectation is that it is not less than eleven months, while Ideally, it should be between two and five years.
A very short waiting time between pregnancies is related to an increased risk of premature delivery or delayed intrauterine growth or intrauterine mortality, among other possible complications.
In the case of having had a cesarean delivery, it is prudent to wait for at least two years, or at least a year and a half, since before that time the risk of uterine rupture increases during the next labor.
On the other hand, waiting more than five years is also not prudent because it also increases the rate of prematurity and low birth weight as well as the frequency of arterial hypertension during pregnancy.
If there has been a previous abortion, it would be necessary to wait three months before trying the pregnancy again.
These recommendations are the “officers”, however, each case is special and it should be the doctor who, according to the situation of each woman, considers when it is safe to try a new pregnancy.
Beyond the waiting times recommended by experts, who have been mothers know the dedication required by a newborn baby, so it is best to attend to the first child as he deserves, one hundred percent, during the first months Then consider a new pregnancy.
Breastfeeding is not an impediment
There are women who believe that they should wean the first baby when considering giving him a little brother. However, breastfeeding is not an impediment to getting pregnant again. Both things are fully compatible..
Incidentally, breastfeeding does not mean that you cannot get pregnant, so do not use it as a contraceptive method because its effectiveness is not complete.
When breastfeeding while pregnant, it may happen that the baby loses interest in breastfeeding due to a decrease in milk production caused by hormones present in pregnancy or a change in taste after the 5th month caused by colostrum.
In any case, if you both continue to enjoy breastfeeding, there is no reason to stop, since the benefit will be threefold.
On the other hand, when the second baby is born, with much patience and a good dose of organization you can practice breastfeeding in tandem.
Economic situation and family organization
There are those who embark on the adventure of looking for a new baby regardless of the economic situation and family organization. But another many, no.
On the first, everyone has their own opinion and of course all are valid when it comes to the welfare of the new baby that will come to the world. Mine is that where three fit four fit. A family of three, except for an extreme economic situation, can become a family of four without investing too much money. Most of the things we need are the first, including clothes if they are the same sex. If not, you can always turn to a friend or relative.
There are those who prioritize giving a brother to his eldest son at the cost of adjusting his belt a little, while others prefer to have a solid economic situation when it comes to going for the second.
About the family organizationAs I said before, we must bear in mind that in a short time there will be two children to attend. Given the demand for attention that the two little ones will need, it is prudent to plan the future situation. A reorganization of working hours, the help of the closest relatives, childcare if necessary ... all are variables to consider when enlarging the family.
I hope these recommendations on how to prepare for the second pregnancy, as well as those that talk about the best time to look for a second pregnancy, encourage you to plan the search for another baby.
Photos | hlkljgk and emma freeman portraits on Flickr In Babies and more | Things to consider before getting pregnant, How to prepare for pregnancy, The most prudent time between pregnancies
