Pregnancy weight gain is one of the most detested results of getting pregnant for any woman. Though gaining weight due to the growing fetus and supporting the baby’s weight, is normal and necessary; too much of a weight gain can become difficult to shed after delivery. Second pregnancy can be easier or more challenging than the first one in many ways.
Have you noticed – many women seem to gain more weight during their second pregnancy when compared to the first one? Weight gain is one of the biggest concerns for a woman as she might find it hard to shed the baby’s weight after delivery. Why is the weight gain during the second pregnancy more than the first one? Though there is no guarantee that you will lose all that extra weight after delivery, you need to make a conscious effort. Read on.
In This Article
- Does Second Pregnancy Weight Gain Differ From the First Pregnancy?
- How Does Weight Gain During Second Pregnancy Differs From First One?
- Tips for Health Management During Second Pregnancy
- FAQ’s
Does Second Pregnancy Weight Gain Differ From the First Pregnancy?
In many cases, this is true. Women seem to gain more or sometimes even less weight during their second pregnancy.
Here are 5 possible reasons why the weight gain could be more:
1. More Starting Weight
When you got pregnant the first time, you might have been fit, healthy, and taking active care of your weight. With a baby to take care of, many mothers allow their own health to take a back seat. As a result, not many shed their pregnancy weight successfully, before getting pregnant again.
So, when your weight at the beginning of your second pregnancy is more than what you weighed when you got pregnant the first time, the overall weight gain may seem to be more (even if you have gained exactly the same number of kilos both times).
2. Muscle are Laxer
Pregnancy stretches the muscles and skin to accommodate the growing baby. In most cases, the loose muscles remain the same, even if you are very active and work out regularly.
When the muscles are not tight as before, they tend to sag under the extra baby weight and show more prominently than the first pregnancy. Even if you don’t weigh more, you can look heavier during your second pregnancy.
3. Less Time for Self Care
During your first pregnancy, you dedicate a lot of time to self-care. You take care of what you eat, what exercises you do, how much sleep you get, etc. When it comes to second pregnancy, all of the above is forgotten as the focus is fully on the first child. When you have less time to exercise or get enough sleep, you might gain more weight.
4. Lesser Nutritious Food
When you have a small child to take care of, especially if you want to make up for all the time you are going to miss with them after the arrival of the next child, you rarely find time to focus on what you eat.
Busy schedules can cause women to just eat whatever they have access to when they are pregnant and hungry. Let’s not forget the chances of more junk food availability due to a child in the house. This can cause more weight gain.
5. Cravings
You may experience different cravings during your second pregnancy. If the cravings are more calorie-rich or sugar-loaded foods, you could gain more weight now than before.
Read:[ Second Pregnancy: Know the Signs and Symptoms ]
How Does Weight Gain During Second Pregnancy Differs From First One?
For many women, the second pregnancy weight gain could be more than the first, while some women might experience the reverse. This is because each pregnancy journey is unique – even for the same individual. The areas where a woman gains weight can also differ from pregnancy to pregnancy.
Tips for Health Management During Second Pregnancy
You may think you have “been there, done that” when it comes to getting pregnant the second time around. However, it can be very different in many ways.
Here are 5 pointers to keep in mind for a better second pregnancy experience:
1. Eat Right
Yes, your focus is your first child, but you need to take care of yourself and the growing baby too. Come up with a food chart and prep ahead to ensure you include all nutritious foods in your regular diet.
2. Take Breaks
Running behind a small child might make you lose track of time. Take conscious effort to take a break once in a while on a regular basis. This could be when the first child is at school or napping.
3. Less Strain
Taking care of a child on the outside and growing a new human being on the inside is not an easy task! Don’t let yourself get stressed out with small issues. It’s ok to let go of things from time to time.
4. Ask for Help
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It takes one woman to grow and birth a child, but it takes a village to raise it. Get your partner to pitch in with daily chores and handle the first child. If you have family and friends around, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. If neither is possible, hire help!
5. Sleep Well
Make a conscious effort to go to bed on time and get at least 8 hours of sleep through the night. Pregnancy can play havoc with your sleep cycles and now you have an additional child who also plays a role in your sleep patterns. Unless you put in the effort, it cannot happen.
Concern over losing all that pregnancy weight is not just vanity but it can have a larger impact on your overall health too. It is important to understand – your body, how it changes during pregnancy, to put in the effort to take care of it, and accept it for what it is. Do not get depressed because you have gained too much weight and are unable to lose it like the women on screen or your friends. Each woman is different and her journey is as unique as her!
FAQ’s
1. Do all Women Gain More Weight During Second Pregnancy?
No, not all women do. Every pregnancy is unique. Some women even lose weight.
2. Does my Diet During Second Pregnancy Impact Weight Gain?
Yes, it does. If you eat too much of processed foods, weight gain will be more. this happens when you have no time.
3. Why Does my Belly Look Big in Second Pregnancy?
Your muscles are looser during second pregnancy. It expands easily. This can make it look bigger.
4. How Can I Reduce Weight Gain in Second Pregnancy?
Follow a balanced diet. Set aside time for self care. Get enough sleep.
Read Also: This Is How Your Second Pregnancy Differs From The First!
