Now that I’ve passed the halfway mark in my second pregnancy, I think I’m far enough along to start acknowledging some of the clear differences between a first and second pregnancy. Aside from the obvious (there is already one child in the house that I’m responsible for), there are some things that matter so much during a first pregnancy that eventually become things that don’t matter as much in a second pregnancy. Perhaps it’s because the novelty has worn off, perhaps I’m more mature (I mean, I am three years older than I was during my first pregnancy, which is like 20 in mom years), or perhaps I’m busier now and I just don’t have time to stress about the same things as before. Either way, I’m finding that things just don’t feel like as big of a deal as they did last time.
Personally, I consider this is a good thing. I’m not a huge fan of surprises in general, so I much prefer going through pregnancy with the knowledge of what it’s actually like to go through pregnancy, labor, and delivery than without. I’m certain that my previous pregnancy is 100 percent to blame for the shift in attitude, but I’m not complaining. I’m actually too busy not thinking about the following things to complain:
Your Big Reveal
During both pregnancies, I danced with the idea of not making a formal announcement on Facebook, and both times, I did anyway. But I can tell you that during the second pregnancy I was much, much closer to skipping it completely. It just didn't seem like such a big deal.
Reading All The Information, All The Time, Everyday
Before, I was devouring the week-by-week pregnancy email updates like they were lyrics to the hidden tracks on '90s pop albums. I couldn't get enough. Now? Sometimes I don't even open them. And I know I have a couple pregnancy books floating around the house, but they also haven't been opened in a while.
And Specifically, Knowing The Corresponding Fruit Size Of Your Baby
I really love this idea in theory, but it's hard to remember like 35 different fruits and vegetables over the course of 35 different weeks. It's just not realistic, especially when mom brain is at play.
Your *EXACT* Due Date
When asked about my due date during my first pregnancy, I always responded with the exact date. Now, I just give the general ballpark. What's funny is that my son arrived on his due date, however I know the odds of it happening again are about as good as *N Sync reuniting (with Justin — otherwise, doesn't count), so I'm inclined to just say "early June" and call it close enough.
Shopping For Maternity Clothes
I still remember shopping for maternity clothes with my mom when I was, like, 10 or 12 weeks along in my first pregnancy and nowhere near showing yet. You'd think at least some of that excitement would return and I'd want something to update the wardrobe, but I just look at my closet and just think, "Nah, it's not that big of a deal. I can handle this for a few more months."
Having All The Baby Clothes Ready To Go
Aside from my own satisfaction, there's really no reason that the 12-18 month clothes should be pre-washed and hanging in the closet yet. I mean, unless you've got a free afternoon and just want to do extra laundry, which I suppose could happen? Otherwise, once the newborn and 0-3 month clothes are taken care of, I'm not sweating it.
Everything You Eat (With Caveats, Of Course)
Of course, I'm sticking to the big rules, like alcohol and caffeine and deli meat, and unpasteurized dairy, but everything else? If a quick cursory Google search doesn't set off any alarms, I'm not worrying.
Signing Up For All The Free Stuff Possible
I mean, I like samples as much as the next person, but a number of them didn't get used before, so I'm not exactly in a rush to acquire more travel-sized bottles of products my doctor actually advised us against using.
Taking All The Photos
Am I going to regret not capturing weeks 4-22 of my second pregnancy on film? I suppose there's a chance. Am I going to regret having one less thing on my to-do list every week? Nope, definitely not.
Curating The Perfect Baby Pinterest Board
This was one of the first things I did in my first pregnancy. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, just general cuteness and images that evoked warm fuzzies. It was fun while it lasted, but totally unnecessary (at least, for me) in the long run, and it's something I haven't repeated this time around. Lesson learned.
