Psyching myself up for pregnancy number two

[UnaVaca]

I really didn’t enjoy my first pregnancy. I had debilitating nausea and food aversion for the first 16 weeks. The thought of feeling like that again really scares me, especially now I have a toddler to look after. Has anyone else felt similar? I don’t want an only child but wish I could skip the pregnancy part :(

Yep! We didn’t actually plan another one and I never wanted to be pregnant again. We had a surprise pregnancy though. First trimester was still hard but I found it mentally easier as I knew it would subside. As I had a toddler to look after I felt I needed to look after myself better so I made myself eat small amounts to ease the nausea. With my first pregnancy I would just take myself off to bed and feel sorry for myself! Time also went much quicker. I’m 25 weeks now and whilst I’m still not someone who loves being pregnant, I’ve definitely found this one easier.

I would have talked myself out of it forever but we eventually went for it. I became so consumed by the ‘get pregnant’ game that I actually forgot I’d then be pregnant. Now 7 weeks and just nearing that awful sicky bit, been feeling quite rubbish. I actually think it’s worse because I know what’s coming this time, last time I was so naive and just hoped it was fine. I do remember it being much better after the sickness ended though. I’m wishing my life away to get to that point again 😩 I think it’s one of those things you just have to not worry about until you come to it

Yes, similar here - first time round didn't enjoy pregnancy at all (bad morning sickness and later on SPD), I used to hate people telling me I'd miss my bump because honestly I just felt rubbish most of the pregnancy. Currently 27 weeks pregnant with DC2 and I've felt lousy this time round too but it does seem to have gone much quicker as I'm busy juggling DC1 and work, and I also don't feel as anxious as I did first time round because I don't really have time to sit and worry 😅 The worst part was definitely first trimester when we hadn't told DC1 yet, my DH just had to step up and take on more while I was unwell. The fatigue has also been a killer so I'm just doing the bare minimum to get by (i.e. if it doesn't absolutely have to be done I'm not doing it) and accepting it is temporary, plus it's so sweet seeing DC1 getting all excited about the baby that's made it more special this time round 😄

Two HG pregnancies here - my advice is start planning on medication. It didn’t make the nausea go completely for me, but it took the edge off.
And join the ongoing Hyperemesis Support thread on the Pregnancy board - so
much knowledge and support there.

And think of the little baby with soft peach fuzz head you’ll be cuddling at the end.

I was pregnant at the height of the pandemic so didn’t even consider being able to ask a GP for medication. My mid pregnancy midwife appts were replaced with a phone call, so again a missed chance for help.

I completely feel your pain, I was hospitalised with hyperemersiss with pregnancies 1 and 2 . The only way I could eat was with distraction. ( tv etc not talking about or looking at food).

With pregnancy 3 ( yes I really am that stupid) things were much better I wasn't working so my stress was reduced and I just took my time.

@MoreHairyThanScary do u have hg this time ?

With baby number three I meant

I’ve started folic acid again, it’s now or never!

Yep three times over. Was worth it even if at the time it was pretty grim. I know that doesn’t help you right now though …..

Another one crazy enough to do it three times....dd3 is fast asleep on my lap as I type 😍 it's truly truly shit and rough op but you know it's worth it. And honestly, you will be much busier with a lo to look after so time flies by quicker. For me the sickness got worse each time, so with dc3 I spent the first four months laid on the sofa at every single opportunity which, I admit, left my 2yo stuck playing trains in front of me two days a week (I work part time, eldest was at pre school). I cried alot. Felt immense guilt to ds2. BUT, she's here and they have the most amazing bond, he absolutely adores her. The pain, sickness and tiredness has gone and I've moved on.

You will be ok op. Stay strong, and the very best of luck 🤩