Labor Prep for Second-Time Moms: What to Expect the Second Time Around

Labor Prep for Second-Time Moms: What to Expect the Second Time Around

When you’re pregnant with your second baby, you’ve been through it all before. You know what’s coming — but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re 100% prepared for the second round of labor. In fact, second-time moms often experience a completely different labor than the first time, and it’s important to adjust your expectations.

Here’s everything you need to know about preparing for labor the second time around!

1. Labor Can Be Shorter (or Longer!)

For many women, labor tends to be shorter with subsequent pregnancies. However, this isn’t the case for every mom, and labor could still be just as long or intense as the first time. Keep this in mind while preparing. If you’ve used the digital pregnancy plannerbefore, you can refer back to it for insights on how your previous labor went. This will help you prepare for any surprises!

2. Know Your Body — and Trust It

After the first baby, you know your body better than ever. You’ll recognize when contractions are starting and have a clearer sense of when it’s time to head to the hospital. Be sure to write down any key differences from your first pregnancy in your digital pregnancy planner so you can track progress and keep your mind at ease during labor.

3. Update Your Birth Plan for a Smoother Experience

If you created a birth plan for your first baby, take the time to update it for baby number two. You might feel differently about pain relief options or have different preferences about who’s present during the birth. The digital pregnancy planner is a great way to adjust your birth plan and keep it all in one place.

4. Prepare Your Firstborn for Your Absence

One of the biggest differences between your first labor and second is preparing your older child for your absence. Set aside time to plan how your child will be cared for while you’re in labor, and write these details in your planner to ensure your day-of logistics go smoothly.