How Getting Pregnant the Second Time is Different Than the First

1. To put it simply, pregnancy does a lot to a woman's body, and those changes might affect getting pregnant again. From cycle issues to previous hypertension problems, the first pregnancy could cause some damage.
2. Many times, trying to get pregnant the second time is more difficult because the mother is older, and age is associated to difficulties getting pregnant.
3. While it's true that it's healthiest for women's bodies to maintain a wide age gap between children, they should know that they could be simultaneously risking being able to have a second in the first place.
4. What also complicates things is the fact that if a woman had a cesarean delivery, then she should wait at least nine to 12 months before getting pregnant again to ensure the scar in the uterus has adequately healed.

All in all, when considering age and general health, it is even more important the second time around to take care of yourself. When trying to get pregnant for the second time, a woman has to take her daily prenatal supplement to ensure she takes enough folic acid to prevent fetal malformations. Folic acid, part of the vitamin B family, is very important for a strong pregnancy and healthy fetal development, and it has been shown to not only decrease the risk of neural tube birth defects like spina bifida, but it has also been shown to reduce other birth defects, such as congenital heart conditions." 

What is also important to think about is the health of your partner. A recent study found that sperm count has decreased an estimated 50 percent in Western men. And half of couples with fertility issues have a significant male issue. To facilitate their fertility health, supplements are tight is as well. 

Besides age, women breastfeeding longer can also have a serious impact on the body, because breastfeeding affects fertility by delaying ovulation. It is important to note, though, that if a woman ovulates regularly and has regular menstrual periods, concerns about breastfeeding and fertility decrease. 

In the end, prospective second-time moms should talk to their health professionals when trying to conceive, even if it was easy the first time. This is especially true for women who may have had any issues before or during their first pregnancies. 

In addition, women under 35 should see a specialist after one year of trying unsuccessfully, while women over 35 should see a specialist after six months.