Planning and preparing for a second pregnancy

Once you have thought through your reasons for wanting to have a second child and it feels right for you, your partner and family, you can set about planning your second birth. Some of the considerations are:

• What is the best age gap between having children?
• What can I learn from my first pregnancy to improve my second?
• Are there health concerns to address?
• How can my partner and first child be involved in the pregnancy?
• What are the practicalities for house-size, car capacity, maternity leave or work arrangements?
• What are the short and long-term financial considerations of the second birth?

Discussing with friends who have been down the path of having a second child can provide valuable experience not only on what to expect, but things that you may not think about for planning the second child.

My second pregnancy wasn't planned

Some women don't have the chance for thinking about motivations of having a second child and don't have the option of planning because their second pregnancy is unplanned. For some women, this can be a pleasant surprise, but others may feel a sense of shock and great concern especially if they have previously experienced pregnancy complications or post-natal depression, if they are experiencing financial burden, or if their relationship with their partners is not stable.

In such cases, reading books and getting advice from friends may not be what's needed. Making choices about the pregnancy and birth may take its own course. Consulting a professional is important to gain objective advice about your pregnancy and your needs. Local clinics give impartial advice and support. Some women are concerned about their second pregnancy, and look for answers to similar questions:

• Will my partner be happy that I'm pregnant?
• Does my partner want a second child?
• How am I or we going to cope with a second child?
• Is having a second child the right option for us?
• Will my current health condition impact the foetus?
• Am I too old for this pregnancy?
• How do we prepare for the second birth and its impact?
• How do I accommodate two babies?

As the mind swims with such questions, it is important to remember that in dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, sorting the mind out is the first step to coping and decision-making. There are times when a second child brings strain to a couple's relationship and family, or having an unplanned second child can strengthen the family unit.

Taking time to think about these pro's and con's, talking with a professional where necessary, and speaking with your partner will help to address the issues of concern, lower the stresses and place you more at ease as decisions are made. Give yourself the time you need to let the discovery sink in, think positive thoughts, and don't let too many fears overcome what may be an additional blessing to your life.

Having Another baby:

• Having Another baby
• Choice motivations for having another baby
• Planning and preparing for a second pregnancy
• Health considerations when having another baby
• Telling your partner and first child that your are expecting again

• What to expect when having another baby
• Possible complications when having another baby
• Differences in midwife care
• Attending to yourself and the first child when having another baby