Pregnant with a toddler at home? Tips for a relaxing time

Looking back, the first pregnancy is reminiscent of a wellness vacation: pregnancy yoga, reading for hours lying on the sofa or watching series, being massaged by a friend and lots of sleep. The second pregnancy, on the other hand, feels like a marathon run for many women. It is a challenge mentally and physically. Instead of lovingly listening to oneself, diapers are changed, tantrums endured and little spider monkeys are carried around. In short: with a small child at home, “mum” is usually in demand around the clock.

Pregnant again or more on the side?

Morning sickness, back pain and a bloated stomach are extremely rarely understood by the first child. Completely normal! Because in very few cases does it understand what is actually going on with mom. It is simply not yet able to show great consideration. Many women do the splits; between the first child they don’t want to reset and the growing belly dweller. Quite incidentally, they often wupp the household and a job.

Tips for a relaxed second pregnancy with a small child

So that your second pregnancy does not mutate into a marathon, we have a few tips ready for you that can make your life easier:

• Organization is everything! Try to plan your everyday life as best you can. It’s worth taking a look at the coming week over the weekend. What’s up? What needs to be done urgently and what not? In the best case, there is less stress.
• Make a bulk purchase for the whole week. Because you definitely don’t want to carry heavy bags with a growing belly.
• Pre-cook or simply prepare larger portions and then freeze. This saves time and energy.
• Say goodbye to your perfectionism! Not everything has to be perfect and the apartment can also tolerate a few dust bunnies at times.
• Submit assignments if possible. Have you always managed the whole household on your own? Then get your partner more involved and make firm agreements. Even if he works full time, he can give you a hand. Relatives, friends or neighbors can also help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for support.
• Try to give yourself breaks. At the weekend, for example, you could introduce a papa morning so that you have time for yourself. Is your child generally at home around lunchtime and taking a nap? Then use the time to rest too. Otherwise, you could introduce a cuddle time together in bed. Overall, you should slow down and give yourself more time with everything.
• Talk to your child about the pregnancy and get them involved. You could take it to the ultrasound appointment, feel the growing belly, or come up with a name together. It probably can’t quite understand what’s happening in mom’s stomach. But you will be surprised how considerate the little rascals can already be.
• Pregnancy yoga or maybe a relaxing visit to the sauna? Consciously do something just for you and your little belly dweller once a week.
• Does your child want to be carried and picked up all the time? Then try to adjust it gently at the beginning of the pregnancy. Depending on their age, you can teach them that they can walk (certain distances) on their own. You can also help your offspring to do small things themselves: as little as two-year-olds can take off their shoes or clothes, climb into the buggy or the car. A success on both sides: Your child will become more independent and you will have to bend down less often!
• Exuberant romping on the playground is the purest act of strength for you? Be creative and think of activities for your child that are less strenuous for you. Depending on the age and preferences of your offspring, you can also do many nice things at home: paint at the table, play finger games or look at books.
• The birth with all the trimmings is a logistical challenge, especially with the second child. Because where is the first child when it suddenly starts? It is worth making a concrete plan early on who can help you. Save a list with the corresponding numbers in your cell phone and stick it on the fridge. It’s best to think about the time after the birth: is there a family room in the hospital, for example? Or does grandma stay at home for a few days with child number one?

The most important thing at the end: Enjoy your second pregnancy , even if you have less time and energy than with your first child. We hope that our tips can help you!

You can find more tips, tricks and information about your pregnancy in our magazine.