Having been through one pregnancy and birth, many people soon find that they are thinking about
another. We look at some of the common questions that women ask when thinking about a further
addition to their family.
Question
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Answer
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How long should I wait before trying for another baby?
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Some people have their children very close together, while others choose to space them out. Only you and your
partner can tell whether or not you are ready to cope with the demands of a new pregnancy. You might however
think about your health and level of tiredness. Consider whether you are physically recovered from your
previous pregnancy and labour. Pregnancy does put some stress on the body and so it is a good idea to
get back in shape before starting again. Begin by taking folic acid supplements, thinking about your
diet and overall level of fitness. If you have have had any complications in the pregnancy or during
the birth, it will be very important to see a doctor before conceiving so that your next pregnancy can
be supported from the very start. You may be referred to an obstetrician very early in the next pregnancy.
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Can I conceive while I am breastfeeding?
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While breastfeeding provides a wonderful start for your baby, some people think that it can also be used as
contraception. This is not quite the case and although breastfeeding can reduce your fertility, you would be
advised to use contraception, if you are not intending to have another baby straight away. Breastfeeding
in itself is not a reliable contraceptive. If you are hoping to become pregnant while breastfeeding,you may
find that you have to wait for your periods to start again, as some women do not ovulate at all while they are
breastfeeding. Your menstrual cycle is more likely to return once your baby has been weaned.
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I developed pre-eclampsia in my last pregnancy. Will this be a problem again?
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Pre-eclampsia is a potentially serious condition. It affects around 4% of pregnant women with the onset and the
severity of it varying between women. It often appears in women's first pregnancies without any real reason
and so you may find that you will not have it in another pregnancy. However, as this cannot be guaranteed, you should
go and see your doctor or midwife once you know that you are pregnant. This means that you will be able to
receive medical advice and support from the very start of your pregnancy. You will also find that your pregnancy
will be carefully monitored to check for any early signs of the condition reappearing.
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I had terrible morning sickness with my first baby. Will this happen again?
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Morning sickness is a reaction to the hormones that the body is producing to maintain a pregnancy. For some
women, the nausea and sickness can be constant while for others it is only very slight. It is called morning
sickness because many women find that it affects them particularly first thing when they wake up. There is no
real way of telling how you will be with another pregnancy. Some women who are very sick can find that they hardly
feel anything with another pregnancy. On the other hand, some women who escaped nausea and sickness first time
are surprised to find that it hits them second time round. If you are worried about how you will cope in another
pregnancy, it may be a good idea to talk this through with your doctor before trying again. It may be reassuring
to know that many women cope with morning sickness more easily in later pregnancies because they have learnt ways
of dealing and coping with it.
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Will I be able to conceive more quickly now?
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While most women find it easier to conceive after already having a child, this is not the case for everyone. Firstly,
your body needs to be physically ready to conceive again. This can take longer for some women than others. You can
help your body by gently exercising, eating a balanced diet, taking folic acid and also checking that you are resting
enough. If after a few months, you are beginning to get anxious, consider talking to your doctor or family
planning clinic who will then be able to give you further support and advice.
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I had an emergency caesarean section last time. Will I be able to have an ordinary delivery with another baby?
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Many women who have had a caesarean section are able to have a vaginal delivery later, but this depends on several
factors, such as the reason why a caesarean was needed in the first place. The best person to advise you is your
obstetrician who will have access to your medical records. If you wish to discuss this with your obstetrician,
begin by contacting your doctor's surgery. You may also find it helpful to know that in most areas there are
local support groups for women who have had caesarean sections that are organised through the National Childbirth
Trust (tel: 0870 770 3236)
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My partner is keen to have another baby. The trouble is that I don't think that I could love another
baby like I do my little boy?
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Giving birth is a dramatic process. Many women feel very strongly attached to their children. This is the nature
of maternal feelings or attachment. Your love is very special and so it is normal that you should question
whether or not you could feel the same again. Fortunatey, this type of love is not rationed and so while many
parents find that they have slightly different relationships with each of their children, the strength of love that
they feel is the same for each child. The final decision as to whether or not you are ready for another child
though must lie with you. Feeling pressurised into another pregnancy before you are emotionally ready is not
a good idea and may end up putting your relationship under stress. In the meantime both of you can enjoy your
little boy.
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