I'm much more exhausted this time around. More prone to panic attacks and insane worries. Feeling more disconnected and less excited (mostly because I don't have *time* to explore my feelings about this baby).
Physically, I'm SO sluggish in the supposedly "energetic" second trimester. I started experiencing round ligament pains at 5 weeks, and Braxton Hicks contractions at 14 weeks! Everything is more, and sooner. More acne. Sooner sleep discomforts.
And, honestly, everything is ho-hum. There's not the giddy excitement of "first baby". There's not the busy research to have a better birth that I had with baby #2. To be sure, I'm so excited to meet this little one, and I wish I could only slow down for half an hour to think about it! But there's no slowing, and no time to ponder. I feel drained and humorless.
I don't really put it down to "it must be a boy this time", as many women have experienced the "third baby" phenomenon.
Other people, especially men, are less enchanted and excited about the pregnancy. People gape in the grocery store as you cart around two small children AND a belly, rather than beaming at you knowingly and grabbing things for you. :OP
And the women in my life, especially those who are mothers, have been *especially* supportive.
It's interesting, and bewildering, and tiring, and...unique.
My best friend had her 3rd (all girls!) a few months ago, and she noticed the same things. Especially the fatigue. And the disconnected feeling. I"m glad you know it's normal. (((hugs)))
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