Top 10 Secrets of Second Pregnancy

Have you every wondered about the secrets of second pregnanices that no-one talks about? I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy 11 weeks ago and discovered a few helpful hints in the process. Here is my list of the top 10 things I wish someone told me or I just didn't think of. Yes some information may be a little graphic, but it's valuable to know.

1. While carrying your second child, you may experience some additional discomfort. The reason is a woman's ligaments and uterus is already stretched out.

2. Braxton Hicks can increase in intensity, occur earlier in the pregnancy, and be more uncomfortable.

3. Not everyone will loose their plug. During early labor, I was in denial because I didn't loose my plug. My doctor said that it's just something that happens in second pregnancies.

4. Even though you know what to expect, just because you've raised a newborn before, doesn't make it any easier.

5. Unless your first child is still taking a morning nap, there is no sleeping in. Generally it's manageable to put them both down for afternoon nap, but be prepared for going non-stop for 15+ hours a day.

6. After birthing the second child, it's amazing how quickly the body bounces back...nature's way when you have a toddler.

7. The one-on-one time I missed with my first born. I believe it was more difficult for myself than her. It took a few weeks, but now "special time" is manageable.

8. Running simple errands by yourself, (ie. Going to the grocery or drug store) may be impossible depending on their age difference.

9. Alone time with your spouse is scarce and finding time for sex may also seem impossible. With sleeping schedule and routine not yet established, you find yourself trying to squeeze it in during little pockets of time, around your first child's schedule.

10. Beginning from birth, it's speechless and priceless how quickly my children have formed a special bond.

Trouble Flossing Your Toddlers Teeth?

Now that my toddler practically has a full mouth of teeth, she has a few that are touching. According to our dentist that's when it's time to start flossing. Not only to prevent cavities and promote good dental hygiene, but the sooner you start the sooner they will get used to having their teeth flossed. After several endless attempts of trying to floss my 2 year olds teeth, I discovered these Fun Flossers made by DenTek. Let's face it who wants to have someone elses hands in their mouth...especially large fingers.

DenTek Fun Flossers encourage healthy hygiene at an early age and they are designed to fit in kids and parents hands, easily reaching all teeth. It's amazing...my daughter loves the colorful handles and she lets me floss her teeth at ease! I purchased these at Target, but I'm sure you can locate these at any drug store.

Bobby Chupete Pacifier Recall

641,000 pacifiers have been recalled because the mouth guard is too small causing a choking hazard. These pacifiers fail to meet the federal safety standards. They were sold from November 2004 to July 2009.

Go to www.grandworldinc.com for a refund or placement. Or www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10040.html for more information.

Recycling Greeting Cards

Throughout the year it is easy for greeting cards to pile up in a junk drawer. From birthday, holiday, to special occasion, greeting cards are endless. Instead of throwing them away, how about supporting a good cause and making a difference in a child's life. Send them to St. Jude's Ranch where children will use your old cards to make new ones. These children actually make new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back.

This is an activity you can even get your children involved with and they will know that they are making a difference in another child's life! A friend introduced me to the idea several years ago and I've been doing it every since. For more information visit: http://stjudesranch.org/help_card.php

Cards may be donated by sending them to:

St. Jude's Ranch for Children
100 St. Jude's Street

Boulder City, NV 89005-1618

Attn: Recycled Cards

On The Go?

I can understand that being pregnant and traveling may turn into a disaster when you need to use the bathroom. That's why I use www.tena.com when I am on the go! Using your Blackberry or iPhone, locating a bathroom is only a simple click away. All you need to know is the zip code of where you are and several options will pop up. It's also a great site to use while planning a road trip. You'll never have to wonder where the next rest stop is.

Snag Gift Cards At a Discount

Looking to save $$$ this holiday season? Go to www.plasticjungle.com where you can buy second-hand gift cards at low prices. You can either give them away as gifts or use them your self. Inventory is updated daily and a buyer can save up to 40% off face value. The site guarantees all cards listed and expiration date and conditions of each card are posted so you don't have to worry. If you happen to have a gift card that you wan to sell, the web site will pay you up 85% of the face value.

Exercise Ball...A Must Have

An exercise ball or birthing ball is a must have for pregnant women. Working out using the exercise ball during pregnancy helps to decrease discomforts and prepare the body for labor and birth. These are workouts I use during the third trimester of my pregnancy to relieve back pain and other discomforts.

Sit on the Ball. Just sitting on the ball can improve posture, balance, stomach muscles and relieve back pain.

Bounce on the Ball. While in a sitting position, bounce on the ball to strengthen leg and abdominal muscles. You can also rotate your hips in a circle to strengthen abdominal muscles.

Lunge. Place the ball against a wall and then place the small of your back against the wall. Stand with your legs spaced a little further than your hips. Extend your left knee (so you're lunging) and hold for 5-10 seconds. Return to the start position and then do the same with the right knee. Do this for 12-15 reps. You could also sit on the ball, with the pelvis tilted back and do the same exercise to strengthen leg muscles and improve balance.

Hands and Knees. Get into a hands and knees position and lean over the ball so your cheek is resting on the ball. Rotate your hips or do a pelvic tilt while in this position. To do a pelvic tilt, tighten your stomach muscles so the pelvis tucks under. This will help to relieve back pressure not only during pregnancy but also during labor.

Remember to always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program during pregnancy. When doing exercise ball workouts use caution...your center of gravity is not the same and it is possible to fall of the ball and injure yourself.