The differences in pregnancy the third time around.

Each pregnancy is different, yes. But perhaps not for the reasons you may think.

My husband and I have recently shared some exciting news with our friends and families.

We are expecting our third child.

I am absolutely over the moon, especially with the news that this little bundle is a pink one after a sea of blue. I have noticed however that my third pregnancy is a lot different to the way things were the first time through. Here are some things that have changed:

1. The baby’s development.

The first time I was pregnant I was checking baby development websites weekly, if not daily. I signed up to inbox newsletters about what my baby was doing that week, how it had grown and which particular size of fruit it now resembled.

This time around, I think I’ve looked at a website once, and that was to ask, “How much coffee can I drink while pregnant?”

2. Appointments with the obstetrician.

I used to look forward to my appointments with my obstetrician. It was a chance to catch a glimpse of my little person on the black and white screen and hear that everything was fine. I loved listening to baby’s heartbeat on the doppler and grew excited with each approaching appointment.

Now I dread it. With two kids in tow, it’s like a military operation. I plan that appointment with such precision; individual nap times accounted for and I’m sure to pack enough food to feed a small village. There’s no chit chat, just in and out.

3. Nutrition.

My nutrition this time round is a little, ugh, more relaxed. Before, I was shoveling down the super foods like no ones business. My kid was going to be brainy and it was going to be because of all the goodness I had provided him with.

These days, I'm lucky to inhale half a pre-loved Vegemite sandwich that one of my kids has discarded on the way out of the car.

4. Coffee.

I was never a big caffeine drinker and I figured if I didn't need it, neither did bubs.

Now, I'm like a crack addict. I need it. I have to have it. The world will simply stop functioning if I don't drink it.

5. Maternity wardrobe.

With my first pregnancy I perused maternity label websites till the cows came home. I purchased some lovely stuff, all totally overpriced and all useful for about 12-weeks. Then I became too fat and uncomfortable to look at anything that wasn't made of Lycra or in a size XXXXL. Skinny jeans at 39 weeks. Haha.

Having worn my husbands t-shirts and pajama pants around the house for the last few weeks, I went to Kmart this week and purchased some long singlet tops and over-sized stretchy skirts. That'll do.

6. Pregnancy massage.

Hahahahahahahaha.

7. Preparing for the baby.

Preparing for the actual baby has been a completely different experience third time around. I remember sitting back with my feet up flicking though baby catalogues and circling everything I thought we needed. I bought everything early and was super prepared.

Yesterday, I threw a pink onesie in my trolley at Woolworths along with toilet cleaner and dishwasher tablets. Lucky kid.

8. Baby books.

I was so well read during my first pregnancy that I thought I knew everything there was to know. (I know, I'm laughing too).

These days I'm into a wide range of reading material including "Where's the Green Sheep" and "Spot's Birthday Party". Last night I read a book to my son called "The Baby Doesn't Live In There" which detailed the hilarious exploration of places a baby may and may not want to sleep. It included suggestions such as "A zoo? The baby doesn't sleep in there, that's for the lions, don't you dare!"

I consider myself highly educated.

9. Having a rest.

Any pregnant woman will tell you that the first trimester especially is exhausting. You're tired All. The. Time. My first pregnancy allowed me to fall asleep on the couch at 7pm after work, have a lie in on a weekend and put my feet up whenever I needed to.

If I fall asleep on the couch now, there's a high chance one of my sons will paint my face with permanent marker or pee on me.

10. Stretch mark cream.

I had heaps of the stuff. I made sure to apply liberally each and every time I got out of the shower. I was going to look after myself.

Yesterday my one year old rubbed avocado on me. That counts.

11. Baby shopping.

A weekend shopping at the baby store was such an exciting time. All those new products, all the things you need. Pram research, cot design and baby carriers. Oh my!

This time, I'll dig out all the baby stuff from storage about a week before I'm due. Anything that's succumb to mould or rodents will be replaced via online shopping. Bless that express delivery (or we'll just do without).

12. Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

I've been lucky enough to suffer from Hyperemesis Gravidarum with all of my pregnancies. For people who say it's just morning sickness, I will slap you in the face. Hyperemesis Gravidarum is just morning sickness like Godzilla was just a lizard. My memories of my first trimester go like this. Try and eat. Vomit. Try and eat. Vomit. Nausea. Vomit.  Approximately 9 times a day to be exact. At one point, my own saliva made me sick and brushing my teeth was torture.

This time, I have the added fun of TWO children who don't necessarily give a shit whether mummy wants to curl up in a ball and die. I have distinct memories of being plastered to the bathroom floor, both of my sons smacking my head with plastic golf clubs while I'm on the phone to my OB begging for some new medication. First time around I was in hospital with people wiping my forehead with damp washcloths. A bit different.

13. Dignity.

Ah dignity. Something that went out the window a loooonnnnggg time ago. I remember being mortified that once I was sick at work. The shame.

This pregnancy I've thrown up in the supermarket, at weddings, on the side of the road. You name it, I've spewed on it. I actually vomited on my son once. Literally on his head.

14.Ultrasound appointments.

Ultrasound appointments with your first child are magical. You watch in awe as the sonographer runs the doppler along your swollen belly showing the little person hanging out inside. Each move commands an "Ahhhhh" and a lovey dovey look between mum and dad to be.

This time, my husband and I took turns throwing sultanas and rice crackers at our kids and downloading episodes of Peppa Pig onto our phones to keep them quiet for five minutes. We later looked at the pictures in the queue at McDonalds drive through after we bribed the kids with hot chips.

How have your subsequent pregnancies been different to your first?

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