Royal Baby Take Two: 10 Ways Kate Middleton’s Second Pregnancy Could Differ From Her First
Clarence House announced earlier this week that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting her second baby – and royal baby fever has officially kicked in again. From gender predictions to guessing the name, it’s all being talked about. But before the baby arrives, Kate has another pregnancy to experience – and it’s bound to be quite different to her pregnancy with George. Here’s why…
Alison Coldridge
READ: PRINCE CHARLES HOPES THE NEXT ROYAL BABY IS A GIRL
READ: KATE MIDDLETON IS PREGNANT
READ: PRINCE WILLIAM SPEAKS ABOUT KATE MIDDLETON’S PREGNANCY – AND GOING HOME TO ‘LOOK AFTER HER’
A bigger bump
Chances are Kate will start showing earlier than she did with George as second pregnancies tend to develop more quickly, because the muscles have been in that position already. So, all eyes on the Duchess’ soon-to-be-expanding taut tum!
Being more relaxed about the whole thing
Now Kate’s already survived one pregnancy (and looked incredibly calm throughout) she’ll have less need for those mum-to-be and parenting handbooks because she knows what to expect. Including just how necessary maternity pads are…
A faster labour
Kate spent around 12 hours in labour with George – the average labour time for a first time mum. But with her second baby, the birth could be quicker because the cervix tends to dilate faster than it did the first time round. On average, active labour the second time round lasts around five hours.
Less nursery prep
Most mums don’t worry about fixing up a nursery for their second child as they tend to move their newborn into their older child’s room, but we reckon George will be able to keep his room as Kensington Palace probably has it’s fair share of rooms for Kate and Wills’ second child to move into…
No need to splash out on (quite as many) maternity outfits
With a wardrobe bursting with luxe (and sometimes high street) maternity gear, Kate probably doesn’t need to buy a huge amount of pregnancy wear for her second pregnancy. Having said that, if paparazzi photographed our every move then we would probably want the odd new outfit or 50.READ: KATE MIDDLETON'S NEW MUM AND PREGNANCY STYLE FILE
More Braxton Hicks contractions
Kate may experience stronger Braxton Hicks contractions in the third trimester of her second pregnancy, as body prepares for the birth. The second time round, you’ll feel them more as your muscles and ligaments don’t have the same strength and tone.
A toddler to contend with
With George to look after (albeit with the help of a nanny), Kate will no doubt find this pregnancy more tiring.
Different cravings
Every pregnancy is different – including what you crave during each one. It was revealed Kate hankered after curries when she was expecting George – we wonder what she’ll be sending William (or the hired help) out for this time.
Minimal baby gender drama
The world couldn’t wait to find out if Kate’s first child was a boy or girl. Had it been a girl, it would have been the first female direct heir to the throne. This time round the baby’s gender isn’t such a big deal as even if it is a girl, George will still snag the throne first.
