I wanted this pregnancy. It didn't come by accident, it didn't just "happen". It was planned, thoughtful and accepted with a full heart – and a full head.

I've already been through the experience of pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood. I know what it means not to sleep, to feel unrecognizable in your own body and to learn how to exist again in all roles. But at the same time I know what it means to hold that little being that changes all your priorities. And that's why I knew I wanted it again. From my first pregnancy I carry my most beautiful scar, my daughter. All the daydreams about the "beautiful birth" that ends with the golden hour with my husband and daughter in the delivery room stopped after the sentence the doctor said to me, at that moment my "guardian angel": "We need to do an emergency C-section".

When I found out I was pregnant for the second time, I was happy – calmly happy. And this time I'm sure of one thing, no daydreams about the "ideal" because ideal doesn't exist. No euphoria, no drama. Just quiet satisfaction. And awareness of what's coming.

Fatigue, Nausea and Daily Rhythm of the Second Pregnancy

In the first weeks of pregnancy, life didn't stop. My daily rhythm stayed the same – work, child, home, obligations. Just with an extra dose of fatigue that you can't "sleep off". The first nausea came quickly, but this time I didn't wait for it to overwhelm me. I learned from the first pregnancy that with gentle but timely steps I can make a big difference.

I'm not radical with my diet. I don't burden myself with the "ideal pregnancy menu". I choose what I can eat without nausea and what has nutritional sense. In the morning a light breakfast suits me best – crackers, tea, oatmeal and later a meal with which I can take supplements. And the most important thing - I drink plenty of water.

Prenatal Supplements: Knowledge + Experience

As a master's in pharmacy, I understand the importance of supplements during pregnancy. But as a pregnant woman – I know it's not all the same how the body accepts them. That's why I choose prenatal formulas with methylfolate instead of synthetic folic acid, because they proved effective and easier on the stomach in my first pregnancy too.

In the first trimester I still don't take high doses of iron – for me that quickly causes nausea and constipation. I focus on the basics, but quality. On top of that, I add a probiotic designed for pregnant women, because it helps regulate digestion, which can be unpredictable in this phase.

I take all supplements with a meal – that's one of the most common mistakes I see in women. Pregnancy is not a time for experiments, but for supporting the body in real circumstances.

Skincare During Pregnancy: Simple and Effective

My skin changed very quickly this time too – it became drier, more sensitive and reactive to smells. I eliminated everything that doesn't suit me: scented creams, strong acids and anything without a clear purpose.

My routine boils down to three basic things:

1. Gentle syndet for cleansing – fragrance-free and soap-free.
2. Moisturizing cream with ceramides and niacinamide – restores the skin barrier and reduces sensitivity.
3. SPF that I can apply quickly, without stinging and without the feeling of a "mask" on my face.

For my body I use almond oil with vitamin E, which I apply to my belly, hips and breasts. Not for "stretch mark prevention" – because we know genetics has the main word there – but because I like that moment of care. That ritual is my space.

I don't introduce new cosmetics without need. During pregnancy I learned: skin remembers, but also reacts quickly. Less is more.

Psychological Aspect of the Second Pregnancy

Psychologically, this pregnancy is easier – because I know what to expect, but there are still certain fears and questions. Although this time I'd like the birth to be natural, I'm aware that it's something I can't influence much, but I can always prepare. For that reason in this pregnancy I started doing light exercise and breathing exercises under the guidance of a professional.

The biggest difference? I don't analyze every emotion. I know mood changes are part of the process. When the day comes that I feel like crying – I cry. When I'm exhausted – I don't look for reasons, I just stop.

And I don't seek perfection. The first pregnancy taught me that the body knows its own rhythm. Now I trust it more than before.

What I Kept, What I Changed

I kept:

• supplements I know I tolerate well

• my care routine that I love and that works for me

• writing down questions for check-ups – because I don't remember anything "on the fly" anymore

• the habit of short walks, without purpose, without headphones

I eliminated:

• obsessive tracking of apps by weeks

• constant comparison with "other pregnant women"

• the idea that I have to "enjoy every moment"

• buying products "because they're for pregnant women"

Pregnancy Doesn't Require Perfection, But Presence

The second pregnancy brought me a calmer version of myself. Not because it's simpler – but because I know myself better. I know what my body needs, what my skin likes, what gives me energy and what burdens me.

If you're pregnant too, you might not be looking for magic advice – but maybe you need a reminder that it's not all your responsibility. It's enough to just be there. With yourself, with your body, with your growing child.

In this text I didn't give you a "shopping list" or "10 tips for perfect pregnancy". Just what I'm actually going through. And I believe you'll find yours – with your head, heart and a bit of smart pharmacy along the way.

Want to know how I handle the second trimester, the return of energy and the changes that come? Follow me through my pregnancy journey – personal and professional – in the next article.

Because pregnancy is a process, not a moment. And every one deserves to be talked about – without filters.