Guest Pregnancy Journal – Week 16
If you haven’t already, you can read this second time Mum’s 15 Weeks Pregnancy Journal entry, where she shares honestly about body image, guilt, and her thoughts around having a gender surprise.
At 16 weeks, the physical symptoms may be settling — but emotionally, new worries are surfacing. Sleep deprivation, gender anxiety, and the realities of parenting a toddler while pregnant are very real.
16 Weeks Pregnant – Baby is the Size of an Avocado
I am feeling anxious about…
I’m anxious about sleep. Having an almost two year old who does not sleep well at all is really stressful, and I feel isolated when it comes to support in that area.
I’m the only one she tolerates at night and she is still breastfed. It is tough. I honestly don’t know how I’ll manage come November — but I tell myself other mothers cope, so I will too.
I’m also anxious about learning baby’s gender. Slightly less so now, as I talk myself out of potential gender disappointment. I think having a surprise will actually help with that.
Why do you think you’re worried about gender disappointment?
I genuinely can’t fully answer that.
I come from a family of two — me and a younger brother — and I always pictured my own family looking the same. We hope to have three children. I have PCOS and required Letrozole and Clomid to conceive both babies, so I don’t take any pregnancy lightly.
I remember wanting a sister growing up. Maybe that plays a role. But my brother and I are incredibly close, so I know gender doesn’t determine relationships.
I’m also extremely sentimental. My eldest wore a lot of my own baby clothes. Perhaps I want to continue that tradition. Maybe that’s part of it.
They’re the only conclusions I’ve come to so far.
What I’m doing to relax…
I rest when my toddler naps. Truly rest.
I work two days a week, so on the three days I’m home with her, I allow the house to be messy if it needs to be. I’m trying to prioritise energy over perfection.
What will you do differently as a second-time Mum?
I think I’ll let go of a lot of what I held onto the first time.
I tried to do everything perfectly. Combined with some health issues our daughter experienced, that pressure contributed to quite severe postpartum anxiety.
This time, I already know things will look different — and that’s okay.
We’ll use a co-sleeper bassinet. We’ll introduce expressed milk earlier so we can share the load. We’re less idealistic and more realistic.
The most helpful support recently has been…
A friend whose parenting style is incredibly similar to mine.
She doesn’t sugar-coat things or just say “it will be okay.” She’s honest. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need as a Mum — honesty without judgement.
Diet, exercise, sleep and stress
Diet is okay, but I eat too much sugar. I know it — and I still do it.
I’m not as fit as I was during my first pregnancy, mainly due to limited time and chronic sleep deprivation. I aim to walk 4–5 times a week and do online pilates 2–3 times a week.
Sleep, however, is shocking thanks to a wakeful toddler.
If I could say anything to my baby right now…
You are so loved. I feel so blessed to be carrying you and I cannot wait to meet you.
Second Pregnancy Realities
Second pregnancies often come with more exhaustion, less “me time,” and a different kind of anxiety — especially when balancing toddler sleep, hormones, and expectations.
If you’ve experienced similar feelings, you may also relate to:
- 15 Weeks Pregnant – Body Image & Gender Surprise
- 18 Weeks Pregnant – Feeling Low in the Second Trimester
- 19 Weeks Pregnant with Hyperemesis
Want to Record Your Own Pregnancy Journey?
Our guided Pregnancy Journal creates space for the honest, complicated, beautiful parts of pregnancy — so nothing is forgotten.
If you’d like to share your story anonymously, email megan@forgetmenotjournals.com.