Deepika Padukone is all set to embrace motherhood once again at the age of 40, bringing renewed attention to conversations around second pregnancies and maternal age.
She and Ranveer Singh recently shared the news on Instagram, posting a heartwarming picture of their daughter, Dua, holding a positive pregnancy test kit. The couple had welcomed their first child on September 8, 2024, and this announcement marks the next chapter in their parenting journey.
Their announcement comes at a time when delayed motherhood is no longer an exception, but a growing trend. A 2025 study based on National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data highlights this shift, noting that childbirth at or beyond 35 years, defined as delayed motherhood, has been steadily rising. “Findings indicate a significant increase in delayed motherhood with age, particularly for women aged 48, where the prevalence was highest at 15.14%.” The study also points out that women with secondary education and those from wealthier households show higher rates of delayed childbirth, reflecting changing socio-economic realities.
However, this shift is not without medical implications. Another clinical study examining 207 pregnant women above 30 categorised them into three age groups: 30–34, 35–40 (advanced maternal age), and above 40 (very advanced maternal age)—to track maternal and neonatal outcomes. The findings underline how risks evolve with age.
“The incidence of fibroid complicating pregnancy and thyroid disorders in pregnancy significantly increased with increase in maternal age.” The study further notes that “the risk of gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension was higher in advanced maternal age groups,” while “the rate of caesarean section showed a steady increase after 35 years of age.”
At the same time, the data complicates common assumptions. Interestingly, “preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and induction of labour were found to be higher in the 30–34 years age group,” suggesting that risk is not confined to older pregnancies alone.
Against this backdrop, questions around whether a second pregnancy is easier due to prior experience, or riskier due to age and health factors, become even more relevant. We spoke to Dr P. M. Gopinath, Director - Reproductive Medicine (Kauvery Hospital Group) to understand: Is the second pregnancy easier or riskier?
Why the second pregnancy may feel easier
Dr P. M. Gopinath said that the body’s prior experience with pregnancy often makes the second journey smoother, both physically and emotionally. Since the uterus and cervix have already adapted once, several processes become more efficient.
“Women often report milder nausea and fatigue the second time because the body has ‘been there’ before,” he explained. He added that the uterus stretches faster, which is why women tend to show earlier, but this may also mean less ligament pain in later stages.
On labour, he said the difference is significant. “Average labour is often 8–10 hours shorter in a second pregnancy. The cervix dilates faster, and the pushing phase may last around 30 minutes compared to one to two hours in first-time mothers,” he explained. He also said that many women experience less tearing.
He further said that anxiety levels are usually lower. “Women know what contractions feel like, what is normal, and when to go to the hospital, which reduces fear of the unknown,” he explained.
Speaking about recovery, he said, “If there were no major tears in the first delivery, pelvic floor and abdominal muscles tend to rebound faster, and breastfeeding often establishes more quickly.”
Hidden risks to watch out for
At the same time, Dr Gopinath said that a second pregnancy is not automatically easier and can carry certain risks depending on prior history and current health.
He explained that a previous C-section introduces specific concerns. “There is a risk of uterine rupture of about 0.5 to 0.9 per cent during a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC), and this risk is higher if labour is induced,” he said. He added that prior C-sections also increase the risk of placenta previa by 1.5 to 5 times, as well as placenta accreta spectrum disorders, with risk rising after each surgery.
On spacing, he said shorter intervals can be harmful. “An interpregnancy gap of less than 18 months increases the risk of preterm birth by about 1.4 times, along with risks of a smaller baby and uterine rupture in women with a prior C-section. The body may not have fully replenished iron and folate stores,” he explained.
He also pointed out that maternal age plays a key role. “Most second pregnancies occur two to four years later. Age 35 and above increases the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and chromosomal abnormalities,” he said.
Dr Gopinath added that recurrence of previous complications is possible. “If a woman had preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or preterm birth earlier, the recurrence risk can range between 15 to 65 per cent depending on the condition,” he explained.
He also noted the physical strain. “Caring for a toddler while being pregnant can lead to more back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and fatigue, as rest is often limited,” he said.
What gets safer the second time around
Dr Gopinath explained that some risks tend to reduce in a second pregnancy, particularly if the first was uncomplicated.
He said that the risk of preeclampsia drops to around 1.5 per cent if it did not occur in the first pregnancy, compared to 3 to 7 per cent in first pregnancies. “Even if a woman had preeclampsia earlier, the recurrence risk is about 16 per cent—not 100 per cent,” he explained.
He added that prolonged labour is much less common the second time, and although post-term pregnancies can still occur, labour tends to progress faster once it begins.
“Birth trauma and the need for forceps or vacuum delivery are lower if the first delivery was vaginal,” he said. He also explained that fetal growth restriction is less likely if the first baby had a normal birth weight.
What really decides your second pregnancy experience
According to Dr Gopinath, individual factors play the biggest role in shaping the second pregnancy experience.
He said that the first pregnancy outcome is a key predictor. “An uncomplicated vaginal delivery usually means the second pregnancy will be smoother, while a history of C-section, haemorrhage, or severe preeclampsia requires closer monitoring,” he explained.
He added that the ideal gap between pregnancies is 18 months to five years. “Intervals shorter than 12 months or longer than 10 years are associated with higher risks,” he said.
On age, he noted, “Women under 35 generally have similar risks as their first pregnancy, while those aged 40 and above may require earlier screening for gestational diabetes and genetic conditions.”
He also highlighted that new health conditions matter. “Weight gain, thyroid disorders, hypertension, or diabetes developed after the first pregnancy can change the risk profile,” he explained.
Interestingly, he pointed out that a change in partner can also influence risk. “The risk of preeclampsia may reset to that of a first pregnancy with a new partner,” he said.
He also added, “Active labour for a first baby averages 12 to 18 hours, whereas for a second baby it is typically around 6 to 8 hours.” He also said that if the first delivery was vaginal, the likelihood of needing a C-section the second time drops significantly to about 8 per cent, compared to around 32 per cent in first births.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS
