If you had a quick labour first time round, how was your second?

[magpieC]

Am 32 weeks with DC2 and trying to think about logistics of childcare etc for the birth.

A big consideration is that my labour last time round was only 3.5 hours and my MW had said that second time round is often a lot quicker.

I'm also concerned that the hospital might not "let" me go in when I call - last time I think they didn't think my contractions were strong enough and were only persuaded as I was suffering from low fluid level s so warranted monitoring (delivery MW said she had been about to go on her coffee break as they weren't expecting anything to be happening)

We're definitely considering home birth but there are a couple of things that might mean this isn't an option - but we won't know til nearer the time.

So, if you had a quick labour first timer round was your second quicker (and how much) and how similar was it in terms of signs it had started?

[Operafan]

Induced both times - first was done and dusted in just over a couple of hours and the second 90 minutes at the most.

I told the midwives second time "this probably wont take long" but they were very blase I very nearly ended up giving birth on my own - bloody ridiculous that they were so casual as they had made me sit in a day ward all day every day for the 2 weeks previous as my blood pressure was so high. A lovely midwife turned up just in time - called in on her day off.

I would assume, barring complications, that its not going to take as long.

[Icemine]

First time was four hours from first contraction to birth. Second was just under 50 minutes from the first sign of anything happening (contraction, I had no previous signs/symptoms).

Got to hospital, just had time to get to the delivery room, get on the bed and she was there. No time to monitor her, give me antibiotics or anything. She was almost born in the car. I would say go in ASAP!

[Icemine]

Oh, both times the first sign was the first contraction, no BH's or anything.

[Apparentlychilled]

1st time waters went about 4.30am, contractions started in earnest about 8.30 and had dd at 12. With DS, waters went at 5.30, contractions started properly at 8 and I had him at 9.48. So yes, def quicker in was worried about that being turned away too (esp as it's a long ish drive to hosp) till a midwife told me they can't force you to leave hospital if they say you're too early. They might strongly encourage but they can't force you. So I'd say trust your instincts and go early. Good luck!

[SirDoris]

I think they let you go in earlier if you're a second timer as they expect you to be quick. They'll also probably suggest you have a home birth kit in case you don't make it to hospital as you we're so quick the first time.

[deXavia]

First time just shy of 4 hours, second time 30 minutes on the bathroom floor
My MW said in hindsight she should have put me down for a planned home birth. Speak to her again. Home birth may be an option, but at the very least it should be marked on your records for when you go to hospital.
Of course there is no given, but I would make sure you've planned it through in terms of childcare for your first, journey to hospital etc

[HarlotOTara]

First time was 7 hours second was 5 and was in hospital for two before dd was born.

[Iheartpasties]

my first was 1.5 hours, unexpected homebirth, I was scared for my second - but I knew what was happening and had discussed it with my mw. so with my first tiny twinge I rushed straight to hospital, other mw's had been warned, my mw headed straight there. it was 2.5 hours. I was so relieved to get there though.

[Iheartpasties]

I was a ten min drive from hospital though.

[Blessyou]

First time, 'easy' contractions from 10.30am, hurty contractions from 4.30pm, born at 6.30pm.
Second time, BH for 3 days, first proper contraction, hurty, 6.30am, born at home (planned) 7.58 am

Both times had trouble convincing mws to attend. Second time, what did it was saying "it was very quick from this point last time!" I spent ages on the phone to first to the antenatal suite, then the cmw trying to persuade them although I hadn't been in labour long, baby was COMING!

[SneakyBiscuitEater]

I had an unplanned unassisted home birth with DC1. 1 hour 51 minutes start to finish.

DC2 was a planned home birth due to speed of first. We had plastered all over our notes that we were to be believed this time when we said I was in labour and a mw would be immediately dispatched when we called. She was born 50 ish minutes from the first contraction again unattended home birth. Midwife was just getting out of her shower and hadn't put her uniform on when we rang back to say no hurry baby is here and feeding well.

DC3 I was in hospital due to other complications so was induced at 38 weeks. I was super high risk and needed constant monitoring as did DC3. I had a sweep, waters broken and a synto drip turned up practically to the max. No contractions at all. MW went off to see how busy theatre was for a section as I wasn't progressing. I had two contractions with a ten minute gap and MW said to buzz when they were 3 in a 10 min period. I explained my fast labours but she wasn't bothered and buggered off. She came back 20 mins and two contractions later (again with a 10 minute gap between each) to find DC3 crowning. She managed to get one glove on and DH pressed the alarm for the second midwife who arrived after baby was out. So 40mins and 4 contractions for DC3. MW then complained that she didn't know what times to put in my birth notes as I was never in established labour! Ummmm my baby here says otherwise.

Not bad when all three were back to back and didn't turn in labour.

[magpieC]

Wow - some very quick ones there! Thanks for the info - looks like it might have to be home birth (planned or unplanned) if it co-incides with rush hour...

[Mrsambition]

Wow those are fast! My first was just under 5 hours with the sore/pushing stage lasting 30 mins max. Dc2 is due in a few weeks & not once has anyone mentioned my quick labour, should I ask?? as I've been admitted for contractions/early labour twice now. Once at 22 weeks and again at 32 weeks. Looks like I should b preparing for this.

[ConfusedKiwi]

My first was about 3.5 hours (although was induced and given pessary, then sent home). Waters broke and ended up waiting in hospital admissions for 2 hours as rooms were all full and they tried to decide whether to transfer me to another hospital. Thankfully they managed to clear a room and when they took me up said I was ready to push. Unfortunately ds1 not in great position so pushing stage was an hour and ended in ventouse.

Second time thought it might be quick (my mums births all quick too). Midwife recorded 45 minutes of active labour (that's from when my waters broke) but had been having minor contractions prior to that. Wish I had headed to hospital earlier as was having pushy contractions the whole way there, in the lift, in the corridor... finally got to maternity ward they took one look at me said "ÿou're pushing aren't you?" and I was in a room and had the baby within about 5 minutes!

Wish I'd planned a homebirth in a way (but we'd ruled it out as house needs work and bathroom not great and wanted to be able to have good shower after giving birth). If it's an option then I would go for it.

[deleted203]

3.5 hours - first labour.
11 hours - second labour (baby was spine to spine)
1 hr 20 mins - third labour
1 hr 5 mins - fourth labour
3 hours - fifth labour (induced)

Hope that's helpful.

[WingDefence]

DS was about 6-7 hours start to finish.
I went for a planned HB with DD (born 3.5 weeks ago!). It was marked down as a probable quick labour by the CMW but even so I ended up with a 'BBA' (birth before arrival or assistance, can't remember) ie an unassisted birth on the bathroom floor.

I woke at 1:30am with cx every 10-15 mins, then woke DH at 2:50, started monitoring the cx at 3:40 and they got long and close v quickly. Called for the MW at 4:10, started pushing at 4:30, DH called 999 at 4:35 and she was born a few mins later! Paramedic turned up 5:05, ambulance at 5:15, MW at 5:20!

I would definitely consider a HB if I were you. Not only because you're likely to have a quick labour, but also because if you're low risk etc it really is potentially a fab experience. (I had a rubbish hospital birth with DS even though it should have been completely straightforward.)

Good luck!

[HadALittleFaithBaby]

Really interested to see this thread. I had DD 13 days ago and had 1h 50 minute labour. Two midwives have suggested home birth next time - even though I'm only a 10 minute drive from the hospital! If/when we get there, I'll at least have a home birth kit to hand!