If I had a great first labour, will second be horrible?

[wetnoodle]

I had a really easy first labour (quick, vaginal, epidural, no tearing) and would go so far as to say it was amazing and I loved it.

I'm 20 weeks with DS2 and starting to get really nervous about labour this time, more so than with DS. I think it's because now I know what can go wrong and feel like I've used all my "good labour" luck.

Anyone have an amazing experience first time and again in subsequent labours? I need a bit of reassurance that there's no karmic retribution when it comes to labour.

[MolotovCocktail]

My friend had an easy peasy first labour and birth. Like you, she was terrified of doing it again because she was convinced she would need an EMCS

Guess what? Easy peasy second timer Had twinges all day, held out to go to hospital and once there, delivered within 20 mins.

Good luck

[omri]

Op- I could have written your post! Had fast and straight forward first labour, no grazing or stitches etc. now 38 wks pg with dc2 and sooooo scared that this one will end up difficult and traumatic or that something will happen baby during labour :( and like you, I think I went in totally (blissfully) ignorant of the risks. Now I am aware of all that can go wrong I'm much more anxious...

Will watch this thread with interest!

[wetnoodle]

Omri, glad it's not just me! Good luck, you're almost at the finish line

[Timeforgin]

I was worried about this.

I had an easy first birth. Waters broke at 38 weeks bit after midnight, first contraction about 6am, they were 2/3 mins apart from then, Hospital by 8:30 ish, 6cm dilated. Started pushing 11am ish - that bit went on for two hours - baby born a bit after 1pm, 8lb 3. Gas and air only, bit of synto when contractions slowed during pushing, one tiny internal stitch which the doc debated over whether it was needed. Amazing experience.

Second birth (two years later) waters went at 3:30am at 40+5, contractions started about 15 mins after, straight to hospital. Started pushing a bit after 5am, baby arrived after about 4 pushes. Delivered the baby standing up, little bit of gas and air before pushing stage. Weighed 10lb 11 (!!!!). Two stitches for a small 1st degree tear. Amazing experience.

I am freaking out about any potential #3 in case it is delivered in the car and/or is 14lb

[stargirl1701]

OP, me too! Lovely birth in the pool. DC2 due in Aug. I'm imagining EMCS too!

[Wolfiefan]

First birth. Lovely calm water birth 21/2 hours after I got to hospital.
Second. 59 minutes from start to finish.
(Both well over 8lb babies!)
Perhaps you just birth easily!?!? (If there is such a thing!)
Sending positive vibes. X

[TheRaniOfYawn]

First birth was pretty good. I turned down gas and air because they're didn't seem to be any point in having any.

Second birth was quicker and more intense. It hurt more than the first time but was actually easier and ended up being amazing and ecstatic.

Of the two, I preferred my second labour.

[squizita]

1st time past 12 weeks... saving this. Because this is the first thread I've seen on MN suggesting 1st births can be straightforward and not terrifying/long! :) Thanks.

Hope all of you have unending labour luck! :)

[Sunnysummer]

Was warned that I could have trouble with birth due to a physical issue, but my first labor was 12 hours and beautiful. I took one panadol when the first contractions started really kicking in and then didn't even take has and air, just sat bouncing on the big gym ball listening to my music and throwing dirty looks at poor DH who didn't look as uncomfortable as I felt. Not even a graze when DS arrived, and DH got to catch him.
(Of course, then the first weeks happened, and the colic, and the reflux, and then I got all the bad luck I'd missed out on in my perfect earth mama pregnancy and birth, but still )

So I am also nervous about this time around, but my obstetrician last time assured me that second labours usually follow the same pattern but quicker, fingers crossed!

[stargirl1701]

That's true sunny!

I had a lovely (shhh...pain free labour) with DD but ended up in the big regional teaching hospital at 10 days post birth with blood poisoning from infective mastitis. Then I stopped breathing after a severe allergic reaction to Flucloxicillan (sp?).

Then DD was diagnosed with silent reflux...cue months of all day screaming and no bloody sleep!

[Chasingsquirrels]

great 1st birth - waters went @ 37wks, contractions started about 30 mins later, started pushing about 1hr later, dc born 1hr after that. So 2 hrs actual labour. No tears or grazes.

2nd birth - planned homebirth. Waters went @ 37wks, I thought "here we go", contractions started about 10 mins later, on the 4th or 5th contraction I thought "better just check everything is ok", reached down and delivered dc2's head into my hand! Actual labour around 15 mins. No tears & 1 small graze.

All the best :)

[ilovetosleep]

Am really worried about this too! Had a pretty easy home water birth first time round, long but kept totally on top of pain and pushing stage only 45 mins - I am told this is quite short? Am now 36 weeks and preparing for another home birth but almost tempted to go straight to hospital as I'm convinced my luck can't hold out for another birth! People keep telling me its likely to be the same but to halve the time, but obviously no one can give me a definitive 'it will be fine' answer. So I'm nervous!

[Anniecarrieson]

Easy first birth, although needed a few stitches.
Even easier second and very big baby! 2 pushes, 2 hours from "ooh that hurt" to "hello baby". Midwife still had her coat on! (Homebirth)


Horrible, horrible hyperemesis both times so I am allowed to enjoy the easy, blissful deliveries.

[McBaby]

I have been wondering the same thing. First labour c long ore labour with contractions for days and was not dialating. Then 3-10cm in less 30 mins plus 45 mins pushing and hello baby.

I have a home birth planned this time just on case it's quicker but v scared it's going to be v long and painful.