Length of subsequent labours

[pinkmama]

Hi, I am expecting no 3 in July. DD's labour was 12 hours, ds was 4. Now I am assuming that this one will be at least as short if not shorter (not sure I want it to be too much shorter tbh). I think that generally they do get quicker, but there is always the exception to that! Just wondered how common it was for them to get longer again, in case I really ought to prepare myself for a long one!

[sommer2000]

my fisrt ds was 18hours dd was 3hours. first was spontaneous second induced for post dates

[Distel]

my 3rd labour was 1hr 45 minutes. DS was nearly born in the car park .

[pinkmama]

OOh distel! How long had your others been? Wasnt it a bit scarey having it that fast. It sounds ideal for it to be really quick, but I imagine htat it can actually be a bit traumatic. Hopefully I am having this one at home so no mad dashes anywhere at least.

[suedonim]

My first was 20-odd hours, second was four hours. Everyone said I'd deliver No3 in the car park so was disappointed to have a 9hr labout and then a 10hr labour for No4! Not fair! My babies got smaller, too. no1&2 were 8.8lb, no3 7lb 5oz and no4, about 7lb.

[thedame71]

First 15 hours, 2nd 6 hours and third about 40 minutes!

All just as hideously painful tho!

[Gobbledigook]

Pinkmama - when I was on my 3rd quite a few midwives told me that often the 3rd labour can be slower again than the 2nd. However mine went:

ds1 - 9.5 hrs (induced)
ds2 - 5.5 hrs (only very painful for about last 5 minutes after waters broke)
ds3 - 2.5 hrs

[Gobbledigook]

pinkmama - ds2 was a bit like Distel described! I got to hospital not even sure I was in labour but gave birth less than 40 mins later!

[pinkmama]

Thanks! Hmmm, maybe I had better try and mentally prepare myself for either way then! Like you suedonim, my 2nd was smaller than first, dd 9lb 11, was terrified about ds but he was only 8lb 9, this time I am aiming for a nice 7 1/2

[lou33]

2hrs 20mins
1hr 40 mins
1hr 11mins
22mins