Another induction - any quicker/better/less painful with second DC?

[MoragG]

Am likely to be induced with DD2 on Monday unless something happens before then (not looking likely after a sweep was not possible today as cervix unfavourable). I was induced early with DD1 (39+1) due to low amniotic fluid - this time I would be 41+3. With DD1 it took from Friday evening until the early hours of Monday morning. Am really hoping it will be quicker this time round. Does anyone have experience of being induced for more than one DC? Is it more likely I won't have to get as far as the drip this time round?

[inadreamworld]

Am hoping someone will answer this as I was induced when overdue with DC1 and am expecting no2 in just over a month. Hoping things might happen naturally next time but would be good to know peoples experiences of 2nd induction. Good luck to you - not long to wait now!

[quickdowntonson]

Hi. I haven't been induced but I can share my experience of length of labour. With DC1 it lasted over 26 hours, so I was terrified of going through the same experience with DC2. The MW assured me it was always quicker/easier with the second birth, but I didn't believe her. In fact, DC2 took just 3 hours from the first contraction until she was wrapped up in the cot and I was in the bath next to her! Good job we lived 10 minutes away from the hospital then.
I'm sorry that didn't help with the induction query, but the second is generally easier and quicker. Good luck x

[heartmoonshadow]

Hi I was induced for the second time earlier this year and as far as the mechanics go it went much better than my first time. However there were a lot of factors in place, I had a favourable cervix this time and was partially dilated so that would have helped. I had gel instead of a pessary which made a difference. But saying that my first induction went well even though I was unfavourable because they tried the pessaries and when they didnt work I got the drip but with an epidural in place right from the start so no pain whatsoever whereas for this birth I waited until 7cm's before getting an epi. It really depends on your body and how you want to progress. Good Luck

[NAR4]

I had to be induced with all 4 of mine.

The 2nd was the quickest labour by far, but took the longest to get started after they started induction. My 3rd, although a longer labour and induced the earliest, was the easiest/quickest to induce (12 hours approx) and without doubt the easiest labour and birth.

I think it just depends how ready your body is rather than what number induction or baby it is.

It is never pleasant but just try and stay focused on the arrival of your baby. There is definately some convenience in knowing when you are going into hospital as well.

[inadreamworld]

Interesting to hear all the replies. My induction with DD was not bad really compared to some stories I see. Pessary worked first time and kicked in after 6 hours, 12 hour labour, had epidural after 5 hours of labour, bit of a post partum haemmorrage afterwards but didn't need a blood transfusion just iron tablets and felt a bit dizzy for an hour or so. So not too bad. Am hoping that if am induced with 2nd baby it will be a quicker labour. Will probably still need epidural as induction supposed to be more painful than natural labour.

[MoragG]

Thanks for replies. Am contemplating asking for an epidural before they start me on the drip (if I need to have it), as I had not realised last time that contractions are so much more immediately painful when they are artificially induced

[LineRunnerWithBellsOn]

I had inductions with both of my DCs because of pre-eclampsia, at 38 weeks and 35 weeks. The first was 20 hours and all a bit grim tbh. The second was much quicker and easier, just 4 hours.

[Tertius]

Yes, my first was terrible - long and slow and altogether rubbish. Second was quick! 4 hours and only gas and air and really it was quite exciting! So glad i avoided the epidural second time. Far far far better experience. Good luck!

[inadreamworld]

Yes induction was v v painful. managed to last 5 hrs without epidural but v horrible. Don't know what natural labour pains are like....hopefully will find out next time.