Length of second stage of labour

[Loulou980]

Hi ladies this is my first post just wondering how long second stage of labour was for people.

I'm 26 weeks and have been told by consultant they will give me 30 minutes before they intervene. I didn't ask enough questions really but I have a MW appointment next week so can then.

Just thinking about it since I'm worried they're not going to give me enough of a chance and insist on forceps

Reason for it is heart surgery when I was a child. No ongoing issues I'm fit and healthy think they might be being a bit over the top. Surely if it was that bad they'd just plan a section.

[Hopelass]

Is the second stage the pushing stage?! I can't remember, ha! If so mine was 3 hours which I believe is on the long side (no medical problems though) and they started waving the ventouse at me and threatening to use it if I didn't "push harder" anyway I think maybe you need to ask your midwife and/or put in your notes that you'd like to be given the chance to carry on for a while longer if there is no immediate risk. I think the "normal" amount they let that stage go on for is 1-2 hours before intervening but I could be wrong.

[EustachianTube]

If that's pushing, my first was 20 minutes. Subsequent labours it was more like 5 minutes, if that!

[MyBreadIsEggy]

Took about 40 mins pushing for my DD to be born (First baby).
Pregnant with DC2 now and am banking on it being faster this time!

[Cakescakescakes]

7 mins and 4 mins!

[Loulou980]

Thanks ladies those times are quite reassuring, I just read a little about them maybe intervening a little too early

[BeStrongAndCourageous]

About 20 minutes with DS. Didn't get to that stage with DD, after 24 hours I was still only 8cm dilated, so had an EMCS.

DS was my second, so a VBAC.

[albertcampionscat]

90 minutes for DS1 (back to back), 9 minutes for DS2.

What do they mesn, exactly, by 'intervene'?

[Loulou980]

I don't know I was a bit dazed at the time cause she had just told me I needed to stay in for longer after incase I have a heart attack so I stupidly left without asking enough questions.
I think they are bring extra cautious as I have no problems whatsoever. I just think putting such a short time limit in place could end up bringing unnecessary problems now that I've come away and thought about it.

[SmallBee]

Mine was three hours and then they intervened with ventouse, but that was because even though I was fully dilated my contractions were never less than five minutes apart.

[Mummyme87]

With cardiac problems 30mins is quite common if there is concern about strain on the heart. Really depends on the individual issue.
And there is evidence that women do better having vaginal births when they have a cardiac condition s long as it is closely monitored

[WorriedOrStressed]

A 30 minute 2nd stage not uncommon as they will want to reduce strain on your heart but if your vital signs are looking ok (you'd certainly expect increase in your heart rate when actively pushing) you/supporters could negotiate for longer though it's a fine balance. Just make sure your midwife and supporters enable you to maintain a good position (upright if possible) for second stage and, dependent on clinical situation, opt for an initial passive second stage where baby will descend without any active pushing from you. Good luck OP.

[NapQueen]

Dc1 about 3 hours I didn't even feel the need to push but they were insisting. I assume because they needed dd out asap
In the end I had epidural and forceps in theatre and was still being asked to push even though I couldn't feel anything passed my armpits.

Dc2 I wasn't even really pushing. After about 20mins of gas and air MW asked me to turn over from knees to onto back as that would bring DS down and whoosh there he was.

[crayfish]

If that's the pushing stage then I was about an hour for my first baby (my total labour was only about three hours though). Nobody mentioned intervening at any point either before or during me being in labour, so I think it's strange they have said that. Is there a medical reason why they think you would need intervention? My friend was pushing for five hours apparently and wanted help but was refused.

[crayfish]

Sorry, didn't read properly and missed the part about your heart surgery. In that case I think it sounds sensible/appropriate that they would be cautious. Pushing is hard work!

[Sanch1]

I was 30 mins first time, after 30+ hours first stage. I think the standard is about 2 hours before they look at intervening.

[ShowOfHands]

8hrs with DD but only pushed for 4hrs. Had 90 minutes of waiting for an urge to push. 3hrs of active pushing. Nearly an hour of waiting for an ambulance and transferring in. Another 45 mins pushing in hospital. 90 minute wait for an anaesthetist. More pushing in theatre with a ventouse. Then an emergency caesarean.

[AButterflyLightsBesideUs]

2 hours pushing for DD, at a MW led birthing centre. I suspect in hospital they may have wanted to intervene? I don't know, but it wasn't mentioned at the time. This was after about 20 hours first stage labour.

[TeamSteady]

57 min for ds1- they were threatening intervention if i went past an hour...

6 min for ds2

[Loulou980]

Thanks for your responses I think I'll ask if they have any statistics on how many are born within 30 minutes. I've no actual problem today at all, I'm fit and healthy so fingers crossed

[LittleGreyCatwithapinkcollar]

I saw a consultant this week who said she wouldn't let me go past 30min second stage as I was diagnosed with a brain tumour a couple of weeks ago great timing. In my case I can see the benefit as the added pressure in my head could cause issues. BUT my 2nd stage with DD was only 14 mins so I'm hopeful I won't get that far anyway. I think you need to ask them to explain the exact medical reasons for it. I know my hospital wouldn't want to intervene unless there was a medical need. Good luck

[Junosmum]

Most babies are born around the 30minute mark (of 2nd stage). Mine was about 3.5hours with episiotomy and forceps.

[winchester1]

Mine were each (2 kids) a few mins, I was standing both times which I think helps alot.