2nd Labour compared to the 1st..........

[Beanigan]

Can anyone enlighten me on their own personal 2nd labours in comparison to their first? Especially in terms of how many hours?

I was induced for the 1st and the total labour was 9 hours (with a bit of assistance....) so am wondering what to expect in labour for the 2nd one - hoping of course that I won't be induced..... naturally am hoping for a nice quick 4 hour labour!

[JanJanJanJan]

Hi,
My first labour was pretty horrific...wont go into detail however my second that was 9.5 years later was beautiful....The doctor came to break my waters so I rang my mother to attend as she was there with my first child....when she arrived the doctor came and said " are you not ready to push yet?" I said I was waiting for them to break my waters to which they replied they had already done so......oblivous to me.....one push and my daughter was born....no pain, no problem, unbelievable.....good luck.

[Sarahlou8]

Hi,
My first labour was 15 hours with 7lb15 baby
My second was 7 hours, 8lb11 baby (who came out much faster)
I'm pg with no 3, expecting a nice 3 hour labour this time as it's supposed to halve in length each time.
9 year gap though so may end up back at square one...
Mind you, just read your post JanJan, thank you, just what I wanted to hear!

[onadietcokebreak]

watching with interest.......may convince me to TTC if not too bad!

[PoppyIsApain]

Iam watching this also as i was going to start a similar thread

[detoxdiva]

Dd born after 5 hours of labour - pushed for about 30 mins once mw had broken my waters.

Ds born agin after about 5 hours of labour but a little longer pushing as was a home birth and they wouldn't break my waters (grrrrr)

2nd labour no worse than 1st....up until fully dilated it was easier to manage - maybe because I was at home or maybe because I knew what to expect and how to cope better - the pushing was the same horrendously painful experience both times But worth it

[ChasingSquirrels]

mine was almost identical, apart from the speed.

ds1: waters went at 10pm. First contraction 10.30pm. ds1 born at 1.30am, 2nd stage 1 hr.

ds2: waters went at 11.30pm. First contraction at 11.40pm. ds2 born at 11.55pm at the latest (999 call after he was born registered at 11.55pm). 2nd stage was probably 1 contraction.

[redsofas]

labour 1 - 10(ish) hours very painfull, gas and air, pethedine and epidureal, forceps.

labour 2 - 5 1/2 hours, just gas and air, completely natural birth, (teared though), much more enjoyable and easier 2nd time around!!!

[Beanigan]

Wow - mostly if not all positive so far!! Considering my 1st was excrutiating, gas and air, epidural, ventouse etc..... I'm far to nervous to have the 2nd at home.

I LOVE the 1 contraction and out popped DC's! what do you do if at home with a toddler on your own though?

Quite looking forward to it now....

[ChasingSquirrels]

I was expecting to be at home on my own with a toddler, as now-ex was working away 6am Mon - 10pm Fri at the time. as it happens ds2 was born late Fri night, so he was home, but was actually cutting bubble wrap on the other side of the room when I deleivered.

He panicked and called 999, I wondered what all the fuss was for as ds2 was fine.

[lynniep]

Well, I can compare in general, although DS1 was breech.
DS1 was just under 3 hours. Started in the same way - waters didnt break, just small hind leak. Began late evening. Contractions started as mild period pains, which got stronger very quickly. Midwives didnt realise breech until foot popped out - hadnt even examined me at that point. Rushed to delivery, DH decided we'd continue iwth vaginal delivery because DS was in birth canal already so less risk to me. I wasnt able to identify the contractions throuhgout because it seemed to be constant pain. Had episoitomy to help him out as his shoulder got stuck. He was v. ill but recovered completely. Was 8lb2oz at birth.

DS2 is fresh in mind - born 4 days ago! Just under 4 hours. Luckily had already been admitted so was on the labour ward ready! Started at 6.15am with leaking waters again. Period pain became contractions 2 minutes apart straight away. Taken over to delivery suite and was cm dilated. Had straightforward (and bloody painful) labour with outcome healthy screaming boy. 10lb3oz - guess thats why it hurt! He's got a massive head!

[Mamulik]

1st was easy, 2nd very painfull and long and laster for ever and ever.

[shootfromthehip]

First 4 1/2days (don't ask!) and an EMCS. Second 3hrs start to finish and no pain relief- great!

Good luck to you x

[MrsHappy]

Ist labour - 36 hours, 27 of which were getting past 4cm, back pain, synto, epidural, generally awful.

2nd labour - 24 hours, of which only the last 5 were anything serious, no pain relief (it hurt like mad, but staying relaxed between contractions made all the difference). I was so proud of myself for coping, even as I swore through each contraction.

Both ended up with emcs, but the second labour was way better than the first and even though the second emcs was much more of an emergency it was less shocking somehow. I think that second births are just generally less overwhelming than the first.

Good luck - you'll be fine.

[sockmonkey]

1st labour induced, about 9 hours I think... tis all a bit of a blur cos there were complications

2nd Labour, 3 hours, no trouble, no stitches.

I'm hoping DC3 will be nice and easy too.

Good luck!

[Fleecy]

1st - in labour 16h30, pushed for the last 2 hrs. Episiotomy.

2nd - in labour 2h10, pushed for 10mins. 3rd degree tear but prob due to DS being 10lb2oz with massive head and having one arm up by his head, don't think it was to do with the speed.

[annamama]

There was another thread like this not TOO long ago... have a look and see if you can find it. Most ppl seem to have easier 2nds, love reading it, number 2 due in March...

[mommymeggie]

Good thread! I've thought the same thing as I'm due for my 2nd in Jan. I've had a bad labour, 36hrs....all drugs....forceps....the works! I was told the second time around would be alot quicker. Seems that way! Keep em coming, like the stories! Puts me at ease a little bit as I'm terrified this time around.

[pigleychez]

hehe I think the previous thread mentioned by others may of been mine.

I was asking about 2nd labours being faster and easier.

Im due number 2 in May and already worrying after a hiddeous birth with DD. Nice to read these positive stories though

[Overtiredmum]

DS (4 yrs) established labour for 12 hours following epidural. All fairly pleasant and was home same day.

DD (7 months) 3.5 hours from first twinge to being born. Was hoping for a home birth but hospital insisted they check me over as had a few problems with DD and tachicardia (which was all fine). Only gas and air for pain relief and was wonderful, although she opened her bowels on the way out so we needed to stay in overnight.

Two wonderful experiences........

[BexieID]

Am pregnant with 2nd child and am slightly concerned now, lol. With Tom, my waters broke at 5am and I'd had him by 9:22am, although had 3rd degree tear. My consultant has told me to ask for an ambulance when I phone in, if i'm on my own. We live 30 mins drive from the hospital!

[Beanigan]

Just catching up with all the stories as been stuck in work - thanks everyone! Mostly positive. Sorry to hear about your 2nd Mamulik....

Belgianbun - any news for us? Good luck!!