I had an awful labour with my first.....36 hours, he was stuck, no time for a section so they cut me and used forceps, cue massive bleed and a transfusion. I though labour was aromatherapy and whale music, and thought forceps were like fish finger tongs, so it was one heck of a shock when they got the paddles out!!! I was seriously traumatised after having him and couldn't bear the thought of doing it again. He was 8lb 13 and 1/2.
DD came along two years later, 8lb 9oz and yes it was easier, but still long at 24 hours. I had an epidural for both labours, having sworn I was going to do it naturally!! (what did I know????)
DS2.....well, he came out in only 4 hours!! Hooray!!!! no time for an epidural that time, because once gravity got him there was no stopping him......all 11lb 8oz of him!! Hurt like hell, much more painful than the first two, but I had such a good midwife he did me less damage than the other two small ones had. I remember wondering what the hell the moo-ing was I could hear, then realised it was me!!
So, for me, the biggest baby was the 'easiest' labour, and having two little ones already and a husband off on a work trip to Finland the week after, a C-section just wasn't an option. I had dreaded having number two, but in hindsight I'm glad I didn't push for a section then either (not that they were offering one). If you have any worries BE VOCAL, make sure they know your concerns and don't be afraid to be demanding!! I do think in some ways the second labour is the worst as you know exactly what you're letting yourself in for second time!!! It's totally worth it though, but having been told number four would be even bigger than number three I'm not planning on doing it (or 'it' wink wink!) ever again! Good luck xx