So if labour no.2 is likely to be quicker than the first at 5 hours is there some way I should prepare?

[Bumperlicious]

Am generally starting to fret about labour. Am 35 weeks. We are considering a HB but not yet sold on the idea, speaking to MW this week.

DD's labour was about 5 hours, so I'm expecting this one to be quicker. Does anyone have any experience of fast labours, are there particular things I should do to prepare? I'm terrified of being 'caught short' so to speak!

A pair of stretchy tights to catch the baby?

Seriously, with a HB or hospital birth it's the same drill pretty much. Except with a HB you let the MW know ASAP that you're in labour so they can plan their shifts.

I think whatever option you choose as soon as labour starts you get yourself a MW (either go to one or get him/her to come to you).

Good luck!

You have my sympathy, I was in labour for 3 hours 45 minutes from 1st twinge. I'm not pg (yet) but I'm terrified of an even faster labour second time around! People make jokes about it but its so frightening isn't it? I had a debrief of ds' birth and the mw told me to call an ambulance as soon as labour starts which I think I will do when the time comes. At least ambulances carry gas and air and theres a bit more room to move than in the back of a car. No advice other than that but good luck!

Hi, I'm in a similar position, first labour 2.5 hours, and my family seems to have fast labours, my sister's 2nd was under an hour!

I've opted for a homebirth so everything is at home if it all kicks off, but I know that I can change my mind and go in if needed/wanted.

My 2nd labour was really fast. Arrived at hospital 9 cm and then a LOT of agonising pain and swearing and thrashing and he shot out. I felt like I had been in a car crash. really kind of violent.

Just act upon 1st signs and get checked to see your progress. I laboured at home thinking I was being brave but was actually being stupid. Had no time for my precious epidural.

I am due in 2 weeks and am really frightened, sitting here freaking out about it right now. It is actually my 4th because I lost one at 22 weeks which I had to give birth to, and I have two.

Good luck. Let us know.

my first was 3 hours start to finish ad 2nd was around 50 minutes - again start to finish.

We were advised to have HB but it wasn't practical where we were living at the time, having said that, we did get some stuff i in case we weren't going to make it - a cheap shower curtain to lay on the floor, that kind of thing.

i had HB for all 3...first 3 hours, 2nd 5, 3rd - 3 hours...

for my second and third labours i made it clear i wanted a MW straight away and would not be fobbed off! (they kept on telling me to phone back first time round)

Homebirth is great generally anyway - i really loved being tucked up in bed with my LO so quickly after labour, and having my own space (also, i was MN again within a few hours..)

Really advised to call an ambulance after a nearly 4 hour labour? I'm quite surprised at that as you'd have ages to get into hospital yourself. I was never advised that and my first was about 3 and a half hours, 2nd about 3 hours and 3rd was just over an hour. We'll see how long this one lasts for, currently 22 weeks :o

CheeseandGherkins that is honestly what I was advised to do. I'd been having nightmares about giving birth alone which is why I went for the debrief (I only just got there in time because they didn't believe I was in labour). She did also suggest hb but I'd be too scared in case they don't believe me again and don't turn up!

I would be prepared for anything. My first birth was 4 hours from first twinge. My second was also about 4 hours from first twinge. My third, however, was 30 mins - delivered by dh at home.

I would plan for a homebirth. Tell the midwives that you had had a previous speedy birth and that they need to make sure they get to you asap. And also get someone talk through what you need to do if you have to do it without medical backup.

Apparently, very quick births usually only happen when everything is fine - or so my midwives told me.

Good luck!

Marjee that sounds awful :( I wasn't doubting you btw just thought it sounded odd at first, makes sense now you've explained though!

A planned homebirth sounds like the best & safest option. One of the many myriad reasons I'm going for a homebirth is that I'm terrified of giving birth on the hard shoulder of the motorway (often bad traffic on the route to the hospital, plus a policy of don't come in till things are really happening).

I would inform the Supervisor of Midwives about your situation so that any midwife who is on call when you go into labour knows that she needs to get to you fast.

My first labour was 3.5 hrs and my 2nd under 2 - I actually spent most of my 2nd labour in the waiting room as the abour ward was so busy and no-one would come and examine me because my contractions when I went in were seven minutes aparrt. Finally after my waters broke all over the floor in front of about 20 people my DH got vry insistent I should be taken into the ward. I gave birth three minutes later in the assessment room as the midwife went to examine me I heard her say 'Oh! Head delivered!'
So many people since have said 'oh aren't you lucky' and i suppose in a way i am but it can be quite shocking to give birth so fast.
I guess my advce would be to be as pushy as possible if you do go to hospital - insist on being seen. Don't think we will be going for a number 3 but i reckon I'd camp at the hospital if I were...

I am in a similar position. Was sent home delivering DS, as was only 2cm, my waters broke when leaving the hospital, and he was born 2 hours later. 'Luckily' there was meconium in the fluid, so I had to stay in. Otherwise he would have been born at home, and needed a lot of resuscitation which scared me a lot.
I also found the speed of the labour very shocking. When I went back in after my waters breaking, the midwives looked most unimpressed, told me I could be there for another day, while I was absoultely screaming in agony from the violence of the contractions. She only believed I was further along when I needed a wee, she came with me and a load of gunk that she said 'comes out with the head' plopped onto the floor. I only pushed about 4 or 5 times too.
I am now pg with DC2 and am wavering between homebirth/just turning up at the hospital asap. I am scared of a hb because of how DS looked upon arrival, and the resuscitation/SCBU experience. Especially as the MW said that could have been due to the force of the contractions. Out of interest, were other speedy babies in need of much care afterwards? That is also a massive worry.

Kayster my ds was fine and we were discharged the same day

My first labour was quick (90 mins from waters breaking to 6cm dl then had to have csection as breech) and my second labour was quicker - 60 mins from first pains to full dl.

My advice would be have a quick plan, especially for looking after your first child. We had a short term and long term plan - i.e. some friends had DS1 as soon as we knew we were in labour and then my mum picked him up from there. Worked very well and it was important he was away from me as soon as possible!

Thanks for all the replies.

We have settled on a HB, and have the pool pumped up! However now I am 37 weeks I'm terrified every time I leave the house! Especially as I'm not sure if I am going to know when labour is imminent. I am just generally in pain and discomfort all the time at the moment, and occasionally get a lot of pressure on my cervix, probably just the baby moving around, but am worried that I am going to end up giving birth in the middle of mothercare or B&Q (both of which I seem to be spending an inordinate amount of time in atm!).

I think if I go anywhere that isn't home it's going to have to just be Waitrose, M&S or Boots at a push!

Can I just not leave the house for the next 3 weeks?