How differently did you feel in second labour?

[Rollerbaby]

Im a few weeks off number 2 and wondering how I will feel in labour. I was very pro tens machine, didn't want to eat or anyone touching me. Is it likely to be the same or are labours different as well as pregnancies each time? I'm told it's likely to be much faster (first active labour 4 hours) so am slightly panicking about the fact I may not have much time to get to hosp or get into the zone as it were. Any thoughts?

Hi Ladies,

Im new to this sight, just thought I would comment on that first one, I have 2 + 1 on the way!!!! My second labour was 40 mins!! It was different to my first which was 48 hours!! So every women is different but i was shocked with my quick labour, and even scared of my 3rd labour coming up!!!

You will be fine, and you will enjoy ur second labour!!! (can not beleive i just said that!)

Good luck!!

What was that Annie? Fast you say? I like details if you fancy sharing. PM. Tell me aaalllllll about it.

I'm finding it hard to make a "plan" for DC2, DP will probably not be here, need to arrange for DD, how im going to get to the hosp as im not allowed home birth due to previous PPH. DD was born within 2hrs of getting to the hospital very intense labour, but managed naturally... just so hard wondering if it will be much shorter than that?! it was roughly 3 1/2hrs!

My first was prem-1.1kg & was born half an hour after I realised I was in labour.

I was petrified that the 2nd one would hurt & I would need stitches due to being a "normal" size.
Went into hospital when waters broke.

Had first pain about 4hrs later & was 8cms by then.

Had her about 2hrs after that-no stitches or tears.

Pain was no where near as bad as I was anticipating either!

I remember saying during my second labour 'i cannot believe I am here again!'

Says it all....have two lovely DD.

1: 48 hours of unmitigated agony
2: 40 minutes of panic
3: 3 hours of calm breathing and relaxation techniques
4: 10 minutes start to finish...delivered in the hall, neighbour caught baby!!!
5: 4 hours not in much pain , used tens
6: what labour??????

finished now....body completely wrecked....lovely DCs though!!!!!!!!

My first was about 8 hours total from waters breaking - very quickly advanced so that by the time the miswife came I was 9cm and couldn't move. (I was living somewhere where they did MIMO - which is midwife in/midwife out - basically the midwife comes and assess you at home, and then takes you into hospital she also comes home with you from hospital!) After a 2 hour 2nd stage they had to 999 me into hospital. The G&A made me sick and my poor DH couldn't leave my side as I needed/wanted him to be rubbing my back constantly - his arm must have really ached!

2nd labour - 45 min form start to finish - very very very intense. I actually thought I would pass out with the pain whilst waiting for the ambulance to arrive. (another 999 journey - see a theme here?) once I got to hospital the midwife said she could see the head and he popped out very easily 2 min after being admitted. Big change from first birth which was horrible trying to push for so long.

Good luck!

I gave up planning Labour...just hoped I could get through it and out the other side with healthy me and healthy baby!
Rels had a book going on the last one...how fast and where...
but at least i didn't deliver in supermarket car park like my friend!!!!![grimace]

the 2nd was the easiest good luck

Thanks to everyone for sharing some hilarious stories - I hope that screeching up the hospital and the comedy of DH running down a corridor with me on a wheelchair (kneeling with DS2 on his way) qualifies me for the express birth club

After I had DC1, I said to my Obs "I'm having a c-section next time" She said "Don't worry. The next one will just fall out". Here's hoping!