With 2nd labour, how do you know when things are really kicking off?

[marthamay]

Hiya all,

38 weeks with 2nd DC.

I keep hearing stories about 2nd labours being really, really fast and people nearly not making it to the hospital or nearly not getting other children out of the way, etc, etc...

SO.....when do you know it's the real deal? Should I be alerting people at the very first signs of contractions or will I get some lead up warning?

With my first birth I had quite pleasant gentle contractions for a day and a night before it all ramped up and I went into the hospital at 5cm dilated the next day.
My waters didn't break and I didn't really have a show until the midwives in the hospital did an examination and it came loose.

So if my waters aren't prone to breaking and my show doesn't come loose until I'm 5-6cm - how will I know when things are going to get speedy???

My sister in law coming to stay with my DS lives more than an hour away and I'm not sure when I should be contacting her - I don't want her to drive all this way for a false start but equally don't want to miss the boat and have DS thrust upon a neighbour or my DH have to stay at home.

Ugh, sorry for long and rambling post - pregnancy brain has completely claimed my mental capacity this evening.

There isnt anyone I would trust with her. My Dad lives about 15mins away. SIL is due to be coming with me as DP isnt likely to make it. She lives 5mins away. and MIL Lives about 30mins away... need to get thinking of back ups....

your dad sounds close enough? does she go to nursery or pre school? is there a staff member who might help or another parent?

She's only 16months. Doesnt go to nursery, We attend playgroups no nursery. My Dad would try his best to make it to us in time. but its just how much time.. especially in the middle of the night say.

It's just such a worry at the moment where everything is uncertain as it is, but with DP's situation I can't arrange a damn thing...

I just really dont want to end up giving birth at home alone. :s

Listen to your body, don't wait for a specific time or event. After my first speedy birth (1 hr 51) , I said with number two that we'd call the midwife as soon as my waters broke. DD1 was another BBA and she was born in her caul 45 mins after my first contraction, waters never went! Looking back the signs were there but I thought I couldn't be that far along as my waters hadn't gone whereas they went right at the start with DS.

Good luck

For me, it was like my body knew what it needed to do to prepare and it did it ahead of time,
I had 2 false alarms the week before the main event.
I had really strong contractions every 15-20 minutes the first time and thought I ought to warn the midwife and my mum who was having ds1 but it turned out to be nothing.

Then on the saturday morning it happened again so I didn't say anything to DH, but at 8.30 he noticed during breakfast that I was having a contraction.
10.30 the midwife arrived at the same time as mum,
11.00 midwife checked me and said I was 5cm with him high up and the wrong way round
12.05 he was born (the right way round)

There was one moment I will share. during transition, I panicked and told them I couldn't do it. and the midwife reckoned that my body had just allowed me to remember that this next bit was the really hurty bit, she said she gets that alot with 2nd babies. As it happens I guess at that point there is only one way out!!!

Good luck to you, I am totally envious of the journey you are about to make with your new baby, it is true magic.... every time.

My waters didnt break untl Dd's head was coming out. My labour started just by having uncomfy back. then quickly progressed. and then i knew it wasnt just bh's. MW has told me to ring in as soon as i think its time. Thanks for advice. and sorry for hiijack

Dozeyland you can't be 'not allowed' a homebirth.

I had a 750ml PPH with DD and DC2 is still being planned as a homebirth with the support of the midwifery team.

Being advised against one is a different thing to not being allowed

Hey all!
I've also been fretting about if ill know, and then having visions of me giving birth in the car!
I'm 37 weeks today and our first came 11 days late after being induced.
I was given sleeping tablets as it was 11pm when they got round to give me pessary, and I woke up at 4am with back to back contractions! Daisy was born at 7.40am!
As nice as it was to sleep through half my labour, I have no idea what the start of labour feels like so not a clue what to look out for!!
My BH's are strong and quite painful at times so Ive thought ooh this could be it, but so far, have never come to anything. Baby has been 3/5th's engaged for nearing 9 weeks now and Im worried its all going to happen very fast once it kicks off, but being quite hesitant because I cant tell if the BH's are contractions is not helping!
Im fretting about how quick the whole thing could go as first labour was fairly quick anyway, but not knowing what to expect is making it a bit worse!!
Agghhhhh!!!! All Ive heard on here is things happen fast, but most people seem to be able to tell, these flipping BH's are confusing the heck out of me!!!!
Anyone else getting really strong BH's????

J x

i had really strong bh all through my 2nd pregnancy and admitted a couple of times but when it all kicked off for real i remembered what real contraction's felt like!

Hi there... I too remember you OP from the BF tic thread! we all got here! yippee! I am 40weeks today, MW gave me a sweep y'day and I was 2 cm with a soft cervix, complete let down, as i had had a show and thought all was going to get moving pretty quick... but no. Still here, having some period pains, not contractions... this thread is awesome... we have now pumped up and half filled the pool as a result ( just in case it speeds up) I am off for a walk..to post those mothers day cards ( late)
Keep us informed marthamay.. x

Yeah I think its more advised not to, sorry.

I wouldnt want a home birth personally. not this time around what with lots of family worries going on...

Just checking Dozeyland, lots of women think they're not allowed when in fact it's not the case

Hope you manage to get something sorted soon :)