Do you think second stage is quicker with DC2+ because you push harder?

[booflebean]

With DC1 I was pushing for 2.5 hours. Well my body was pushing and I was sort of going for it. I only really pushed for the last two pushes (after they threatened assistance) and got him out.

THis time I plan to push like I have never pushed before as soon as I get to the pushing stage. I want it over asap this time.

Did other second/third times mums feel like this? DO you think that's why subsequent pushing stages seem to be a lot quicker?

*going with it, I mean not going for it!

Well, my first pushing stage was very, very quick - 5 minutes? 15 minutes? I don't remember - just that I don't think they thought it was going to go that fast and I tore quite badly!

Second time, 3 pushes and out.

DC3 I am effectively hoping to sneeze out

I didn't push harder the 2nd time. In fact, the midwives tried to get me to sit on the edge of the bed at one point, and I realised I was sitting on DS's head! I hadn't realised he'd got that far out with no effort at all!

With DC1 I was pushing for 3 hours due to her position but resisted suggestions to give an episiotomy until there was no alternative. With DC2 I knew the consequences of a long pushing stage for my recovery, risks to DC, etc, (had been oblivious to all that with DC1) and was more attuned to wanting the pushing part to be short. The midwife ended up breaking my waters to speed things up (I asked her to) and I pushed maybe 4 times with DC2. It hurt a lot more, but he was out and safe faster.

However the damage had been done with DC1. My pelvic floor is shot! She's fine though.

With my first child I took 15 mintues and I tore nastily.

I had a two minute second stage with my second child. I didn't push at all. I think that directed pushing increases stress on the mother and increases the chances of tearing.

I think that good positiong of the baby inside the mother as well as the birth position chosen by the mother helps to have a good second stage. Sitting over a toilet can bring the head down quickly, but there is a strong risk of major tearing. I like supported kneeling to give birth.

Prehaps choosing the best birthing position to avoid tearing is sometime that should be researched. I feel its sad that choosing an epidural forces women on to their backs.

I was so tired with DC1 it was harder to push, actual labour was shorter with my others.

No because I was terrified of tearing again. Baby Goo fell out though. I hald her in for 2 minutes while I waited for DH to run and get my notes out of the car.

DC1 was back to back and had his hand to his face. I do agree that I could probably have pushed harder to get him out quicker but god knows how badly I would have torn then.

oh, and with DC2 there was no tearing. :)

I had 2.5 hour second stage with my first. And I still tore . My second stage with DS was 6 minutes. I tore again but no worse than I did the first time. I had a birthing stool for DS and thought it was great. I barely pushed at all (midwife reckoned I "breathed" him out ). Both babies were 10lb ish