Has anyone had a second labour be longer/worse than the first ?

[FoghornLeghorn]

Just wondered really.

Am kind of taking it for granted that because this will be my second labour/birth that it should be easier and quicker than it was with DD but knowing my luck it will be even worse.

bit longer, much easier

Mine were both 2 and a hlaf hours long from start to finish, tho the midwife told me that my 2nd should have been out in 20 minutes (but I am just v crap at pushing).

2nd slightly more painful as he came out with his hand next to his head (bless!), but no stitches etc with either, and only a bit of G&A on the first.

So, both on par with each other IME.

(. . . . .that doesn't really help!)

Well there's 2 posts that have proved my theory wrong already ! ARRGGGGG was really hoping this one would be a piece of piss.

I expected 2nd to be easier and quicker. It was still 13 hours from start to finish, 1st was 19 hours so bit quicker but not what you'd describe as quick. Pushing her out was easier - I listened to the fab midwife, it only took about 10ish mins and no stitches.

But the contractions hurt just as much!

My mums 4th was her longest and worst!

D'ya really wanna know?

First - 15 1/2 hours start to finish... 5 1/2 hrs "established". Basically about 10 hours of contractions but sod all happening, then the last bit went intense quickly, baby out with not too much pushing.

Second - 25 1/2 hours start to finish . Again, only about 5 1/2 hours of "established" and DS pretty much fell out without much pushing , but the 20 hours of contractions that weren't doing much was exhausting.

If I could have the first labour as a homebirth, it would be ideal!

My second was shorter (seven hours, the first was 12 hours), but a lot harder because the baby was lying back to back. Fortunately I had two great midwives who knew how to get the baby out with minmal intervention.

Message withdrawn

mine seemed to get easier each time, knowing my luck, this one will be my worst lol

good luck anyway

hugs chelle

Mine was a bit longer 2nd time round, but sooo much easier! (BUT possibly only longer because I recognised the signs almost straight away, whereas with the first one ...)

had DS two weeks ago and the birth was longer than my first but better. Had a very quick induction with DD and the recovery was a nightmare as was so battered from the fast delivery. Have recovered much quicker after the longer second labour, which all in all was a great experience.
Good luck!

Dear Foghornleghorn,

I'm no midwife, but it strikes me that this is a post I would be much more likely to read/respond to if I had a 2nd labour that was longer/harder than the first. ALL the people I know had a quicker second one adn easier (in the sense that they weren't as scared, knew how to cope, rather than just not painful!), so PLEASE don't get stressed reading all the responses where the second one was worse. It might be, but I really think probability is on your side! Good luck!

Great post Minicomm.

well, with my first it was faster, more painful contraction etc.(first twinges midnight, es born 9.15ish that morning)...and slower but much less painful the 2. time round, and the Birth was wonderful, even though I was a long time in labour (first twinges on 1. Nov02 midday and ds2 born on 2. November 4.50pm....so about 29 h all in all, BUT honestly it was a wonderful experience as I wasn't in as much pain and my body just moved slow throuhg the motions )

are you sure you want know, mine both dreadful, and second ended in emergency section and hysterectomy - well you did ask....

I know my mother in law did -

My fiance was her first and she had a really easy labour with him - not that painful and only 7 hours long. He "flew out" as she put it.

With his brother (her second) she was in back labour for 4 days (he was posterior) and eventually he had to be pulled out with forceps. He has always been the awkward one.

Quicker and easier but worse in that baby and I were in trouble. All okay now though.

DS1 was induced and quite quick, under 12 hours whichever point you take it from. DS2 was (whispers quietly) 44 hours, posterior labour got stuck. HOWEVER it wasn't at all painful as labours go, was treated with exercise and aromatherapy and by far the most pleasant of my labours. (I have 3, ds3 was 5 hours but OUCH!)

1st labour - took 3 hours but very, intense, very scarry and very painful

2nd labour - 7 hours but much calmer and as it was slower contractions less intense adn I was more confident.

I think the fact that you have been there before takes a lots of the scary stress away - so don't go getting yourself all scared and stressed!!

I was induced for both so had epidural for both -dont do pain, however epidural didn't work with 2nd labour and was in pain for a few hrs till epidural was fixed. 2nd was quicker however dd delivered with hand next to head so had many stitches -oouucccchhh!