Is second labour always quicker than the first?

[rightlittlered]

I am expecting again and was induced at 38 weeks with our first dd due to growth problems. My obstetrician has said that if things continue on the right track, I'll be allowed to go into labour spontaneously (which I'm actually really excited about) BUT we have just moved 3.5 hours away from family and do not have any friends here to watch DD so we're having to keep family members on standby to travel up to watch her while I'm in labour. My main concern is that 3.5 hours might not be long enough for anyone to get here and I'll end up delivering on the living room floor... which I'm petrified about!

I know that people have very different birthing experiences but I was just wondering whether anyone would like to share their labour timings? From contractions starting to baby arriving?

First less than two hours, first contraction to birth, baby in a good position. Second took nearly four hours, if you go from first contraction. Baby was back to back with hand on head, so took much longer.

First 7 hours from first twinge, 2nd 40 mins. Luckily was in hospital for a growth scan anyway, but partner didn't make it (didn't even have time to phone and tell him things had started) and made it to delivery suite 30 seconds before she fell out. They had examined me before the scan and cervix was apparently posterior, closed and not favourable less than an hour before she was born. Think they set it all off.

I hope 2nd babies are quicker! I was induced with ds 15 days overdue, 47hours of labour later and had to have emcs 😔dreading this time around x

First baby around 15 hours from waking up with "twinges" to birth. Second baby again woke up with twinges got to hospital for midday in full labour and he popped out 3 hours later.

I had to wait 2 hours for my mum to come down on the train the second time and it was quite stressful so if there's any other way I'd advise you to plan for it.

Good luck