Are second/third labours faster?

[Potteryprincess30]

Just that really, though I'd like to add 'easier' (she hopes!)

I know anything is possible and to try and be prepared for any birth plan to go out of the window, but was interested to know other women's experiences of subsequent labours after that first bundle of joy

Was it faster? did the baby arrive earlier/later? if you did/didn't tear did this repeat the next time ?

I say 2 hours with DC3, that was from the very first twinge. I wasn't sure I was in labour until 40 mins before he was born

Yes! Second was v speedy.

DD1: 36 hours of contractions at home, 7 hours in hospital, finally DD born after an hour of pushing.

4 years 3 months later (I thought my body might have forgotten what to do, but no)

DD2: waters 0545, contracting started 0645 born in water 0945 and DD1 has only been picked up from hospital by a friend at 0845 as we thought we'd be there for hours!

If it's child 2, get to hospital as soon as things start!!!!!!

DC1 - 36hrs Was 11 Days early and baby was 6lb 9oz. Had Gas & Air, Pethidine & Epidual. Ended with a Ventouse Delivery, Cut, Tear and stitches. Tested positive for Group Strep B so in hospital a week altogether, was horrendous experience.

DC2 - 3hrs 4 Days early and 9lb. Only had Gas & Air, no tears or cuts. I delivered baby 1.40pm and drove myself home from hospital at 4pm

Difference for me was that I downloaded a hypnobirthing app for DC2, it worked so well, I coped much better and felt like my body did it all for me, whereas with DC1 I genuinely thought I was going to die!

@ladybirdsaredotty your second and third were super speedy that's for sure! I am definitely thinking of not waiting half as long to head to the maternity unit this time round. I am doing my hospital bag tomorrow as also think its time now I am reaching 36 weeks and may not have much time while in labour to gather things like last time

@Rodent01 noted! oh my god its going to be so much faster isn't is I am so pleased that I posted here to hear your birth stories.

@pickledhegg11 that first labour does sound pretty harrowing. I am so pleased your second was, not only faster and much less intrusive and painful, but also a totally different experience all round for you. You must have been expecting a much longer more difficult birth and to come away behind the wheel of your car a few hours later and back in time for tea, that's fantastic

First was 12 hours. Prepped for a emcs but delivered by forceps!

2nd 5 hours. Delivered 'normally' but had a big bleed afterwards x

Good plan OP, I'd err on the side of caution when it comes to heading into hospital! Although with DC3 I was actually really relaxed about it all as, as I said, I wasn't convinced I was actually in labour Midwife on phone said I'd better go in as my second was so fast. Good job she did!

Ah good luck, such an exciting time!

Both 12 hours, first had a 3 hour pushing stage and ended with ventouse and episiotomy. Second had a longer early stage (lots of walking round corridors) but pushing was 20 mins and had 2nd degree tear which healed no problem. The second time was more intense as an experience but recovery was much quicker

@ladybirdsaredotty thanks for the encouragement and best wishes to you too

Will definitely not rest on my laurels like last time and I am on high alert for signs of labour this time too especially after all these second babies arriving in over half the time of the first!

Yes I would say they are! For me, first labour - 42 hours of back to back labour. Excruciating and lots of stitches. Second labour - twins born naturally in 2 hours with no pain relief. No comparison.

Thanks OP

Dd1 = 33 hours from first contraction to baby. Was utterly exhausted. Meptid x 2, + epidural.

Dd2 = 4 hours from first contraction to baby. Was home in my own bed 2 hours later. Only has & air because it all went too fast for epi.

Can't imagine what a dd3 would have been like. 20 min labour before taking her on the school run? (there is no dd3 planned...)

Both of mine were one week "late".

astoundedgoat I was genuinely worried about giving birth ON the school run!!

Ds1 (18), 3 hours, vaginal delivery, gas and air

Ds2 (14), 1 hour 40 minutes, vaginal delivery, gas and air

Oh and ds1 was 3 weeks early and ds2 was 2 weeks early!

@Snowysky20009 oh my god that second labour less time then watching a movie, that is so fast! What a crazy day that must have been for you

2nd labour four times as long. Lasted two days.

DC1 - 28 hours
DC2 and DC3 - both 3.5 hours

First was 24 hours from first contractions (12 hours active labour). Labour was back to back and stalled at 8cm so ended up having the drip to kick start it. Got the baby out just before they were going to send me for forceps.

Second was 16 hours from first contractions (5 hours active). It was much more painful than the 1st, I had hyperstimulation so constantly contracted for the 5 hours. I was lucky to get the baby out before they intervened again as the baby was in distress.

Both were born at 39 weeks and I didn't tear either time, they were only 18 months apart. I would like another but I'm convinced my birthing luck might run out!

They wasn't for me but I do have a problem dilating
1 was 47 hours ending in episiotomy and ventouse
2 was 16 hours 3rd degree tear
3rd was 14 hours ending in a section after 3 attempts at forceps and hours of the midwife telling me it's your third u can do it, still bloody hate her ds was stuck and dislocating his shoulder was talked about.
I am really small though an I do think that's why I have these problems

1st - 9 hour spontaneous labour @ 41+1

2nd - 7 hour induced labour @ 38+3

Yes!
Labour one 36 hours.
Labour two 6 hours from first twinge to DD arriving, 6 minute second stage, 3 pushes, she shot out like a guided missile!
Labour three 8 hours, much more controlled, felt like I was completely in control.
22 months between labours one and two almost 3 years between labour two and three. Thank goodness DH talked me out of having a second bath at home during my second labour. DD would definitely have been born at home!