Second time round

[Muddytoes1]

Hi all,

So I had a fairly straightforward birth first time round, was long and painful and had episiotomy but I recovered quickly and didn’t think much of it until now. Am 20 weeks and now have a lot more friends with kids and have read a lot more about what can go wrong particularly with regards forceps, inductions etc. I know I shouldn’t read horror stories but there are so many of them and I had no idea it could be so bad! I’ve heard second babies are usually easier but not sure this is always the case and wanting to try and write a birth plan to try and prevent the worst injuries. For example can I ask for a CS over forceps? Last time I didn’t really make a birth plan just kind of went with it and trusted them which luckily in my case worked out fine but seems this is often not the way. What else would be good to think about to make sure think about or am I overthinking the whole thing and should just roll with it again? I’m normally so chilled out, definitely need to stop reading this stuff! Thank you!

My first was traumatic, horrific. But my second virtually walked out! Labour started at 1am and baby arrived 4hrs later and I didn't make a whimper...til the midwife jabbed me with the needle for the placenta delivery and I yelped. After delivering an almost 4kg whopper baby!

Thanks quilted! That’s amazing - so quick! Was thinking I was getting myself in a stew about nothing. I was amazed how quickly I recovered last time and want to ensure it’s the same again even if painful during delivery.

Honestly, your body knows what it's doing this time. Be as relaxed as you were last time as it should stand you in good stead. My first was an episiotomy and rotational forceps with a really easy recover (given how awful the delivery was) but had none of that with my second, I did tear slightly but I put that down to neglecting my perineal massage so my only recommendation would be to give that a proper go!
Best of luck op!!

Thank you! Never did perineal massage - do you reckon it helps? To be honest i barely noticed the stitches anyway and think they dissolved after a couple of weeks. Good to know things were easier for you.

You'll be fine. Everyone I know found their second popped out practically in the car park. My total labour was under 3 hours with an 11 minute second stage.

I might be wrong but I would have thought by the time they are considering forceps it would be too late for CS, the baby would have to be fairly far down.

Hi OP, I just had my second baby - had a home birth. It was amazing. My first was traumatic.

I would highly recommend you look into hypno birthing. I bought the positive birth company digital pack. It’s about £35. Best £35 I’ve ever spent.
Good luck!