2nd time mums how did things compare? were you earlier? did you have longer labours?

[Chattyhan]

I'm expecting my 2nd in sept and as my first labour was only 3 1/2 hrs i'm getting a bit paranoid about making it to the hospital. Also DS was on edd and i've heard rumours this could mean i'm in for an early apperance this time? Anyone heard/experienced anything like this?

bump

my second was 10 days late, where my first had been 3 days early, but it was quicker second time round.
If you are worried about making it to the hospital you could always have a homebirth, or if you realyl don't fancy that then make sure you leave for the hospital on the first sign of labour.

1st was a week late. Second was 2 weeks late and induced.

First labour 22 hours, second about 8 hours.

Was 19 days early with dd. Waters broke, went into labour 18 hours later, 22 hour labour. 7lb2oz Ds was 2 days late, 6hour labour and nowhere near as painful until the very quick second stage (20min). Then VERY intense and a bit scary. 9lb6oz.

first induced at 2 weeks over
4h26mins
back to back

second 6 days over
1h24 mins
only just made it to hospital, was only at hospital 16mins before ds was born

i was only in hospital 20 mins first time round did anyone have a longer labour second time?

If you only just made it to hospital last time then I would really consider a homebirth this time chattyhan - I was advised to have my third at home as there was a strong possibility that I wouldn't make it to the hospital - and all the midwifes in the area were on standby for me to call on my first contraction!

i'm not that keen on idea of homebirth i like to be near doctors/ equipment in case anything goes wrong! Midwife has told me to go to hospital at first sign of labour and take ds and get someone to get him from hospital. They also said if no lift call an ambulance and that they all carry kits in their car if something happens really fast they'll come to me.

They also said that some people experience longer labours second time - trying to figure out if this is comfort talk or true?

bump

HIYA CHATTY, i was the same as you , fairly quick 1st time about 3.5 hours. 2nd time around was 2.5 hours from start to finish,much easier labour and birth even though induced. most people ive spoken with say 2nd time around is quicker and easier, even midwives have said this to me. i'd be prepared to go in at the first twinge and if i were you.if you ring the hospital first and they put you off, just present yourself at their door if you are sure you are in labour, they cannot turn you away without checking you over. i hope you have a wonderful experience when the time comes good luck.

if a home birth is out then I would go at first sign.
With ds1 I was 2.5 hours and got quicker each time!

My first was 7 days late - with a 49 hour labour. My second was 10 days over with a 3.5 hour labour.

Physically I recovered quicker after my second although it was a shock on how quick she arrived. I was told second labours are quicker but I wasn't expecting by that much!

Both 3 days late. Both born quite quickly. For the second I didn't get to the delivery room or get all my day clothes off. No time for niceties in the check in process - just start pushing.

lilymaid - that's what my first was like. I was still fully clothed when ds crowned! Thanks for all your posts still hoping someone out there had a longer second labour to put my trust in my midwifes!

first--> week early 12 hour labour
second --> 10 days late 2 hours
third--> 16 days late 10 hours

thanks calordan - interesting!

Someone on my antenatal chat said their midwife had advised them to expect early labour this time because 1st child was on edd and labour was quick. I'm still waiting for a response from them because the stats are the same as me!

1st - 2 weeks early - Laboured from Friday afternoon, ds born by c section on Sunday afternoon

2nd - 4 days late - labour 17 hours

DD1 - 15 days early, 4h 20 min labour

DD2 - 12 days late, 2h 30 min labour

DD2 was a homebirth and it was brilliant, on first examination 20 minutes after 2st contraction I was 8cms dilated but waters didn't go, head was still high this slowed things down. Once MWs broke my waters she came flying out, they said if my waters had gone it would have been under an hour. Planning a homebirth with DB3 as well.

I would say you will have another fast labor.

DS1: Induction 12 hours from oxytocin drip to birth went from 4-10 cm in 45 minutes.

DS2: go to hospital at 7am because of bright red bloody show. 8:30am 1 cm, 10am 3 cm, 12:30 7cm, 1:25 ds was born.

um ds1 was induced, a three day nightmare labour!!

ds2 refused to be induced so he was nearly 3 wks late!! but labour was only 7 hrs and all natural.

ds3 again refused to be induced so he was also nearly 3 wks late, labour was 3hrs, it was my best labour, most of it in the bath then kneeled and squatted for the final bit with a bit of gas and air

hoping to have no 4 at home

dd and ds were both 5 days early and 12 hrs from start to finish, 7-8hrs active labour. so about the same really.

although with dd, i was pushing for an hour, with ds, he was out in 3 pushes

MKG - my feelings are that it will be fast again/if not faster! Thanks for the posts - i'll prepare myself!