Did your contractions feel differently during the second birth?

[Nuttyaboutnutella]

I'm due my second baby in the next few weeks. With my first, my waters starting leaking a little, midwife came to examine me and gave me an examination/sweep, started with backache then proper contractions started an hour or so later. My son was born about 6 hours later, with a very quick active stage/delivery.

I was told they'd feel like period pains but it didn't feel like that at all to me. I was expecting it around the actual bump, but all the pain seemed to be in my lower stomach/pelvic area.

Ive recently been told by several people that contractions feel differently to your first. Is this true? What was your experience?

I know every pregnancy/birth is different but as I had a quick first birth, I'm anxious this time around and have been looking out for any signs similar to last time.

Did your contractions feel differently for second labour?

With my dd my early contractions felt like period pain and lasted like that for ages. I also felt sick but when my labour properly started the contractions became more consistent. With my ds my labour started with proper contractions. No period pain or sickness just contractions. They were on and off all day and only got really painful for about an hour before I gave birth. Good luck with everything!

Purely anecdotal, but mine felt much the same - like hellish period cramps. Good luck.

They felt the same to me, like a horrendously upset stomach rather than period pains.

Nope both back labours, both horrifically painful. Although DC2's actual delivery when pushing was easier as though my body knew what to do and it was calmer as I was as in the pool at the MLU.