If you've given birth at least twice, how long did each take? Was the second much faster?

[NameChange30]

I've heard that childbirth usually takes longer the first time. I've been trying to find stats about it but the only thing I could find is that on average the first time is 8 hours and subsequent times it's 5 hours. That seems short to me but I think it is only counted as "active labour" from 4cm dilation... so you could be in early labour for hours before getting to 4cm and the official count starts.

Anyway if you have given birth at least twice please could you tell me how long it took from start to finish each time?

With DC1 it was about 10 hours from the very first twinge to his birth, I have no idea at what point I was 4cm though. I am pregnant with DC2 and wondering how fast it might be this time...

From first twinge to holding baby

DC1 14 hours (ventouse)

DC2 68 minutes - didn't make it to hospital

@NameChange30 my whole labour was 3 hours. But revised labour was 1hour 6.

DH made me go to the hospital straight away. I wanted to stay at home and shower and listen to music and be all woo.

I'm so glad I listened. He does seem to have a sixth sense about stuff like that.

Interesting what a range there is...

@Verily1 I think you win the thread for fastest labour at 20 minutes! You must have given birth at home?!

I am wondering about planning for a home birth just in case it's really quick. Could always go in if there's time.

My first established labour was 16 hours, but had been in the latent phase for what felt like days before that and had niggled for days before that even!

Second I was in established labour for less than an hour with a 6 minute second stage.

Third was similar to second, had a planned home birth.

Fourth was a bit longer, 4 hours established labour as she was back to back but had her out in 3 pushes.

From 1st pain..
1st, 20 minutes spontaneous
2nd, 2hr 40 spontaneous
3rd, 4hr spontaneous
4th, 11 minutes induction

I have 3.

DC1 first twinge to delivery 5 hours
DC2 first twinge to delivery 1 hour and born in hospital corridor
DC3 waters broke so went straight to hospital despite no contractions. They started 3 hours later and baby born within an hour.

My first labour was 12 hrs
2nd was 45 mins

DD1 - 8 hours from twinge to delivery
DD2 - 4 hours from twinge to delivery

MrsJosh
Half the time then, like tiredanddangerous's midwife said!

From first twinge to delivery:
DC1 21 hours
DC2 12 hours
DC3 5 hours

I am wondering about planning for a home birth just in case it's really quick. Could always go in if there's time
This is what I have done. First birth was around 4 hours. I have opted for a home birth this time but you can always change your mind if you go into hospital. Much better to be prepared for the eventuality than having an accidental home birth.

RhymingRabbit
Those were my thoughts exactly.
My first birth was longer than yours but some of the stories about reasonably average length first labours followed by lightning speed second labour have made me a bit nervous!
I would go for a home birth full stop but have a slightly higher risk of shoulder dystocia which means I would feel more comfortable in the MLU (which is in the hospital building)... but would obviously prefer a planned home birth to an unplanned one!

1st 48 hrs
2nd 30 mins

DC1 16 hours. (Pushing for 2 hours before ventouse)
DC2 30 minutes. (Pushing for 10 seconds)
DC3 5 hours (pushing for 1 minute)

Active labour:

1. 6.5 hrs 7lb 6
2. 2.5 hrs 5lb 15

First birth was about 12 hours from waters breaking to being born.
Second was about 8 hours from waters breaking, but was only in pain for last hour and a half, so stayed home and then dashed to hospital.. just in time!!
It was easier second time too.

Yes, second much faster but was induced that time. I preferred the long and less painful first one! Difference in labours: 40+ hours for first, 35 mins second

Ds1 56 hours
Ds2 8 hours, despite being considerably bigger

Dc1: waters went spontaneously at 36+6 weeks about 10pm,l.
Contractions started about 30 mins later. Delivered about 2 hours after that.

Dc2: waters went spontaneously at 36+6 weeks about 11.30pm.
Contractions started about 10 mins later. Delivered about 15 mins after that.

18hr
6hr
3hr would have been shorter but she had her hands in her mouth and elbows out had been pushing for an hour before they realised and pushed her arms down.

47 hours

1hr 15 mins

DC1- 7hrs
DC2- 2.5hrs

First - 27 hours
Second - 11 hours

1st 27 hours
2nd 54 mins

Dd1 2hrs 45 from "I feel odd" to baby.
Dd2 3hrs 10.

Dd2 was a homebirth because I was worried about not getting to hospital. The gas & air cannisters were the wrong type for the mouthpiece so I couldn't have any, that's what I blame for slowing me down!