VBAC - how does your body 'know' different from 1st labour?

[stripeybumpsmum]

Hello,

False alarm at 38+1 last night as thought I was loosing fluid (reduced fluid contributed to induction of first pregnancy 41+4). As 'term' MW tried sweep but nothing doing. But she did say dilitation etc would be different in second and subsequent labours. OK, but with DS1 never got beyond 1 cm dilation before ECS for distress. So vaginal route not really tested as such.

So will this labour (when it finally happens arrrrgggggg) be more like a typical first labour or might I get away with having had at least a sort of practice run first time?

Ta

Hiya

I think each labour is different anyway, so you have to just trust your body and let it get on with the job, iykwim.

I had an elective section first time (for medical reasons) and was never in labour so my VBAC was definitely a first labour. However, it went really smoothly: waters broke about midnight, contractions started abuout 1.00 a.m., hospital at about 6.00 a.m., fully dilated by 8.00, baby born by 10.00. The second stage was a bit long (more likely to be long if you haven't given birth before) but otherwise it was all very manageable and really quite quick. I had no pain relief except TENS at home and a big bath at the hospital. Good luck.

My first baby was delivered by emergency section at 38 weeks and I was 1cm. The print out looked like I was in labour but I felt nothing.

Baby number 2 was born 4o + 6 naturally. Contractions started at 9.30pm. Waters broke at 5.55pm. Baby born 9.25pm. (Had retained placenta.)

Baby number 2 born 10 days early. Contractions started at 9.30pm. Examined at 6am. 1cm. Waters went at 10am. Baby born at 10.15am after 7 minutes of pushing. Home by 4pm.

Not sure how that would help but thought I would post anyway.

Baby number 3 born 10 days early

hi Stripeybumpamum, after 1cm your body is doing it for the first time. But remember that every labour is different as is every baby!

Your body does know what to do if left to it's own devices. You were induced before so your body did not get to labour naturally. This time if you get to start labour spontaneously you should find that it goes pretty smoothly.

Best wishes! I hope that you can make informed decisions and have a fabulous VBAC.