Second time birth and anxious

[Emtaboo]

Hi there
I had an assisted delivery first time with forceps. I was induced and needed oxytocin drip to kick things off. I had an epidural and spinal block (due to some moments when’s c section seemed a possibility). I must say, I didn’t feel a thing when the baby was born due to these amazing drugs. This time around, I’m hoping to avoid such invasive induction methods etc and may not need an epidural or spinal block. I’m getting anxious about my ability to cope with the pain if I don’t have a chance for an epidural? I like the idea of a water birth. Any other ladies come across this please?
Thank you

Very similar to my first birth and like you I was anxious re my 2nd. I was induced again however only required 2 pessarys, straight to 10cm and out baby came with only gas and air and a minor graze

Hiya, I had a very similar delivery to you first time. It's tough - people don't talk much about forceps deliveries, even though they're not unusual.

Obviously there are no guarantees, but I just had my second. Balloon induction kicked it off, didn't need any hormone drip. It was completely fine with a TENS machine and then gas and air. It was a relief to have a more straightforward delivery.

I personally wanted to keep an open mind. I let them know I was open to an epidural, but my first choice was gas and air - the midwives were really understanding and took me through my options.

Best of luck to you! I hope you have an easier time.

Same as you for first; had my second with no pain relief at all which wasn’t planned, but they came really quickly. Despite that, much less distressing than first time. Good luck x

I had emergency section first time round and VBAC second as I decided just to see how it went. Couldn’t have been more smooth compared to the first and I managed with gas and air as was too late for any pain relief.

Another vote for the Tens machine, also trying to follow your body's natural wants to move e.g into a different position, onto all fours etc..

My first was very similar to yours and I was induced again with my second, thought would have the same, packed my bags accordingly. Apart from them needing to give me the 'antidote' to the first pessary I just had my tens and g&a. She was examining me for pethidine but then realised no time for that, I was on antenatal still and my partner had gone home, he arrived as baby was crowning! Wasn't even in the hospital for 24 hours this time, just a couple of grazes. I went to the supermarket the next day!

Can definitely recommend water birth! For me it was better "pain relief" than gas and air. I felt completely weightless and calm after a very intense labour (from waters breaking and contractions starting to baby being here was less than 4.5 hours!).

Thank you for all your replies. It seems like most ladies have a quicker/ better time second time around. I had a sweep two days ago and my cervix was favourable, easy to reach, 2.5cm which stretched to 4cm easily by midwife. I’m in hospital waiting for an induction and after investigating, my cervix is now posterior and tightly shut, despite having quite strong (irregular) contractions. I’m baffled and so disappointed x

How are things, @Emtaboo ?

Thank you for all of your messages and experiences. I had my little girl early hours of Friday morning. To add to the thread content, I went into labour spontaneously whilst waiting for the induction, and established labour only lasted 4 hours (took 6 hours last time). However, ithe contractions part was just as painful (even more so maybe) than the first time. The first time, I had an epidural and a spinal block (c section looked likely) and my first DD needed forceps. This time, I had an epidural again, so I could feel contractions but not pain. I could push this time. I had a second degree tear too, but on the whole, very grateful that were both doing well.

Congratulations!