Congratulations OP, and not long to go now. I have had four live births and the only thing I can say is none of them were the same at all. I will try and answer your questions though.
DS1
When did you go into labour? A week late, at 2.30 in the morning, woken suddenly, and fully sure I was in labour (5 mins apart) Had a sweep a day or so earlier. How long was your labour? 10 hours, but it wasn't great. Gas n Air, then I think pethidine, then epidural, baby too big to get out, then ventouse, forceps, then born (doctors had leg up on table to get leverage). 10lbs 2oz. How was it compared to your first? Was my second labour as first was stillborn at 24 weeks, but first "proper" labour. How was the recovery? OK ish, in hospital a few days, bad tears, fissures, emotional, hungry baby.
DD1 ( year later)
When did you go into labour? Nearly two weeks late, had a sweep a day or so earlier. Had a "bit of a tummy ache" in the morning but decided it might have been something I had eaten, went the loo, and carried on with my jobs (which was desperately trying to get new baby's room ready whilst looking after a one year old). Did not think I was in labour, until I suddenly DID realise as I was having to stop every minute or so because I had more "tummy ache". I cannot, even now, believe I was so ridiculously stupid over this. Massive rush into hospital. Contractions in corridor, hopped on bed, 9cm dilated. How long was your labour? Longer than it should have been, I ended up getting an epidural as the anaesthetist was passing by and I knew how much comfort it gave me first time round so I opted for it, where a few sniffs of gas an air would have done the trick within minutes. A peaceful hour or so she was born, 9lbs 2oz, my smallest How was it compared to your first? Much better. How was the recovery? Fine, out of there within 24 hours.
DD2 - Late again (2 weeks), and I was super keen to be induced and went in for an uncomfortable night before, then, the next morning, after the pessaries, continuous agony the next morning where nobody would believe I was in labour. No pain relief apart from a bit of gas and air at the end. No admittance to labour ward until an hour before she was born at 9lbs 13oz.
DS2 - Lying badly in womb on side at 36 weeks, and after nearly losing him at 15 weeks, so admitted to hospital due to "quick labours". Eventually turned and got head down, so induced at 37 weeks. Induction as horrible and painful as I remembered it last time. Took an epidural though, and took my time. Born after 6 hours, 3 weeks early and over 9lbs despite not being fully ready for the world (covered in vernix, and some almost premie baby issues). If I had my time again I would a) not be induced unless there was some medical reason, b) I would learn to use gas and air better, although I am not ashamed of the epidurals c) cutting is better than tearing. d) hospital is a good thing, esp for your first. but it is quite lonely, I was glad to come home. I hope all this helps, I know it is a long post xx