Positive third birth stories for a very nervous mum

[dudley56]

12 weeks preg with our 3rd. Very much planned and wanted, but all of a sudden feeling very nervous about the birth. From what I have read so far, this is common? But I was hoping some of you would take the time to share your third birth stories, that I could revisit when the nerves take over. Worried, I couldnt be so lucky third time? Or baby might be bigger and something bad might happen? Are all third labours longer? More difficult? Is there any commonalities between births?

1st pregnancy: 7 hours from spontaneous waters to baby. 9lbs 1oz baby. 2nd degree tear & ventouse. Only g&air. But an incredibly positive experience.
2nd pregnancy: 4 hours from spontaneous waters to baby. Again 9lbs 1 oz. 2nd degree tear only g&air. Water birth and an even more incredibly positive experience.

My third was a dream... the birth I had wanted all along. DC1 was back to back, excruciatingly painful, 23ish hours ending in instrumental delivery, DC2 was in such a hurry I delivered in triage and was sent home 6 hours later... DC3 was nice and quick (about 8 hours from water breaking to delivery) the lovely, uncomplicated water birth I had always hoped for. I only wish all 3 had been like that!

My third was the fastest, easiest and quickest recovery but he was my biggest at 7lbs 14oz. Others I know the third was a faster labour and quicker delivery

I was induced with all three as I had two sets of waters (didnt know this was a thing until after giving birth) you know what you are doing so keep this in mind and relax through it

Also to add... unlike the first two who were both over a week late, DC3 showed up two weeks early and was still the biggest of the 3!

How did it go? ❤️ Expecting my third in 2 months.

DC3 was my quickest by far, 3 hours from first pain to delivery. No tears and a very quick recovery (and he was exactly 10lb so not a small baby!).

Ah, only seeing now this is a zombie thread! Hope it went well, OP

A little faster but much the same and my body didn’t hurt as much after. Think my cervix though here we go again and gave up!

I was so worried and anxious with my third the midwife thought I was a first timer. As soon as they agreed my early epidural all the fear went away and the birth was textbook - laughing, relaxed, chilled. Had a bath and a 6 hour discharge. Home in my own bed with baby that night.

Do advocate for an early epidural (not panicky last resort stuff). Don’t bother with all this grunting twig between the teeth bullshit. It’s just a much easier and nicer way to bring baby into the world.

Oops too late! Zombie.