second time round - differences?

[pamelat]

Hello, am due in 2 days with DS.

Had DD 2.4 years ago. She was back to back, labour was 30 something hours, very painful, long, slow and had epiduarl 3 hours before she was born.

DS was breech until a week ago when I had an ECV to turn him. He is not yet engaged but apparently second time round this is fairly normal?

I have been feeling sick/grumpy/tired for 4 days and at night I am getting cramps, like period pains. I don't remember any of that with DD, but then I used to rest more

I have read something online that these cramps are actually your cervix dilating (?) getting you ready for labour because it knows what to expect, and labour will then be easier/quicker and you have had a few days to get used to some minor pain.

I wonder whether I am living in a dream world !??!

I am due in 8 days, 3rd baby and feeling very much the same as you are. Baby keeps bobbing up and down in my pelvis, being woken up by cramps in the night and gone through 2 days of being irritable, one day of being emotional and today am restless.

I am also bargaining on it being down to having a baby just over 2 years ago and that labour will be soon, quicker and easier!

obviously I don't know if it's true or not, but just wanted to show some solidarity for living in a dream world where neccessary!

Ditto Pamelat/Nubbins!

Due in 4 days DC3, feel pre menstrual/hormonal/irritible wreck, cramps etc!

Also got DS2 aged 2 went 9 days over quick but very intense labour, so hopping on your 'dream world bus' that this time will be spontaneous,on time,easy labour!

Feeling very 'zoned out' today, just want to sleep?!?

I slept through most of my contractions with DS2 - yes really! When I woke up I was at the wanting to push stage.

He was born within 3 hours.

So if there is one piece of advice I'm glad I listened to: number 2 doesn't take as long so get yourself to hospital!