Quick straw poll - second labour quicker than first?

[Balsam]

My first labour was reasonably fast for a first timer (six hours of gradually increasing contractions, waters broke, delivery four hours later) and I'm a bit worried number two is going to come flying out before I can get to the hospital.

I know we're told second (and subsequent) labours are quicker but wondered if MNetters experience reflects that?

My first took 5 hours from first contractions to birth. She was born 2 days after her due date.
My second took one hour from first contractions to birth. He was born at 34 weeks.

They usually say that second and subsequent births are quicker, so long as the gap between the babies is less than 5 years. In that time, the woman's body recovers its pre-birth state to a certain extent and labour takes longer again.

Absolutely. First was 17 hours, second was 6. Heres hoping no 3 will pop out in half an hour...

I'm also wondering this... my first was only just over 4 hours total. Dreaming of DC2 suddenly popping out in the bath without a twinge

Agghhhh! Have just read RuthChan's post properly - so long as the gap is less than 5 years! My gap will be 6 years. Does this mean I'm back to a super long labour?!

expectingno3; not necessarily, but there's a reasonable chance that it will be more similar to your first than your second...

yes!

no first labour 3 hours (though waters went before)
second labour 5 hours. Baby much bigger, and waters didn't go until 20 mins before he popped out.
3rdlabour 3 hours -very easy, she was rather small and DS had carved the way.

Oh blimey. Thats really depressed me! Was hoping to re-create dd2's fab speedy birth experience.

DS1 12 hours (though I was induced)
DS2 5 hours.

Only 16 months between so maybe that supports RuthChan's theory