Do second-borns tend to arrive earlier than first-borns?

[mistressploppy]

We're thinking about trying for DC2 but don't want it to arrive in Dec/Jan because of DH's work (I know...I know...you can't control everything )

So really, now should be ok (if I got pg straight away, it would be due mid Feb)

HOWEVER - DS1 was born 4 weeks early, after a very speedy labour (45min ) the MW said that if we had a second it was likely to be earlier and speedier still!

Was she right?

Not in my case.

DD1 was born at 39wks
DD2 was born at 41wks
DS was born at 42wks

had DS at 36 wks, currently 37 with DC2

My case ds1 nearly 2 weeks late.
ds2 1 month early, much faster delivery.

I know for friends their second has been a speedier birth but no earlier.

Not in my case

DS born at 38+3
DD born at 40+4

Actual birth process was quicker with DD although not much difference in terms of time from first painful contraction to birth.

Both of mine 2 weeks late, both came naturally, 1st 13 hour labour, 2nd 3 hours.

DD1 was born at 40+4
DD2 was born at 39+6 so it was true in my case.
Have to say that DD2 shot out in an hour and a half of " proper labour " too, Im not counting the aches and pains of labour that i did at home.

Am currently 30 weeks with DC3 so who knows ?? Am hoping its early and even quicker !!