Practical tips for labour 2nd time around (especially if your 1st labour was fast!)

[PervyMuskrat]

My labour with DC1 was just over 4 hours from first contraction to birth with no prior niggles
, other than waters breaking 1 hour before contractions started. I'm now 6m pregnant with DC2 and starting to panic about going into labour this time around as the received wisdom seems to be that it's faster the 2nd time around. I also think the first labour would have been even shorter if I had changed positions.

I've considered a home birth but would prefer to give birth in hospital if possible. We only live 2 miles from the hospital, but it can take up to an hour to get there in rush hour so I'm also worrying about giving birth in the car but more so that I'll have to do it without decent pain relief

Can anyone give me some useful pointers as to what they did on a practical level the second time around, especially if time is of the essence? We also have to factor in finding childcare for DC1 if I go into labour in the evening/night or DH getting home from work if it happens in the daytime. I don't mind giving birth on my own if I have to, but would prefer DH to be there if possible.

Thanks!

My first labour was about 3 hours. 2nd just over 1 hour. I was very fortunate to be induced (for a couple minor concerns) and be in hospital when I went into labour.

My plan otherwise was phone DH at slightest niggle, stick peppa pig on loop and worst case scenario I have 2 neighbours that are nurses! Oh, and phone ambulance!

Watching with interest. my first labour was 4.5 hours. 17weeks pregnant at the mo. My PIL live 20 mins away, the hospital is another 20 mins away (when roads are quiet) my husband works an hour away...just a bit concerned that it won't work out time wise.

Plan b definitely involves calling an ambulance if I think there's any real danger of giving birth in the car or if I'm completely on my own!

watching this one - I had a 4.5 hour labour with DD an I'm 24 weeks pregnant planning another home birth so more worried about DH and Midwife getting here on time and arranging childcare than getting to hospital. But also worried about having a much longer labour this time. I know I can do 4.5 hours but not so sure if I can do 10?

You're sensible to be looking into this now.

Firstly, childcare. Get a list of everyone you know who could look after DC1, starting with people who live close. Make it a long list and then you can work down it in order as soon as your waters go (if your waters go!). Give your keys to lots of people and have a bag packed if DC1 will need to stay with someone overnight.

Secondly, pay attention to your body. Stuff like throwing up, cramps, generally feeling dreadful- this is likely to be labour so pay attention and no soldiering on! Get DH on the phone pronto!

Thirdly, the stop position. Hands and knees with your bum in the air. Slows things down. And get DH to read the chapter in the book about how to deliver a baby at home- he might not need it, but all the best if he has read it. It's the simple stuff like don't yank baby out, keep baby warm etc.

I gave birth very quickly with DC2, 20 mins after getting to hospital and without pain relief. It wasn't the greatest but not terrible either, honest . Better than a 74 hour labour marathon, anyways...

We live 20 mins drive from the maternity ward I was due to give birth at for DC2 (almost an hour away from the nearest hospital). DC1 labour was 1hr 9mins (though two Eve's of false starts).

We had to consider the risks associated with choosing mw led unit over a hospital as first birth was assisted (forceps after baby's heartrate dropped). The consultant who delivered DC1 confirmed low risk of repeat so we were happier on balance to go for nearest place.

Both DH & I read up on homebirthing but decided mw unit would be first choice. MW recommended coming in st first contractions (pre-labour) as she knew about first fast delivery.

We left when contractions were every 10mins & uncomfy. I was 3cm when we arrived. DC2 was born 57 mins later.

Next time a homebirth I think.

I'd have the chat with your consultant/mw & remind them when you call or/and arrive in labour that you have experienced a quick labour for DC1.

My first labour was sloooow. But I left it too late to go to hospital and travelled in transition (wouldn't recommend). Second time round I left really early (I thought) and got to hospital at 4cm. My first stage was about the same but he crowned before I realised he was coming. So pushing stage was six minutes. That was the scary fast bit. So I would say go ages before you think you need to and just hang out at the hospital. I had my MiL look after DC1 as best friend was unavailable and DSis was away. Which sucked, I wish I had made more of an effort to find friends who would come :( took us ages to prise MiL out of the house afterwards, she brought two suitcases of clothes!

Thanks for the tips! Starting to calm down a little now

Hi my 1st birth was 1.5 hrs from 7cm at arrival at mw unit in hospital. So I choose to have a home birth with 2nd baby who was born quickly too about 2 hrs from waters going to birth. Intense with no pain relief as midwife said " u won't have baby for a few hours yet " 15 mins later I needed to push & 5 mins later 2nd midwife arrived as baby was being born. Now 34 wks with 3rd going to homebirth hope it's fast too ! I'm further from hospital & also hubby works away !as in 5 hrs commute !!! It's Gonna b fun !! Thankfully my mum is 5 mins away !!! Good luck girls !!! Xxxx