Are subsequent labours more painful than the first?

[kkllww]

Several friends & colleagues with 2 kids have told me that while their 2nd labours tended to be quicker, they were a lot more painful. Is this true? This is making me a bit apprehensive! :/

Much much shorter (5.5 hours compared with 29.5) and much more intense at the end - I was more or less plodding along until 10.40pm and then WHOA!!! He was born at 11.13pm

I vastly prefer short and intense to long, drawn-out and boring though, because at least you don't have time to be exhausted!

Labour with DD2 was more painful than with DD1. The pain was all in the tops of my legs which felt bizarre. But delivery was way easier. 4 minutes from waters breaking to arrival! I had no hand, act or part in it. Just lay on my side and out she came in three surges (wouldn't even call them pushes). The midwife was a bit surprised! Like plump I'd more or less plodded along and then it all went a bit quick.

DD1 on the other hand was 35 minutes of pushing, third degree tear (she was born with her hand up beside her head), pph, the works. Bit depressing to deliver on gas and air and still end up in theatre with a spinal to get sewn up. That was annoying.

Not sure if more painful, probably similar but shorter and more straightforward. I think the third was more painful as back to back but quick vuan te least stitches so better in general!

Not for me, second labour was much faster, no pain relief and I felt totally in control.

It was like my body knew what it was doing this time, and I knew enough to listen to it.

My second labour was easy. My first was a nightmare.

In my experience 2nd labour was easier, calmer and empowering. I knew everything that was going on, stayed totally in control. Yes it was very painful and Ds2 was 10 lb 3 oz but it was all much better.

I think just knowing you can do it makes it less scary and you will know the pain has a purpose.

third degree tear (she was born with her hand up beside her head), pph, the works

Middling, snap! Right down to the spinal!

I actually welcomed the opportunity to be numb from the waist down for a few hours

Fair point Plump. was probably good to have the sting taken out of it for a little while. As she was my first I thought the next three weeks were normal and just got on with it.

I remember when DD2 was five days old dancing around the living room with DD1 in my arms and thinking "oooohhhhh, THIS is what you're supposed to feel like after five days - not crawling up the stairs and wincing when you sit!" Revelation!

Second much faster and less painful.

Middling yes, I remember that bit

DS2 did also shoot out but I 'only' had a second degree tear with him. Stitches did get infected 2nd time around though

No. According to everyone I know and ime second & subsequent labours are easier quicker and less painful.