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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

if i had a three hour labour with my first born...

61 replies

twolittlepenguins · 25/04/2015 21:50

what should i expect for this pregnancy? is it true that 2nd labours are quicker?? or are they completely different? i'm not sure if this is a wife's tale or not (i'm scared).

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slushie · 25/04/2015 21:52

Not always true. My first labour was 5hrs and my second was about 17hrs.

ThinkIveBeenHacked · 25/04/2015 21:54

I think generally the rule is labour #2 is half the length of labour #1. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule.

DC1 - 24 hrs. DC2 - 4 hours (with only 22 mins as active labour).

Twitterqueen · 25/04/2015 21:55

Everyone and every labour is different. HOWEVER. My first labour lasted over 2 days and nights. 2nd time around I faffed around a lot and only just made it to hospital - total time 4.5 hours.

Friend's 2nd labour lasted half an hour - she gave birth on the bathroom floor. You do need to be prepared for a very quick labour! But hey - there's nothing wrong or dangerous in that - many, many women would be envious. Good luck. Don't worry about it. What will be will be. Nothing you can do will change it!

Original poster

twolittlepenguins · 25/04/2015 21:55

slushie that is VERY reassuring.

hacked i don't like the sound of that rule lol. but thank you!

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Birdiegirl · 25/04/2015 21:55

My mother had a 3 hour labour with me (her first) and my younger brother was born in about 7 minutes from first pain to final push! So watch out OP

Original poster

twolittlepenguins · 25/04/2015 21:56

twitter HALF AN HOUR!! i think it sounds like i need to prepare myself for the worst..

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Original poster

twolittlepenguins · 25/04/2015 21:57

birdie right i think this is what i needed to hear- i think i seriously need to plan for what may happen at home (nightmare..)

thank you

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Runnaway · 25/04/2015 21:58

My first was 3 hours and second was less than two, but really only about 45 minutes of really being in pain, then two pushes and a baby in my arms. Lots of my friends were envious of my fast labours, but it really is quite shocking to give birth that fast and I could not stop shaking after!! Mind you I would not swap for 48 hours.

kiplingcakes · 25/04/2015 21:58

No not always true as had a 2hr 24min labour (to be exact) with my first and my second was 5hr.
First one was a wham, bang there is your baby type and like you was really fearful that the second would be quicker - very grateful it was not and much more controlled and calm (as labour can be)

OutsSelf · 25/04/2015 22:00

Speaking as someone who went 12 hours from first contraction to birth with number one to three hours from twinge to birth with number two, I'm recommending that you pack your bags and practice your route to the hospital My second baby came in two pushes, contractions only reached 'painful' in the last 15mins, so there are advantages! I think just get yourself to where you are birthing as soon as you get a hint of labour and don't go stray far from the area once you're nearing your due date and you'll be fine. My second labour was quicker AND easier and I hope yours is too

Original poster

twolittlepenguins · 25/04/2015 22:01

runnaway thanks. yes i had a LOT of people say oh you're so lucky- but i was completely in shock after it. we were taught at antenatal classes that it takes forever, days, is a slow process.. they really prep you for it being a long drawn out affair.

kipling thanks- that would suit me fine. it's the not knowing that is the worst isn't it..

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Original poster

twolittlepenguins · 25/04/2015 22:02

outs thanks very much. that all makes sense. my main worry is what to do with DD but i guess i will just try always be around someone..

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jammietart · 25/04/2015 22:02

Would you consider a planned home birth?

NightsOfGethsemane · 25/04/2015 22:03

First labour was about 4 hours. My second was about 40 minutes and I ended up giving birth in much less than ideal circumstances. This may not be the case for you but I would have a plan in place so you know what to do if things start moving very quickly.

morethanpotatoprints · 25/04/2015 22:03

It was true for me OP

Ds1 - 2 hours
Ds2 - 90 mins
DD - 30 mins.

Lived in different areas for each but every time, lucky to get to hospital.

Original poster

twolittlepenguins · 25/04/2015 22:04

jammie i'd really rather not. i know that sounds like the sensible option but it scares the hell out of me..

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meerschweinchen · 25/04/2015 22:04

My first labour was also 3 hours. Second, not wanting to panic you, but it was v v v quick!

As least you get it over and done with sooner, although of course, no one can possibly know how long your labour will be. I'd just recommend getting to hospital asap this time!

Original poster

twolittlepenguins · 25/04/2015 22:05

nights and morethan your scenarios is pretty much my worst fear. what would you advise for a plan? never be alone with DD1, never leave a few mile radius of the hospital?

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Original poster

twolittlepenguins · 25/04/2015 22:06

meer how quick???? go on share :)

it's ok i'm panicking anyway lol!

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jammietart · 25/04/2015 22:07

not sensible if it scares you but it does sound like you are a little worried anyway and the usual advice would be to have a home birth plan. What have your midwives suggested?

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 25/04/2015 22:09

#1 - 4 hours
#2 - 8 hours

Original poster

twolittlepenguins · 25/04/2015 22:09

jammie they haven't suggested anything but i am only 14 weeks. the midwife just laughed when i mentioned i and said yes 2nd labours are usually quicker. helpful!!!!

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Original poster

twolittlepenguins · 25/04/2015 22:10

hellhas i like you.

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NightsOfGethsemane · 25/04/2015 22:13

I had a home birth planned and I did give birth at home. Unfortunately it was the middle of the night and the midwife took half an hour to get to me. DH called the paramedics when I realised I had to push but they didn't arrive until after the baby either.

The one saving grace of the whole debacle was that we hadn't tried to get to hospital. If we had, I would have given birth by the side of the road. As it was, things were very far from ideal but at least we had plastic sheeting and towels etc ready and I gave birth in the relative comfort of my bed.

twirlypoo · 25/04/2015 22:15

My first labour was 4 hours and I actually went to have that birth reflections thing because the thought of a second labour scares me shitless!

I was told I could have an induction with an epidural 2 weeks before my due date. Which I appreciate isn't everyone cup of tea, but the 'plannedness' of it is just what I need. Maybe talk to your midwife?

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