How was your second labour compared to your first ?

[lara09]

Hi guys,

I'm so nervous about my labour the second time around I'm terrified about the pain, last time I was in labour for 30 hours, please give me some hope this time will be quicker/ easier ? X

I can't tell you that it is going to be quicker or easier - every labour is different. Going by the statistics , first labours are longer than subsequent ones, but there are no guarantees - sorry !

The best thing you can do is to ask for an epidural this time. Instant freedom from the pain ! But make sure you lock it in before you get to that stage . Good luck !

Night and day.
First was an induction with a small for dates, back to back baby which ended with high cavity forceps.
Second was a spontaneous labour, bit of gas and air and 8 1/2 lb baby popped out after pushing for 6 mins. First niggle to baby born was about 7 hrs.
All the best x

Quicker, easier, less painful! Good luck x

First birth was 27 hours from the first contraction and 20 hours from 5cm dilated. Second birth was 3.5 hours from the first contraction! Good luck OP!

Watching this closely as due second in May.

1st was 6 hours, 2nd was 4. I knew what to expect second time so it was much easier. Good luck!

Following as I had 73.5 hours of active labour last time with 2.5 hours pushing :-(

I only got pain relief in the last 13 hours of my labour as it took me 60 hours of contractions to get to 4cm (back to back baby with head bent to the side). I was also left with moderate pelvic prolapsibg which will need surgery later on.

I’m 11w pregnant and already terrified. Seriously I siderjng asking for a c-section but then my 2nd labour could be completely different.

Like the op I’m grateful to hear others experiences ! Xx

*seriously considering asking for a c-section

My 1st was spontaneous and my 2nd was induced.

1st was less painful but I needed tons of stitches, whereas 2nd was SO much quicker and didn't need any stitches which made my recovery much easier!

1st was induced over 36 hrs in hospital . Very painful needed epidural and forceps and stitches.
Second 4 hours at home with gas and air, very straightforward and a positive experience.

First 17 1/2 hours hospital birth, epidural, foreceps, post partum bleed. Swore never again. Second homebirth, 5 1/2 hours, no drugs absolutely amazing. I realised that my natural way to give birth was on all fours and I needed to trust my body and I didn't need drugs. Good luck!

First was 14 hours, ventous delivery. Second was 3 hours from first contraction, no extra help. Much easier! Good luck

Thank you,
I really hope it's quicker ! I'm 39 weeks today and been getting sharp pains and really bad back ache so hopefully I don't need to wait much longer

Ooh exciting! Keep us updated OP.

I’m 26 weeks with my second but my first is 14, no idea if the age gap will mean my body will treat this almost like a first one?

I was induced both times. Second labour much quicker and easier - body knew what to do.
Good luck OP. I’m 32 weeks with my third. Apparently they can go either way

First was 8 hours, second 1 hour no pushing! Midwife didn't even have her gloves on and had scalded me 30 minutes before for just arriving at maternity unit