Second baby labour signs

[Hello123x]

Hi everyone, I know every baby and pregnancy is different. I was just wondering how your second labour/birth experience was compared with your first and when did they arrive?
I am 39 weeks today with 2nd and my Daughter came at 39 weeks four years ago when my waters broke in bed. I am trying not to symptom spot but have felt so uncomfortable for weeks and bad lower back ache and Braxton Hicks. Just wish we could know when they are coming 😂.

Congratulations OP!

First baby: spontaneous vaginal delivery at 37 weeks and 4 days. Arrived in the hospital 1-2cm dilated, baby was born 2.5 hours later. I didn’t have any braxton hicks or cramping beforehand. On the day I went into labour I had back pain that was getting worse and worse. Early labour lasted ages - started with mild contractions on Friday evening and DD was born on Sunday morning.

Second baby: spontaneous vaginal delivery at 40 weeks and 1 day. Arrived at the hospital 2cm dilated and took me 4 hours to get to 4cm, but then baby was in my arms 26 minutes later. Early labour was shorter, started with contractions on Friday evening and baby was born midday Saturday. I had braxton hicks and false labour for weeks before true labour started. Didn’t know whether I was coming or going!

The only thing that was the same with both was that I had a noticeable increase in CM starting a week before labour.

Hope all goes well!