5 year age gap and birth

[jmrpinkie]

Just wondering if anyone on here has had a 5 or similar ish age gap between their first and second babies. Due in January and my son just turned 5. I had a vaginal birth with him. I know it’s silly as anything can happen and everyone is different but just wondering if people had quicker births with this age gap and had their babies earlier/later?

Second babies usually come on average a week earlier (or at least that’s what I’ve read) and most of the time labour is quicker. I had a 4 year gap and baby 1 was born at 41+3 and baby 2 40+4. First labour was over 30 hours, second was 3 hours.

I had a 5 year age gap and two very straightforward births of very big babies. The second was significantly quicker and easier than the first. And when I say significant-12 hours vs 1 hour and 45 minutes! Obviously that doesn’t mean anything - just adding to the data.

5 yrs between my two DD arrived after on her due date a couple of days after a sweep got my labour going. DS i was induced which was for me a horrible experience and the birth wasn't great, once I finally did get going he did arrive quicker than his sister though

I have a 5 y age gap I had my second in September. I had an idyllic water birth after spontaneous labour at 38+6 with my first. My waters went at midnight, I went into labour in the early hours. Labour at home until fully dilated baby born in the water less than an hour after getting to hospital. Active labour was 2h

I became acutely unwell in my 3rd trimester with my son, I developed obstetric Cholestasis and extreme fatigue. I was in and out of hospital, I had a threatened preterm birth at 34 weeks and was having contractions from 33 weeks due to an irritated uterus. At 37 weeks I was induced as my health was getting worse. I had a sweep at 36+6 which got things started and was induced the following evening. It was 20h from initial induction to baby arriving. Active labour was 6h and I had to have my water broken as my labour stalled due to my physical health and not being able to stand which is how I labour best

With both labours I had paracetamol in the early stages and gas and air for the later stages. A couple of stitches with the first, none with the second. I some painkillers immediately after both labours and nothing after that

thanks everyone. This is really useful to hear all the different stories. My son was born 40+4 and was about 17 hours from first contraction to when he was born and stayed at home until about 4 hours before he was born so obviously hoping to do the same/similar but let’s see how it all goes.

how have you found the age gap and recovery etc with a 4/5 year old?

I have a 5 year age gap, 2nd birth was fairly straightforward, although active labour was actually slightly longer than my 1st labour! The pushing stage was only about 5 minutes, think I only pushed about 3 times.

Recovery with a 5 year old and a newborn was a dream really, my 5 year old was so eager to help with nappy changes, bath time etc. only downside was having the school run to do once DH went back to work.

Best of luck OP!

I had a 4.5 year gap. 2nd was still much quicker and less painful/complex. I think the body 'remembers' how to birth even with a big gap when you have fully recovered muscle etc.

First birth prom at 36 weeks followed by contractions for about 17 hours then oxytocin drip and another 10 hours before birth. Second baby was 40 weeks and out within 5 hours.

I’ve got a 5 and a half year age gap and honestly think it’s the best. I was worried the gap would be too big but my eldest is so helpful and caring, and my youngest just adores big sis.

in terms of birth, I had a straight forward textbook pregnancy and birth with my eldest. However very difficult pregnancy with my second as I had placenta previa and waters broke at 34 weeks resulting in an emergency c-section.

Yes I’m worried if I’m being honest. My son doesn’t really seem excited or to want the baby! He said “I didn’t really want this baby can we get rid of it” I know he doesn’t know what he’s saying and I’m sure he’ll be different when she’s here but I also think he’s a bit frightened by it all. Maybe that’s normal I don’t really know. But I can’t imagine him excited to meet her. Think my partner and I have a part to play as we’re both so busy we don’t really talk about it that much so must try change that a bit!!

Ah it’s tricky if they’re not very excited but their feelings could change. I found getting my eldest involved in helping me choose baby clothes etc helpful and we talked about about what she was like as a baby. But to be honest the first year was tricky in the sense that she found her little sister ‘boring’ because well…. Babies are boring in the sense they don’t play. But now my youngest is 2yrs old things have really changed and have just the best relationship 🥰

your son will find his big brother groove

Really interesting, my eldest was born at 40+3 and second at 39 +3. First labour 9 hours, second less than 2.

4 yrs 8 months gap here
DC1 born at 41+6 - nice quick home birth over in around 6 hours
DC2 born around 41+2 - longer contraction stage and active birth slightly longer, still all done in under 12 hours.

Agree that the age gap is super helpful as the older one really wants to help. DC1 did (according to DH) say when she first met baby "hello, I'm going to cut your head off" but I don't remember that and they get on fine.

The oldest being a school actually saved me, she started school a month after he was born.
It gave my day structure, built in nap times, time with baby on our own, a reason to get dressed etc
I liked it and although it wasn't the age gap I had wanted (multiple MMCs between them) it worked out really well in the end.

Good luck OP

6 year gap here. 1st birth was very long, around 24 hours, and needed forceps.

2nd birth I agreed to be induced at 40 weeks due to my age (over 40). I needed the minimum induction (pessary) to get birth going. Once labour got going, things progressed very fast.