Hi All. I'm looking for experiences. I'm due with my second child at the end of the year. For those who had a vaginal birth for more than 1 child, how was it compared to your first? My first labour was 36 hours of back labour (pure hell). I was already in hospital due to have pre-eclampsia so we didn't have to worry about me getting to the hospital. As soon as my contractions started they were 4 mins apart and stayed that way until the last 30 mins. My waters were broken by my ob, but my back waters broke 12 hours before my contractions began.
8 Replies
I've had csections so I can't really speak from experience but you often hear that second time around is quicker/easier because your body has been there and knows what to do...
Obviously not the case for everybody but kind of comforting thought that your body knows what to do this time and when it's ready, it's just going to do it... quicker then last time 😝
All 3 of my labors/births were similar.
All 3 induced due to being 14 days overdue...
First labor was 3 hours
2nd, 2 hours
3rd, 50 minutes (thank god I was already in hospital lol).
I know a lady with 6 kids and all 6 deliveries were vastly different, so there's not really anyway to know how it will all play out!
#1 baby contractions started at 2am and were 4/5 minutes apart from the get go. Arrived at the hospital at 6:30am to get checked out and only 3cm dilated so sent off for a while (we live in the country and an hour away from the hospital). She was OP so lots of back pain, baths, walking, back massages, gas and pethidine - had my waters broken by the ob and baby arrived at 7:30pm (17.5 hour labour).
#2 baby contractions started at 4am and 4/5 minutes apart. Arrived at the hospital at 9am expecting to be told to go do some shopping (had a list and everything 😂) got told I was 6cm dilated and I wasn't going anywhere. He was also OP but labour progressed really quickly, lots of walking and back massages - waters broke themselves and immediately felt the urge to start pushing and he arrived at 1:00pm (9 hour labour). I went drug free - I found the pain a lot more manageable 2nd time around and I wasn't feeling so exhausted. It wasn't until I started pushing that the pain got bad and by that stage not only was it too late but it was only a couple pushes and he made his grand entrance. Quick enough that the doctor missed it and the midwives had to deliver!
Mum of 5 natural births here and the second was quicker and easier yes it was my last that was the hardest funny enough :-)
Induced for all 3. Second one certainly came on harder and faster with crazy back pain. Gas for all. Second was less labor time but shit, the intensity...
I felt the after pains when feeding were worse 2 nd and 3rd, like bloody contractions/bad period pains
My second was pretty much on par until it came to the business end of the whole deal! Whether it was due to his size or his awkward positioning, the contractions were more painful and my active labour phase was longer due to this. But overall both labours lasted the same amount of time. Waters broke first with my first but with my second it was contractions first. First was in water. Second in a bed due to the complications. I felt better after my second. I could actually move and didn't feel like I'd been kicked in the vagina by an elephant! Mentally i was better. My first i was a mess and my second, despite spending the week in NICU for some issues, i was actually feeling very mentally strong and prepared.
Stay positive but open minded. Fingers crossed it's a more positive experience for you this time round. 💓
My second and third babies practically walked outta there compared to the first born. I think you will find it easier because you know what to expect. I have had three big boys all naturally. The Dr looked at me me on all fours on the floor labouring with #2 son and said "yeah I will be back in about 2hrs... it doesn't look like much is happening" - cue the burn and I announced "he's coming!!!" I was so excited because I didn't want to wait two more hours thanks. Haha. Just trust that your body has done this before. Yes it hurts 20/10 on that useless pain scale. But it's so worth it the minute they are in your arms. Good luck!!
My second and third babies practically walked outta there compared to the first born. I think you will find it easier because you know what to expect. I have had three big boys all naturally. The Dr looked at me me on all fours on the floor labouring with #2 son and said "yeah I will be back in about 2hrs... it doesn't look like much is happening" - cue the burn and I announced "he's coming!!!" I was so excited because I didn't want to wait two more hours thanks. Haha. Just trust that your body has done this before. Yes it hurts 20/10 on that useless pain scale. But it's so worth it the minute they are in your arms. Good luck!!