Hi ladies, I'd love to get others opinions on the following.
I'm due any day now with my second baby. My first was born early at only 4 pounds 6, with forceps as the cord was around her neck and heartbeat was dropping. I only had an 8 hour labor and didn't request an epidural until 2 hours before her birth. The epidural was just such a great feeling to be from of the huge, off the chart contractions I was having.
I was in hospital with a false alarm yesterday and my obstetrician said that he could induce me (as contractions were 2 mins apart) and said of course the pain will be more intense at first. I smiled and said that's ok, I'll have another epidural." He told me that 70% of mothers with 2nd+ babies don't get time for an epidural. I burst into tears (stupid pregnancy hormones!) and said I didn't believe I could do it. That I tore with my mini baby and this baby is almost 3 pounds heavier. Still a tad smaller than average, but a big difference for me. I just would like to ask others if they got to have an epidural second time round and for those that didn't, how did it go, how long was actual full on pain for, recovery, tares, etc.
Also what is people's opinion on using Gas. Did it make them sick?
Thank you for any responses!
Scared about 2nd birth
Scared about 2nd birth
Posted in:
Pregnancy
7 Replies
An exciting and nerve wracking time for you! I've only had the one so my only advice get to the hospital as soon as you think you could be in labour and demand that epidural! This will be a totally different birth experience though so you maybe surprised. Good luck
First bub was 8 hours and I only used gas and LOVED it. I wasn't using it properly at the start and got cranky and chucked the gas away but after a while they showed me how to use it properly and it was wonderful (beware, you say some hilarious stuff on the gas). 2nd bub was only a 20 minute labour so had no time for anything. Painful but quick. But I would have went the gas again if I had a longer labour.
My first labour was 12 hours with gas (it doesn't make me sick) and I ended up with around half a dozen stitches. Second labour was 6 1/2 hours with gas and a couple less stitches. I was terrified second time round because I knew what to expect, but I actually found it was a lot easier during the labour because of that. I found recovery was a lot better and the pain overall was less. I guess my advice to you is to be aware of what could happen (that you might not get an epi) and make sure you're prepared for during and after the labour. I think that's really what got me through, was being prepared for everything.
The gas is an absolutely wonderful tool, and I found the shower, rocking on my knees and heat packs all helped. At the end of the day the most important thing to remember is that at the end of all the pain there will be an amazing, beautiful, little baby in your arms that you get to love and nurture for the rest of your life. The pain, whatever level that reaches, is only temporary and you will get through it :)
Congratulations and good luck!
Thanks for your answers ladies. Might repost to fb to get more responses xxx
No matter how many babies you have I think it is normal to feel nervous and anxious about the birthing process. Having had a baby you are more aware of what can happen, so that plays on your mind a bit more. Not like the first time round. Wishing you all the best.
Second is so different from first, much quicker and your body is stretched and ready! I had a really long first labour with no drugs (except gas) and wanted drugs for the second but by the time I was in pain I was 9cm and ready to have the baby! Try gas, if u don't like it then don't have anymore. Also don't lie on you back, crouch or lie on your side
I've had 6 babies and had an epidural with 5 of them I would have had it with all 6 but the midwife insisted I wasn't in "established labor" I have not had to have any intervention with any of my labors and two of the labors were induced. All the wonderful ladies that do it with no pain relief, more power to you, but I think if there is something that can take away the pain jump on it! Just ask for the epidural as soon as you arrive, Good luck hon xo