Second labours, how did yours differ?

**Rainbowbrite** · 04-08-2007 16:40

Just a couple of questions as I was talking to a friend & am now wanting to know how different was your second labour to your first?

Was it longer/shorter?

More or less painful?

Any other info please??

**BabyLs** · 04-08-2007 17:00

Second labour was a couple of hrs shorter, but I was induced for both due to GD.

Waited a lot longer for epi the first time but not for the second.
DS got stuck and the doctor gave me a massive episiotomy incase of forcep delivery, he used vacuum and ripped DS's scalp with the last pull he could do before going onto forceps. Was awful.
No probs with DD pushed her out with no probs, no episiotomy and no need for vacuum.

I was a lot more relaxed the second time as I knew what to expect (waters being broken, gel, epi etc.) I was induced at 3.30pm with DS so was so tired 17 hrs later but i was induced at 8am with DD after a good nights sleep, and lasted 15hrs ans was so determined to push my @ss off as I couldn't handle having the vacuum brought out again. Even though the second time wasn't much shorter it was a better experience.

**annsam** · 04-08-2007 17:22

Exactly the same time but #1 was induced and #2 wasn't.
Enjoyed #2 much much more. Would do it again in a flash.
Worst part were the after pains. My goodness they were horrid.

**workin'mumof2** · 04-08-2007 17:25

HAHA i nearly forgot about the afterpains. thanks for the reminder

joking. its good for you thats what i will keep saying anyway when i have my second. first labour was 8hours. hopefully shorter this time

**nut** · 04-08-2007 17:27

Both my labours have been great

. The first was 6 hours and I thought it was joyful but very painful. The second was 2 hrs and was virtually painless. Both were drug free, but I think the 2nd was better as I really let it take hold of me and just surrendered to it all. I also used gravity better and didn't ever push. I just let my body do it all and my DD literally flew out of my body-no stitches, no ring of fire, all in one go.

Best experience of my life by far

.

**nemosmum** · 04-08-2007 18:20

Was it longer/shorter? it was dramatically shorter from 6hrs to 1.5hrs

More or less painful? I would say it was more but only be cause I had drugs last time and the second was drug free

Any other info please?? my second was more memorable I think coz I was focused and had no drugs in my system,
my second was a wonderful experience compared to my first traumatic birth

gd luck D im sure you will do brillantly!

**greengables** · 04-08-2007 18:27

I love this thread! I am becoming more hopeful about this next labour (not long now!!!)

My first was only 4.5 hrs but induced - was SO painful. I was frightened and uncomfortable with my doctor.

This time I am going to a birthing centre with midwives only.

I HOPE HOPE HOPE it will be less painful and I will have a more 'empowered' experience.

**Shanaynay** · 04-08-2007 18:32

Mine was about half the time of my first, and it progressed VERY quickly!

Oh the second baby exited out of the correct hole

**Rainbowbrite** · 04-08-2007 18:37

Ok this is all good so far

MJs was only 6.5 hrs from the first contraction (10.5 from start of waters breaking), had gas during the labour but not for 90mins up to & including delivery. Oh & she was posterior. I had no afterpains at all with her, so not sure what to expect there

My mum had progressively shorter labours so hopefully I'll be the same

I too am aiming for completely drug free & NOT on my back this time. Want to be up & active if possible.

I'm hoping for the best, can you tell

**Mariposa** · 04-08-2007 19:03

Hi RB,

My 2nd labour was fast (for me) just over 5hrs, was painful though as she was a big bubba. I think its easier the 2nd time around for me as i had previously experienced labour and birth before (even though DD1 was posterior). Hot water was my pain relief. DD3 i was induced, and that was definitely fast (a little over 3 hrs).

All the best