2nd Labor, Easy or harder?

NorcalLinds · July 2010

Was your 2nd labor easy or harder?

I'm really hoping for one of those stories where the baby just shoots right out! My ob promised me this would be the case this time. HA

Reading the questions about labor and realizing we are not taking any classes this time around leaves me feeling a little helpless. I know I have been through it before, but somehow the classes made me feel just a little more "in control" ya know?

Meritage · July 2010

I've never labored, so I'm no help, but does your hospital offer a refresher course? I didn't take one, but I know my hospital offered a refresher class for parents that had already done this before. Might help you feel more in control. :-)

Lexi & Orion's Mommy · July 2010

THe 2nd time around for me, i was looking everywhere for books to describe what to expect when expecting again. Never found anything good. I dont know about the labor part, because i elected to have a c-section the 2nd time. I do know that from everyone i know, it does go by faster.

All i can say, is i noticed everything 3 to 4 weeks earlier than i did with my 1st pg. Which made those last 2 months miserable. very uncofortable.

SweetieP · July 2010

I felt much the same way that you're feeling. And then when I went past my due date, I totally freaked out and did everything I could to get things moving. When she finally arrived, I was only in active labor for just under 4 hours. Contractions started at 3:00 a.m. and she was born at 6:44 a.m. I pushed three times and out she came. We didn't even have time for drugs. And I didn't have any of the early warning signs that she was coming or that labor was starting (no mucus plug, no BH contrax, no water breaking...nothing). Even when the contractions started, they were pretty solid and consistent. By the time we left for the hospital, I seriously thought I must be around 7 cms and going through transition. Little did I know I was past that and ready to push.

No class is really needed - the nurses are amazing at coaching you through and reminding you what to do.

KellyMRocks · July 2010

2nd time was easier and i knew a little more what to expect. It *hurt* more because I didn't have an epidural like I did the first time. but I had a doula and support from DH and my mom, so even though there was more pain i was able to get through it better. if that makes sence. The labor/delivery was also shorter. 11 hours vs 30

tri-reader · July 2010

1st labor 30 hours, 3 hours pushing.

2nd labor 24 hours, ~30 min pushing.

So yes easier, but sadly for me no popping out. My DH says it's because my ab muscles are so tight that it keeps the baby in. Ha ha, guess working out doesn't help labor.

NorcalLinds · July 2010

tri-reader:

1st labor 30 hours, 3 hours pushing.

2nd labor 24 hours, ~30 min pushing.

So yes easier, but sadly for me no popping out. My DH says it's because my ab muscles are so tight that it keeps the baby in. Ha ha, guess working out doesn't help labor.

so I should stop working out???? LOL

MrsJBL2005 · July 2010

1st labor: 20 hours labor, 3+ hours pushing, then vacuum delivery

2nd labor: 7 hours labor, 15 mins pushing... MUCH easier

Mama_v2.0 · July 2010

2nd labor way easier.

#1 7 hours

#2 3 hours

#3 I am preparing for a car birth, just in case we don't make it. Luckily the ambulance is 1.5 miles from my house.

tri-reader · July 2010

NorcalLinds:
tri-reader:

1st labor 30 hours, 3 hours pushing.

2nd labor 24 hours, ~30 min pushing.

So yes easier, but sadly for me no popping out. My DH says it's because my ab muscles are so tight that it keeps the baby in. Ha ha, guess working out doesn't help labor.

so I should stop working out???? LOL

That's what I'm thinking.

Mrs.K&C · July 2010

One on hand I'm hoping for shorter because um, it hurts...but DD was 11 hours from my water breaking to delivery (2.5 hours of pushing so really 8.5 hours before pushing) and the hospital is a 45 minute drive for us so I'm a little concerned about things doing too fast. Especially after danakelly's story. Eeek.

Go Dux · July 2010

My 2nd labor was harder.

DD labor - approx 9 hours where I pushed a total of 10 minutes...labor progessed on its own

DS labor - approx 11 hours, labor stalled for 6 hours...ended up getting pitocin (horrible), pushed for about 10 minutes.

MrsEmm · July 2010

my have gotten progressively easier. not less painful but shorter and all around better/easier!

i took a refresher course with brooklyn but didnt do any classes with the 3rd.

bunch · July 2010

I rented some movie as a refresher and took a 2 hour review class (just on positions for labor) The movie had some name to do with Laughter in it. But yes, 2nd was easier, mostly because I knew what to expect and wasn't scared. It was also 2 hours shorter (from 6 overall to 4- don't hate me)...

Mrs.BoomBoom · July 2010

It was a lot harder but I think 90% of that was about the circumstances (1st time was totally unmedicated in a tub 2nd was induced with an IV and no tub) I did take a class (full) each time but the 1st class was a lot better than the 2nd

Celyn · July 2010

Aaron was so much easier. He was in perfect position, so that helped.

Usually #2 is faster, but it's not always easier (but most of the time it is -- knowing what to expect due to experience makes a huge difference).

Want a personalized experience?

2nd Labor, Easy or harder?

Re: 2nd Labor, Easy or harder?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards