Labor Expectations (clicky poll)

EMOmamma · August 2010

As I was talking to a pregnant friend the other day I realized that she has some unreal, IMO, expectations as far as her labor goes. Not just the length but some other aspects as well. Anyway, I was curious what everyone else was expecting as far as the length of their labor. (Please vote for what you expect not what you want!)

[Poll]

TMNTgirl · August 2010

I voted "special" because honestly, I have no idea.

My mom had two realatively "quick" labors, the first one in under 7-8 hours and the second one in under 5 hours. She had natural births both times as well. She said she wasn't "anti-drugs" but that the pain never got bad enough for her to need them.

So while I hope to have a great labor experience like my mom did, I'm trying not to expect it.

She has shared many of her coping techniques with me and I hope to have her aound during the early stages of my labor for support.

curlydoglover · August 2010

I voted special because we won't know what's going on with the previa until next week.

But it's been my experience that some people have very different definitions of what constitutes "labor". Some people seem to define it as just active pushing, hence comments like "I was only in labor for 2 hours!"

If we're talking full labor, from stage 1 latent phase thru to stage 3.... I'd guess anywhere from 12-18 hours.

Not that this matters, but my mom was in labor with me for 5 days. Indifferent

lemon.sarie · August 2010

I voted for 12-16, but that would include the annoying part of labour as well (when you think you *might* be in labour but aren't really sure through to delivery).

I expect a long pushing time again though (

healthyhappybaby · August 2010

I voted special because I have no clue how long I will labor for. I of course really hope that it won't be too long! DH and I will be taking hypnobirthing classes so I plan on going into this as relaxed and as accepting as possible...

abovewedding · August 2010

I voted special as well because I have no clue. I'm hoping its fairly quick, but this is my first and my mom had a long labour. I just want my midwife to be there and coach me through it all at home until its time to go to the hospital, where I'm hoping that part will go fairly fast.

welshgirl · August 2010

I voted more than 20. My first labour was 56, and ended in a c-section. I'm hoping this one will be a vbac and a wee bit faster!

fmoore723 · August 2010

I voted special...I REALLY dont know. DS1 was 27 hours---induced (PIH). DS2 was about 4.5 hours---also induced (PIH). This one, I hope that I can do everything in my power to avoid induction, but you can see my track record. So...I dont know...If induced Im sure itll be about the same as last...if not...who knows, my body hasnt ever experienced a "normal" labor. Pitocin stinks and Id like to stay FAR, FAR AWAY from it.

Mjmksb04 · August 2010

I voted 4-8. For DS, between the time I started timing contractions until he was born was about 10-11 hours, so I am expecting it to be quicker this time.

deziyou · August 2010

I voted Special, because I have complete placenta previa and usually complete doesn't move up and out of the way, but in some rare cases it does. I will more than likely have a c-section, but I may be one of the rare cases and get to have a vaginal birth.

caitriona87 · August 2010

I voted over 20. It's my policy to expect the worst and then anything better will be a pleasant surprise.

Mrs. Alli Brittain · August 2010

I voted 4-8 because with DS from the time my water broke til the time I delivered was just under 9 hours. I believe that as long as everything goes normally, your second is usually faster... Here's to hoping!

Cheekers2010 · August 2010

caitriona87:
I voted over 20. It's my policy to expect the worst and then anything better will be a pleasant surprise.

This!

Tiffany628 · August 2010

I voted special because I have no idea. When my mom was pregnant with me, I was three weeks late and she still hadn't started labor so they tried to induce. Over 24 hours later I still was not coming along so they had to do a c-section. I am hoping for a vaginal birth, but since this is my first I am thinking it might be a long process especially if this LO is as stubborn as I was!

Mrs.Backpack · August 2010

I said 4-8 based on my last labor experience. I was only in labor for 8 hours, which I consider to be a pretty short amount of time. I think I will go faster this time around.

canthardlywait426 · August 2010

I voted special because I honestly have no idea how long it will take, and neither does anyone else unless youre having a scheduled c-section.

KristieElizabeth · August 2010

My doctor told me that I will probably have to have a c-section. I have a small frame and she doesn't see me being able to deliver vag. She said the only reason I may not have a c-section is if the baby is measuring less than 7 lbs.

KJKNAJ · August 2010

I voted under 4hrs but I cheated: this is my 2nd, I have something to go by! My first came in 4hrs from 1st cramp (not even what I'd call a contraction) to birth. It does happen.

KJKNAJ · August 2010

KristieElizabeth:
My doctor told me that I will probably have to have a c-section. I have a small frame and she doesn't see me being able to deliver vag. She said the only reason I may not have a c-section is if the baby is measuring less than 7 lbs.

She should let you try! (If you want to). I am under 100lbs pre-pg and very narrow (I usually wear girls size 14 clothes). I had a smooth & quick labour with my 7lbs 12oz baby - if you want to try, they should let you!!

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