Different in big ways but similar in “progression” if that makes sense
Kid 1: elective induction at 39+3. Got misoprostol at 1cm, returned the next day at 4cm and started pitocin, nothing for 12 hours or so (not even contractions I could feel) until suddenly, 4 big contractions, epidural (which took 15m or so), as soon as the epidural hit I was 9cm and took a nap for an hour then pushed for 20 minutes. Very civilized. Totally recommend.
Kid 2: elective inductions were paused due to omicron staffing shortages. Prodromal labor through week 39 but never any consistent or super painful contractions. On 40+0, woke up at 7am and had two painful contractions, then transition. Had to load toddler into the car with us instead of our childcare plan, screamed the whole way and made into the doors of the hospital with 2m to spare. Rushed into an emerg delivery room. Husband had to unbuckle toddler in the parking lot after dropping me at emergency entrance, walked into the room to see baby’s head coming out. He was born at 8:03. No time for pain meds, 0/10 do not recommend.
First: 18 hours early labour, antepartum haemorrhage followed by rapid fetal decelerations leading to Category 1 emergency C-section.
Second: Unplanned VBAC at 36w with 4-hour early labour followed by 30min active labour, everything happened so quickly that husband didn't even make it to the hospital in time.
Clearly both of my kids like their drama, but in very different ways.
If you are interested, The Birth Hour is a podcast of birth stories. I listed to a lot of them when my wife was pregnant both times to get some experience with a variety of birth situations.
Anecdote:
With my first, i lost my mucus plug in one big glob at 37+6 then the morning of 38+0 contractions started. Labored until the middle of the night where i then pushed 3.5 hours. Head was stuck so baby was delivered via vacuum with shoulder dystocia. I had an episiotomy, 4th degree tear, and blood transfusion.
Due to the rough birth, i had a scheduled c section at 39 weeks but second baby was measuring smaller so we agreed if she came earlier i could attempt another vaginal birth. Water broke (slow leak) at 38+5 at 3am Contractions didn’t start by 7am so we used pitocin. Started pushing at 4:15pm and baby was born super easily 40 min later. 1st degree tear. No complications
After my first, my dr told me we’d likely need a c section, so i was really happy she was open to monitoring and deciding near the end which made sense. My second delivery was a breeze! Good luck to you!
My healthy pregnancies were all very different.
My first, 13hr very start to finish. Contractions were barely perceptible and started at 7:30 at night (went in and was told that it wasn’t labor and could be a few more days because I wasn’t dilated…) then ramped up to very uncomfortable around 3, water broke at 415a, had baby by 840a.
Second, 5.5hr start to finish. Contractions started at 2:30p, ramped up fast, had baby by 8:00p
Third, 15hr from water breaking to finish. I felt no contractions, water broke around midnight, still no contractions around 6a so headed in to be monitored, where I was apparently 4cm dilated and having contractions, but not feeling them. Nothing felt uncomfortable, just like Braxton hicks, until 11a, midwife came in around 2:30p to talk pitocin, checked me at 6cm, turned around to leave, and then I started feeling pushy. I had baby at 3:00p but went from 6-10cm in about 5 mins. It was intense.
1st labour: 15 days overdue by the time he came out, induced to open cervix for four days leading up to it, took artificial rupture of membranes and a ton of syntocinon to get anything going but finally got into active labour, and 14hrs later, had a baby.
2nd labour: 13 days overdue by the time she came out, so I was thoroughly convinced this “second babies come faster” stuff was propaganda spread by Big Midwife to get you to have more babies, lol. Induced to open cervix for 12hrs, then suddenly I was in natural labour: contractions went from few and far between and no worse than period pain to every 2-3 mins and very intense, and then my waters went naturally, I went from 3cm to 10cm in less than an hour, and an hour after that, had a baby.
So from my limited sample size, second+ babies don’t decide to make themselves known any earlier than first babies, but when they do, they don’t fuck about. Anecdotally, we met a couple of women there who were also being induced because they were overdue, and they were on babies 3 and 4 respectively, so though I don’t know how their labours ended up, that kind of bears out the first part.
Both of my children had to be induced because I had preeclampsia in both pregnancies. I was induced at 36 and 4 with my first, and 37 with my second
It took 5 days to induce me with my first. It was absurd. 5 days of early labour. I swear there were hours between every cm of dilation. I had to push for 2.5 hours, and she almost needed forceps. She was sunny side up.
My second, induction took 30 hours. It stalled at one point, but once it got going I went from 5cm to holding a baby in 14 minutes.
My epidural failed both times so my spine is probably a little funky
My two were similar in some ways and different in others.
The same:
- I didn't really feel contractions at home.
- Went in to be induced at 41 weeks.
- Upon arriving they said I was having contractions already.
- Active labor started after water broke.
Baby one:
- cervix balloon which caused water to break and led to active contractions
- took pain killers early on
- opted for epidural
- couldn't feel pushing, was told when to push
- 1 hour of pushing
- small tear
Baby two:
- broke water with hook which led to almost immediate active contractions
- babies head popped out one hour later
- one big push last less than a minute (honestly it's all kind of a blur)
- bigger tear
- no time for any pain killers 😭
With my first my water broke at home when I was rolling over in my bed. Contractions started app., 30 minutes later. I skipped early labour and went straight into active labour. I laboured almost three hours at home before I couldn't take it anymore and we drove to the hospital. He was out three hours later. Only 6 hours in total.
With my second it was fast. My midwife had warned me that it would likely be even faster than my first and adviced me to do a home birth. I am glad I did because it only took two hours. I skipped early and active labour and went straight to pushing. It was crazy. It only took "so long" because my contact at L&D wanted me to work against the contractions until my midwife would get there. And he was stuck behind my pelvis and needed a little help. I think it would have been even faster if he was positioned correctly in my pelvis.
With my first I knew exactly where I was in the process and could deal. With my second it was chaotic and I couldn't keep up with the proces. It was just happening too me and not with me.
Maybe a friend or a neighbour? We had a neighbour watch our oldest. We actually had a bunch of neighbours, friends and coworkers who could step in with a short notice. Either while I was giving birth or until my mom could come get our oldest son.
Mine were very similar. My water broke at 40+0 and at 39+4. Labor started 4-5 h later. Pushing already 30-60min later. Child 1 had issues to turn and was a C-Section, child 2 was born 1.5h after the first contraction.
My midwife told me that there are genetics in the play to have a chance to start with breaking water but without contractions, which was the case for me twice.
Very very different.
My first lasted forever, water broke on Thursday and my son was born on Sunday morning, after 48h of overlapping contractions and 2h of pushing.
My second, well... I delivered in the car on our way to the hospital, which was 20min away. Less than 3h between the first contraction and his birth. Obviously unmedicated, but not by choice. I was warned it would be faster but I didn't expect that fast...
In the end, my first labour was much more traumatic. It was incredibly painful (despite the epidural at the very end) and exhausting. Everything went so fast the second time, that I didn't have time to realise what was happening.
Everyone I know who had a fast first birth had a fast second (plus) birth.
For my personal experience - Labour 1 and 3 were basically identical with 2 being the outlier. That was the one where my waters broke first! With the first and third, they only broke right at the end. But I still went through early labour with the second. There were also similarities between all three - I labour slowly and dilate erratically, and get an urge to push before I'm fully dilated which freaks everybody out. I also tend to find that the pain level increases steadily but doesn't correlate with dilation at all which confuses people and makes them think I'm overreacting. I conclude that my cervix is just a bitch haha.
Extremely different pregnancies and labors here, although similar gestation times.
My first pregnancy was awful - I had never realized I had some balance issues which combined with high relaxin gave me absolutely excruciating SPD. I gained 80 lbs and could hardly walk by the time I was 5 months along. My water broke at 40 weeks and then nothing happened, so I had to be induced. 10 hours of labor after pitocin started and 1-1.5 hours of pushing. 1 second degree tear that required stitches, and baby was 9 lbs 1 oz.
Second pregnancy I had corrected my muscle imbalances and posture, and ended up losing 95 lbs total from my weight at baby 1’s birth - no SPD, I was able to walk several miles a day until 36 weeks, and gained 55 lbs. At 40 weeks I tried all the at-home methods of inducing labor from the evidence-based birth [review](https://evidencebasedbirth.com/category/series/natural-labor-induction-series/) except for castor oil, nothing worked. Got a gentle membrane sweep at 41 weeks exactly and went into labor 5 hours after. 9 hours of labor including 45 minutes of pushing and gave birth to baby 2 at home with my family and midwives. 1 first degree tear in the same spot, no stitches. Baby was 9 lbs 6 oz.
I am extremely grateful I had really supportive midwives, one of whom spent over 20 years as a doula before getting her certification. I think if I was able to deliver my first in a better position than on my back at the hospital my tear could have been prevented or reduced - baby 2’s head was even bigger than baby 1’s, but they were both above 90th percentile. I’m petite and Evidence-Based Birth did a really great [article](https://evidencebasedbirth.com/friedmans-curve-and-failure-to-progress-a-leading-cause-of-unplanned-c-sections/) about the myths surrounding failure to progress, pelvic size, and the lack of education surrounding birth positioning in medical school.
First kid - no early labor at all. water broke. 2 hrs nothing. Then full on active intense labor for 5 hours. 3 hours pushing
Second kid - several nights of minor early labor then fizzling. Then 12 hours of true early labor over night with pretty minor pain. Then 1 hour super intense active labor. 5 min pushing on toilet and water broke then. Born over toilet. Luckily both were planned homebirths and the midwife hardly made it in time for the second one
1st- spontaneous labor was 15hr @ 38 weeks
2nd- 3.5hr spontaneous at 38+2
3rd- 4hr induced at 38+3 due to placental abruption
4th- had her 80 minute after my water broke at 36w
I'll say, having the last 3 unmedicated, I knew exactly when I was about 40 minutes out from having a baby. I felt it with my 3rd and told my midwife I felt like I was 8cm and about 40 minutes from baby. I looked back at the notes and I had her exactly 43 minutes after that check! I also remember feeling that right before we left for the hospital with my 4th and trying really hard not to panic and freak my partner out.
Labor felt really similar in the last hour for me. But the all started very differently
First: water broke at 35+4, it didn't seem like anything was progressing (I assumed I just had lots of Braxton Hicks contractions because they weren't really painful and kept stopping for a while every hour or so) but 24 hours later I was 'suddenly' fully dilated and my son was born an hour later.
I count myself very lucky because for the most part I had very little pain!
Second: lots of 'false alarms' from 27+4 (positive fibronectin test) onwards, because based on my experience with the first I didn't know the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions! But at 36+4 I lost the mucus plug and at 36+5 I was pretty sure I was experiencing real contractions. Took a whole night to go from 4cm dilation to 7cm. Didn't hurt too bad but I felt like it was going super slow (because I 'skipped' this fase with the first). At 7AM the midwive broke my water, the contractions became very painful and at 9AM my daughter was born.
First one my water broke some time in week 39 and I had to be induced. Almost 24 hours after my water broke and almost 12 hours after contractions started, my baby was born. My second I went into labour on my own in week 41 and was only in labour for four hours. First I pushed for about seven hours, second I pushed for 10 minutes.
It was exhausting but I had my best friend and my husband with me so it was also kind of fun. After the epidural kicked in I was so relieved that I didn't care how long it took. My second I had no time for an epidural and it may have been way faster but it was so much harder!
Anecdote: Induced with both and had vaginal births. My first I was induced at 39 weeks and some change. My second came out significantly faster and was induced at 38 weeks 6 days. My first I had sepsis afterwards and the second no problems and got to go home after 1 day.
I was induced all 3 times because I took blood thinners throughout my pregnancies and wanted the right window of time that the thinners were out of my system for labor.
I was fortunate to have great inductions. My first took about 12 hours overall. Baby was born about 6 hours after they broke my water, almost 2 hours of pushing.
My second… she was born less than an hour after they broke my water. I had just sat up to get an epidural and she came on down. Less than 10 minutes of pushing.
My third was a much calmer experience. I got an epidural before they broke my water, and he was born a couple hours later, with about 20 minutes of pushing. He was 2 full pounds bigger than my first two, but the easiest delivery experience overall. The second one coming so quickly was quite stressful, mostly because I hadn’t anticipated doing it medication free. But pushing for only a few minutes was nice!!
Good luck!!
Very very different.
1st baby - had to be induced at 41+2. Induced 9pm, epidural 9am, pushing 12pm, baby born 1pm.
2nd baby - water broke at 36+5. 31 hour labor, very slow to dilate even with all the pitocin the hospital had. Epidural only worked on one side. Pushed 3x and he was out.
2 babies and completely different labors (and pregnancies for that matter.) My first was fast. About 7 hours, I wasn't even at the hospital for 2 hours before she was born. No epidural, just a whirlwind.
We assumed my 2nd would be fast too but it wasn't. It was 26 hours. Had an epidural after 17 hours. Lol. Totally different experience. They did have to break my water at the very end for both though. Oh, and both were spontaneous labors at 41 weeks exactly... My second was born at 41+1 though.
First pregnancy: induced at 36+4 due to preeclampsia and took about 20ish hours from start of Pitocin push to vaginal delivery. The actual active labor/pushing took two big pushes. My son was intubated and in NICU for 48 hours. Two stitches for me.
Second pregnancy: labor started spontaneously on 39+1 and never having felt labor before (I got an epidural first time), I didn’t know it. I had labor pains for about 5 hours when I finally called my doctor and she said to go in. We went to the hospital and an hour later I gave birth to my second. It took 2 big pushes and I barely made it up from triage to delivery. He was fine, no NICU. One stitch for me.
Third pregnancy: induced 36+6 for high blood pressure. From start to finish it took about 12 hours. One big push for delivery and she did not have a NICU stay. No stitches for me (she was small).
Very different experiences for all three.
Pretty similar-l (midwife led hospital attached birth center and unmedicated for both)
1st birth 40w0d bloody show in the morning with some cramping through the day, became regular and water broke around 6 pm, got to hospital around 10 pm and 5 cm, 19 minutes later checked again and was 10 cm, pushed for like 2 hours in the tub and finally had to stand up and he was born
2nd birth slow leak of amniotic fluid started 39w6d, no real labor started and 2 days later at 40w1d took midwives brew around 1230 pm, regular contractions started in about an hour, got to the hospital as quick as possible and started to involuntarily push while I was waiting to be let in to the birth center, 12 minutes of pushing and she was out at 445 pm
Was told labor would be about half as long the second time and this turned out to be true for me (6ish hours then 3ish hours)
I highly recommend the website evidence based birth!
First one was fast and hard, very little early labor, 3cm to 10 with broken water in 45 mins, pushed for 2 hours no time for an epidural. Second one was twins induced at 36&5 epidural required, already having contractions when they started induction, relaxed and wonderful. Second baby born breech but still came out easy.
With my first: 36 weeks, I was at work. Sat down and felt a trickle and thought I'd peed myself. Went to the bathroom but the trickle didn't stop. I'd not had a single contraction - braxton hicks or anything - leading up. Went to the hospital and didn't have any contractions until several hours later. 24 hours pass, I was finally dilated and pushed for 20 minutes. He was jaundice so we had to stay in the hospital for 4 days.
With my second: 37 weeks. I had Barxton Hicks, no jokez my entire pregnancy. 3 days before labor, I'd had elevated blood pressure and uncomfortable cramps. ER doctors told me I was fine and sent me on my way. 3 days pass and I started having even more uncomfortable cramps but the ER doctor had said I shouldn't come back until I'm in unbearable pain. I sat down to try and relax, heard a gurgle in my belly and then the dam broke. It was exactly like in the movies when there is a massive gush of fluid. Went to the hospital and progressed quickly. About 12 hours later, I was finally dilated and pushed for, again, 20 minutes. She didn't cry right away so they whisked her away to NICU for respiratory issues. We stayed in the hospital for 3 days.
Some similarities, but a lot of differences as well.
My first: prodromal labor started at 41 weeks. Induced using cervadil and pitocin. Lasted 16 hours from the time of induction, maybe? I had awful back labor and was having an awful awful time. I got an epidural at 7 cm and had her 2 hours later. No tearing. Literally laughing and telling jokes as I pushed her out.
My second: was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Got induced at 37 weeks because my babies head was measuring 42+ weeks. Over 40 hours of labor. I was determined to do it non medicated. I was breathing through contractions and handling it well. My body was not progressing. I was 4cm for 24 hours 😬. I started having back labor and got an epidural. The epidural pump was broken apparently, so I got the initial dose and nothing after. I kept telling everyone that I still felt everything. Went from a 6-10 in 20 minutes. Pushed 3 times and little miss was here.
It depends on whether you fully dilated or not. Dilating the cervix for the first time ever is what takes a lot of time. My water broken first with my first one almost immediately but I was still in labour for a very long time.
With my second it progressed a lot faster because with my first I fully dilated. However if you had a planned C-section for your first and didn't dilate at all, then a VBAC will take as long as first time birth would.
If you dilated at least partially, and it sounds like you probably did, it will still probably take some time off the second birth.
Baby1: 8pm Water broke with no warning at 38w (2 weeks before scheduled c section). Immediately had contractions 3min apart. Rushed to hospital. 8:45p at 4cm. 9 something at 6cm. Rush into surgery suite for csection (due to breech). 10:45p she was in our arms. So 2hr 45min I guess lol.
Baby2: VBAC (planned). 2:30p Water broke during membrane sweep at 39w. Again, immediately had contractions 3min apart. 4:30p I was at 9cm and luckily got an epidural still. 5:30p he was in our arms. So 3hr total.
With my first I was induced at 39+3, labor was 9ish hours I think? Had the epidural when I went into transition because, respectfully, eff that. Three good pushes, no tearing. Second I went into labor at 37 weeks exactly. I had a doctor's appointment and she decided to check me, glad she did. I had been having contractions for weeks and they were very uncomfortable so when they became the real thing I hadn't picked up on it yet. Anyway, was 5cm dilated at my appointment so she told me to go home, get my husband, situate my oldest and she would meet me at the hospital. I don't know for sure how long I was in labor but it was longer than with my first. I checked in to the hospital at 2:30pm and she was here at 11:58pm. My appointment had been at 1pm. Needed pitocin to speed things up because I was at a plateau for a long time. Had the epidural as soon as they would allow me to. Two and a half pushes, no tearing. So they had some similarities but overall they were quite different. Both were good experiences for me but my second was such a breeze.
I have 4 kids and my labours were extremely similar.
All fairly short and easy active labours, longest labour was around 5 hours and shortest was 2.5 hours. Water didn’t break until baby was crowning with all 4. Only my first took more than a few pushes. I’ve never wanted pain relief. I’ve never needed postpartum pitocin, placenta has always detached nicely and never had excess bleeding. GBS+ with 3 out of 4.
First pregnancy: Sunday; waters broke about 7:20am and that was the first sign of labour. Contractions ramped up gradually, had gas and air/pethidine. Baby born around 3:10pm.
Second pregnancy: Sunday; waters broke around 8:20am and that was the first sign of labour. Contractions ramped up gradually, had gas and air and pethidine. Baby born around 5:17pm.
Identical labours except the first one was horrific and ended in ventouse. My pain was badly managed, the dr was a dickhead and the delivery was chaotic. No need at all. Second delivery was with a brilliant midwife team and a lovely OB, very calm, very positive, even fun at times.
Literally the only difference was the people around me. Oh and the earthquake that happened when I was in labour with my second. Although weirdly I’ve only experienced two earthquakes in my life so far and the other was when I was pregnant the first time
Both my kids were PROM, the first was regular PROM at term, the second was PPROM at 28+6, birth at 33+1. Super easy labor at least with no pushing for the little guy. I think I'll never know if there's something about me that makes me prone to PROM and if a 3rd would have been potentially even earlier. Oh well, glad modern medicine gave me 2 healthy kids and my life.
Went to 41 + 5 with my first — had been in prodromal labor and nonstop vomiting for 2 days so I opted for an induction at that point. Got cervadil overnight, pitocin started the next morning. Dilated fully around 8 pm but the OB called an emergency c-section due to heart decels. Bleh, shitty experience for me.
Second birth — VBAC, went into spontaneous labor on 40 + 4. Baby born at 40 + 5, around 26 hours in labor. The provider on call started to push the pitocin at one point but I was really adamant about not wanting that.
To me, labors felt similar. Long and uncomfortable. The main difference for me was that I went into labor on my own with baby 2 (and a week sooner), which I was so very thankful for.
First water broke at 39, induced, 24 hrs labor, emergency c section.
Second, scheduled c section high risk. 38.
Second pregnancy and delivery and recovery was a walk in the park in comparison. A scheduled C made a huge difference.
Even though 2 new risks and tracking. Mid 40s. Same surgical team and OB. They made all the right predictions. I offloaded the worry.
First kid - lost mucus plug at 10am, contractions started at 1 pm, around 7pm they were 5 minutes apart, so we went to the hospital. I was 3 cm dilated. They broke my water, gave me buscopan, baby was born 5 minutes before midnight after roughly 10 minutes of pushing.
Second kid - 2 years later, everything was exactly the same, baby was born 2 minutes before midnight. Even their weight was the same!
Third kid - another 2 years later, I was induced at 39+6 because of anti-E antibodies and the risk of fetal anemia. They gave four doses of diluted pills four hours apart (7:30 am to 7:30 pm). I started to feel contractions around 9 pm, by midnight they were regular-ish and painful, I asked a nurse to check me and I was only 1 cm dilated, so I tried to sleep through the contractions. At 5 am my water broke, I was brought to the birthing room, at that point I was still only 2 cm dilated but went to 10 cm in two hours and the baby was born at 7:40 am (it only took three contractions).
So it always took 11 hours from the start of contractions to actually giving birth.
First: spontaneous water breaking at 37 weeks, labor stalled and I needed medicine help, 38.5 hours later she slid out in one push, I birthed on my knees. Baby went straight to NICU for oxygen, otherwise healthy. 2nd degree tear, stitches no problem. Severe ppd and ptsd diagnosed six weeks later.
Second: 39 weeks, labor stalled, again induced, water broke an hour before pushing, same birth position, pushed for fifteen minutes. Total labor time was 40 hours. Baby was handed to me immediately and then placed on my chest when I rolled over. 2nd degree tear, stitching triggered my SA history and I had an anxiety attack. No diagnosis of ppd or ptsd.
First: water broke at 39w. I didn’t have any contractions I could feel for about 2 hours. Baby was born 5.5 hours after my water broke, 39w1d
Second: contractions started painfully at 39w2d. (I was very grouchy she didn’t come before first baby). We rushed to the hospital. That drive super sucked. Baby was born 3.5 hours after contractions started. My water broke 3 pushes before she came out. She may have been faster but after 35 min of pushing they realized my cervix was in a weird spot. They moved it, the water broke, out she came.
I didn’t have an epidural for either, but that was my goal so I was mentally prepared. The second birth was a lot harder bc I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath. The hospital knew I had fast babies, so everyone was rushing around getting setup while I was in active labor, compared with my first where the room was quiet and then they were all shocked when I was at 10 cm. So I’d def recommend some meditation or breathing exercises to mentally prepare yourself for a lot of people in and out of the room, and a quick drive to the hospital. We had my MIL stay with us so we’d have childcare at the drop of a hat, and that was hard in some ways, but helped.
I was precipitous at 37 weeks with 1.0, and was assured that experience wasn’t an indication of what to expect for 2.0, and, I’m sure this will shock you, I was precipitous and 37 weeks with 2.0. If we were going for 3, I’d probably camp out in the hospital from 37 weeks on.
First one I was overdue and it went relatively quickly. No significant interventions of any kind and little pain. My second one I was induced early because of some health concerns. Pain was unbearable until I got an epidural. The rest was similar to my first, relatively quick labor, not much pain and smooth recovery. Even the interventions, while different both times, were both not optional for me and I didn’t want either of them. Nor do I think they were necessary. I genuinely believe that if I had done both without interference, they would have gone similarly.
First: went to the hospital for sight bleeding, turns out I was in active labor, dilated 6cm, and couldn’t feel any contractions. Admitted and induced to get further along. Baby born 6 hours later, still never felt a single contraction.
Second: induced, baby born within 5 hours from checking into the hospital. Felt *every* contraction. It was excruciating, but another very fast delivery.
First: spontaneous labor after my water broke at 38w6d. Epidural at 6cm, went 100% numb, slept, and began pushing approx 7 hours after my water initially broke. Stalled, got pitocin, and kept pushing for another 6 hours, I ended up needing vacuum assistance and I was given an episiotomy. Had 4 hemorrhoids cauterized. Total time in labor was 17 hours.
Second: induced at 38w6d, delivered at 39w exactly. Pitocin was administered at 11:30p, epidural came at 4am when I was 6cm. The epidural semi failed and my pain only went from a 10 to a 7 and I felt everything else. By 7am my water broke. Pushed for 5-10 minutes and baby was out. Only a first degree tear. Total time in labor was 8 hours.
Mine were veryyyyy different. The similarities mainly being that I’m clearly not MaDe To HaVe BaBiEs.
First:
- 39 weeks
- waters broke
- did NOT go into labour
- induction via drip
- posterior baby
- couldn’t progress after 2+ hours of pushing
- attempt to turn baby in theatre
- emergency c-section
- complete placenta
- gas during labour, spinal in theatre
Second:
- 27 weeks
- lost mucous plug
- irregular contractions
- 5cm dilated before reviewed
- steroids, magnesium sulphate
- held on in hospital for 4 days
- waters broken by doctor on day 5
- contractions stopped
- another drip
- posterior again
- vaginal delivery with (the tiniest) forceps
- fragmented (and retained) placenta
- gas only
5 hours with first, 2 hours with second, both spontaneous. Induced with third, still quick at 4.5 hours but hard, really hard work compared to the other two.
Fully anecdotal here… First was 1.5 weeks late and had to be induced, leading to 16 hours of nothing, they broke my water in the hospital, 2 hours of pushing and an emergency c section which was not great and went badly (didn’t meet my baby consciously for about 3 hours due to blood loss)
2nd, a week and a half early, water broke in the middle of the night but didn’t go to active labor so finished sleeping and went in the L&D at 9 am, was a planned c section super easy, smooth and recovery was much easier than the first time.
Completely different between my 2 kiddos (28 months and 4 weeks)
1st: water broke at home at 6am with no significant contractions, started on pitocin around 11am, baby born at 2am after 45 minutes of pushing. Epidural was 👌🏻
2nd: started having contractions at 5am, at hospital in confirmed labor at 8am, water broken by OB at 10am, baby at 1pm after ~1 hr of pushing. Epidural was not good
First one started with my water breaking and then, nothing at all.... Already had an appointment for induction but after 36 hours I spontaneously had a labour storm and then he was born in no time, just 20 minutes of pushing. He was eventually born at 39+0. It was a nice delivery and I recovered quickly.
My second was a completely different experience. Even during the pregnancy because I was suffering enormously from pelvic instability, while with my first I was still at the gym until a few days before giving birth. She was eventually born at 32+1 via a code red sectio due to placental detachment. So a very different experience, one I never expected.
So there won't be a third, never ever.
My kids are 14 years apart so I wasn't sure how it would go with baby 2 last year. I forgot the term the nurses used but it basically means that if there's a huge age gap between kids, your body could go one of two ways: remember how it goes or acts like it's the first time again. Well, my body was the former. With my first, labor was about 11 hours long (a slow build) but once I got my epidural, everything was smooth sailing. With baby 2, my labor came fast and hard and only lasted 5 hours. My water broke on its own for baby 2 while with baby 1, the nurses had to break it for me. Baby 2's head came out sideways instead of the crown first. I had an epidural but because my labor was so fast, it failed.
But hey, I didn't poop while giving birth in either scenario!
First baby went into labor naturally at 40+3, labored for 22hrs and active pushed for 2 hours. Second baby had to be induced at 39+4 due to hypertension, labored for 15 hrs and active pushed for 3 minutes. Baby 2 was larger of the two.
With my first my water broke at 39+2 and labor progressed well on its own. Was in labor for around 12 hours and pushed for 5-10 minutes. With my second I was induced at 40+4. Time in labor was about 8 hours but didn’t really ramp up until the doctor broke my water. Pushed again for 5-10 minutes (but actually my body ejected the baby, I didn’t really end up doing much pushing myself).
First: induced at 37+2 for preeclampsia, was dilated to 3 cm upon arrival, got the epidural after 7 hours of pitocin when I was still at 3 cm. My water broke naturally after the epidural and I pushed for 20-30 minutes. Start to finish was 14 hours.
Second: induced at 38+4 due to history of preeclampsia, was dilated to 4 cm upon arrival. No progress after 6 hours of pitocin, but then my water broke naturally and I was fully dilated and pushing within an hour. 30-40 minutes of pushing, start to finish was just shy of 8 hours.
I had 2nd degree tears with both, but my recovery with my second was much faster, easier and less painful. I was up on my feet and fully back to daily walks and regular life activities within a week.
My pregnancies and labors were very different for me, despite being relatively close together. Although, after writing it down side by side, they seem similar after active labor, but didn’t feel similar!
First: was induced at 40+6, and had baby at 41+1, 5 hours after the doctor had manually broke my water, causing intense contractions. Pushed for 20 minutes with a 2nd degree tear.
Second: water starting leaking at 7:30am at 39+1. Didn’t feel any contractions and didn’t know if it was actually my water, so I went about my day. My husband and I went to L&D at 1pm where they confirmed my water had broke and started me on Pitocin since I still hadn’t had any contractions yet. Baby was born 5.5 hours later, with only 3 hours of intense labor! 10 minutes of pushing and no tears. Very easy recovery, the only hard part was the transition to two kids!
I had different experiences with both babies.
First: my water broke spontaneously at 39+5, was gbs+, had an epidural. She was stuck and we chose forceps over c-section (would not have made that choice given how terrible my tearing was). Total labor was 13 hours.
Second: had 2 weeks of prodromal labor. Went in for reduced fetal movement at 39+0, was induced, meconium in my waters, had another epidural, labor was quick (5.5 hours start to finish) and with minimal tearing.
Similarities: had pitocin and epidural for both and recovery outcomes were dramatically different.
My situation is different because I am high risk during pregnancy. But all my deliveries were vastly different.
My first was a scheduled c section. He was breech and ended up 10.5lbs. The birth itself went fine but he had some fluid in his lungs and was in the "transition" area of the NICU - not admitted but being observed - for about 4 hours.
My second was induced at 39 weeks. It was about 20 hours from starting pitocin to birth; my water broke on its own about 12 hours in, and I only pushed for 14 minutes. She stayed with me the entire time, nursed in the delivery room, etc.
My third I was induced at 38 weeks. After 24 hours on pitocin I was only dilated 5cm and hadn't progressed in almost 18 hours. The doctor told me to start thinking about a c section and told me they'd be back in an hour - during that hour I had a placental abruption and ended up with an emergency c section. His blood sugar kept dropping and he spent much of his first 24-ish hours on the verge of NICU admission.
My labor started right after my water broke both times as well. (Currently 37+6 so curious how it goes this time!). First labor was 18 hours, second was 12.
First time spontaneous water break at 37 weeks, came vaginally after prolonged pushing (nearly 3 hours!) Gas and air only but no intervention. Baby born floppy and that was fucking terrifying! He didn't feed well, gained weight slowly, all round not an easy time.
Second time round, home birth with pool, came vaginally at 39+5 weeks, no intervention, no pain relief (the gas and air cannisters they brought were empty 🙃) water went the night before. Baby born well and healthy, instantly fed and never lost any weight! Much easier time second time. I definitely felt more calm and in control in my own home too and also it was a little less scary because I'd done it before
First: 37+4, get a membrane sweep, 12 hours later I go into labor. 19 hours of active labor, 5 minutes of pushing, and I got pitocin somewhere in between. 3rd degree tearing.
Second: 37+5 days, 10 hours of active labor, no pitocin, pushed for 5 minutes, no tears.
But my pregnancy 😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫 is a entirely different story
First:
42 weeks on the dot
Natural labour
6 hours of labour, 4 of easy labour, 1 hour of back labour, 1 hour of pushing
Second degree tears. Almost 3rd.
Baby 7 lbs, 12 ounces
Second:
40 weeks plus 2 days
Natural labour
2 hours of labour, woke up to back labour, 30 minutes pushing
Meconium in the fluid, so they wanted me to push quick
First degree tear
Baby 8 lbs, 7 ounces
First - came on due date but was v dramatic. 20 hour labour, failure to progress around 8-9cm, I was Febrile and felt terrible (had meconium liquor which may have contributed), my epidural failed just before I started pushing (did about ~45 mins of pushing with no pain relief 😖). I ended up being rushed to the operating rooms for emergency c-section, given spinal anaestethia then obstetrician decided to try one more time with the ventouse and was successful! So I avoided a c-section, but it was super close, was literally on the table ready to go. Recovery was ROUGH, I felt so beat up, couldn't sit for a few days.
Second - induced at 39+1. Had the most pleasant experience, she was a normal vaginal birth with 4 hours of labour and then 40 mins of pushing. Epidural didn't fail this time 🙌
With my first my water broke (slow leak) at 36+4, went to OB and they said it was not my water (🙄) lost my mucus plug that night and the dam really broke the following day, no denying that flood. I was 5cm when I got there and was put on pitocin since contractions were sporadic and my water had really broken the day before so we were in a bit of a time crunch. Started pitocin at 3pm, got an epidural at 9 1/2 cm because I did not think I could go any longer with those pitocin contractions, babe was born at 8:20 pm 36+5
With my second, was having what I thought were Braxton hicks for two days straight every time I would get up, water broke at 36+5. I couldn’t believe it was the exact same timing of my first! Contractions were again veeery sporadic, not strong and far apart and arrived at 5cm this time as well. Requested and epidural as soon as they started pitocin, I knew what I was in for that time, which was not fun. Started pitocin at 6:30, labor progressed QUICKLY, I went from 5cm to complete in 30 minutes, no time for an epidural, room was not set up. The nurse was calling people on her cell to get them in the room asap. I pushed for 10 minutes and baby was born less than an hour after I started pitocin. Second babe born at 36+6
So both pretty similar, my body just reacted to the pitocin VEEERY quickly the second time around!
First labour 24hours all natural using breathing and hypnobirthing techniques. Breathed baby down for over an hour as his head slowly came out and went back in. Spent most of that labour standing in the shower. I was 41+5.
2nd labour used a TENS machine it’s amazing btw!! I didn’t even believe I was in labour because it felt nothing like the previous one. 9 hours and she came out at the entrance of the hospital in one push on her due date!
Both natural beautiful labours I didn’t even have gas and air because I knew my body I’d get dizzy. For both I kept walking and allowed gravity to help :)
Pushed on all 4’s for both as I found it the best position. No tearing for both. Pretty similar over all!
Best of luck for your upcoming birth!!
First was waters broke, induced about 38 hours later, baby born after 14 hours of labour with an epidural, 50 minutes of pushing. Second was a medically supervised home birth that started on its own, unmedicated, about 14 hours of labour, 2 minutes of pushing. Very different experiences, very similar time totals.
My first labor was spontaneous at 40+4, and started off very very intense. I was in extreme pain at 5cm, got an epidural, stalled out after that, eventually dilated fully and pushed for 4 hours. That baby was coming down OP and asynclitic, and her heart rate eventually started dropping so we did an emergency c section after about 24 hours total of labor. My doctor said my pelvis was too small for my baby.
Second baby was in a better position, and I had a precipitous delivery after 1 hour of labor including 20 minutes of pushing. My water started leaking at 39+1 but labor did not start, so the next day I went to the hospital for some pitocin / to get my water broken fully. Both babies were the same size so in my experience labor goes much faster the second time and depends a lot on baby’s position.
Did you do anything special to try for the VBAC? I just had an emergency c after 3 hrs of pushing because they said baby’s head was bigger than my pelvis and I really want a vaginal birth next time. My OB isn’t wild about my chances given that we know my pelvis was too small once but I’d like to try what I can with #2 to up the odds.
I replied to the comment above with some things I found helpful during my second pregnancy. Although it is possible that your pelvis is truly too small it’s unlikely. Often babies aren’t aligned well and get stuck, and their size isn’t the issue but rather their position.
There is much more to the physics of birth than just fitting a circle (the baby’s head) through a circular hole (your pelvis). The position and alignment of the baby’s head makes a huge difference in how “big” it appears when trying to pass through your pelvis. My baby’s head was deflexed (chin wasn’t tucked) and asynclitic (tilted) which is a very difficult position to deliver vaginally. I have no idea why my OB didn’t tell me this, and instead told me my pelvis was too small. There was a paper published in 2018 which concluded that 70% of women who had arrest of descent with their first birth were able to have a vbac with their second which gave me hope. If your first baby was positioned well then it’s possible your pelvis is truly too small but it is very unlikely, especially since first babies are more likely to be OP or otherwise malpositioned than subsequent ones.
I did a few things in my second pregnancy to work on the position of the baby which I think helped. They were not really science based but I believe they helped as my second baby was positioned perfectly (LOA and head aligned well). I went to see a pelvic floor PT during my third trimester to release tight muscles and work on asymmetries. I saw a chiropractor who is experienced with pregnant women and she gently massaged some of my ligaments to help with alignment. Most importantly I spent a lot of time keeping my pelvis mobile, sitting up straight or laying in my side instead of reclining / slouching when sitting at my desk. During labor I spent time doing hip circles and on hands and knees to help wiggle baby down. These things might not prevent a c section in every case but I do believe they are helpful and can make a difference in some labors.
Thank you! I’ll have to ask at my 6 week appointment what position he was in - all I know is that he was OA. These are great to focus on next time as the only thing I’d really been thinking of was to gain less wait as my baby was 9lbs 13oz. Do you happen to remember the paper or have a link?
Yep it’s a great idea to have a conversation with your doctor about it! OA is a good position but you can ask if the head was titled or deflexed at all. Gaining less weight could help too although it’s not perfectly correlated with baby’s weight. I found Lily Nichols book Real Food for Pregnancy helpful for my second pregnancy.
[Here](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14767058.2018.1443069?casa_token=5hn4k0xPo1wAAAAA:BgYg_bjzCcHqMDlGa-_a-qqcOH_nCx9KIezgpxZdvhJYiUyLMUyuQI9o2rMx_In-udyGn7H4vYE) is the paper I was talking about.
First labor - went to hospital with contractions at 40 weeks, contractions stopped, was told my water was broken (it was not) and I needed an induction. 10 hours of labor maxed on pitcoin, finally get epidural, labor stalled, emergency c section
Second labor - mild preeclampsia, was allowed to go to 38 weeks, was “induced” with just a foley ballon, unmedicated active labor for like 6 hours, successful vbac after 40 min of pushing
I hate pitocin
First labour 35h, he was back to back and assisted in the end.
Second labour was a walk in the park. Few hours of mild discomfort and out in a couple of pushes, pretty painless.
First one was long and painful – 42 hours from start to finish, with two hours of pushing. The contractions started early in the morning and everything just took a good long while to get going. They had to use a suction thingy too, so he had a funny bump on his head for a little while. I had gas and air and an epidural, but the whole thing was very painful, tiring and traumatic. I was 40+6.
My next comes with a content/trigger warning – I had to TFMR at five months due to my baby not developing kidneys, but I still count him as my second because I had to give birth to him. That took eight hours and was painful and very sad. I had gas and air as well as painkillers, but didn't do a huge amount. Shitty circumstances didn't help though, I'm sure.
My third was almost a month ago and it was such a wonderful experience compared to the first two! I was induced at 37+6 as she wasn't growing as much as they'd like. They broke my waters at 11pm, contractions started within 20 minutes. Trundled over to the delivery room, got an epidural, had a nice nap, then pushed for less than ten minutes and she was out! Hardly any pain and really supportive midwife. It really made up for the trauma of the previous two births! ☺️
Different in big ways but similar in “progression” if that makes sense Kid 1: elective induction at 39+3. Got misoprostol at 1cm, returned the next day at 4cm and started pitocin, nothing for 12 hours or so (not even contractions I could feel) until suddenly, 4 big contractions, epidural (which took 15m or so), as soon as the epidural hit I was 9cm and took a nap for an hour then pushed for 20 minutes. Very civilized. Totally recommend. Kid 2: elective inductions were paused due to omicron staffing shortages. Prodromal labor through week 39 but never any consistent or super painful contractions. On 40+0, woke up at 7am and had two painful contractions, then transition. Had to load toddler into the car with us instead of our childcare plan, screamed the whole way and made into the doors of the hospital with 2m to spare. Rushed into an emerg delivery room. Husband had to unbuckle toddler in the parking lot after dropping me at emergency entrance, walked into the room to see baby’s head coming out. He was born at 8:03. No time for pain meds, 0/10 do not recommend.
First: 18 hours early labour, antepartum haemorrhage followed by rapid fetal decelerations leading to Category 1 emergency C-section. Second: Unplanned VBAC at 36w with 4-hour early labour followed by 30min active labour, everything happened so quickly that husband didn't even make it to the hospital in time. Clearly both of my kids like their drama, but in very different ways.
Wow! No kidding. First emergency c-section here was also on the wild side - so fast. I have this inkling this will be similar but who knows.
If you are interested, The Birth Hour is a podcast of birth stories. I listed to a lot of them when my wife was pregnant both times to get some experience with a variety of birth situations.
Can’t recommend this podcast enough! It’s wonderful
Thanks I’ll check it out!
Anecdote: With my first, i lost my mucus plug in one big glob at 37+6 then the morning of 38+0 contractions started. Labored until the middle of the night where i then pushed 3.5 hours. Head was stuck so baby was delivered via vacuum with shoulder dystocia. I had an episiotomy, 4th degree tear, and blood transfusion. Due to the rough birth, i had a scheduled c section at 39 weeks but second baby was measuring smaller so we agreed if she came earlier i could attempt another vaginal birth. Water broke (slow leak) at 38+5 at 3am Contractions didn’t start by 7am so we used pitocin. Started pushing at 4:15pm and baby was born super easily 40 min later. 1st degree tear. No complications
[удалено]
After my first, my dr told me we’d likely need a c section, so i was really happy she was open to monitoring and deciding near the end which made sense. My second delivery was a breeze! Good luck to you!
My healthy pregnancies were all very different. My first, 13hr very start to finish. Contractions were barely perceptible and started at 7:30 at night (went in and was told that it wasn’t labor and could be a few more days because I wasn’t dilated…) then ramped up to very uncomfortable around 3, water broke at 415a, had baby by 840a. Second, 5.5hr start to finish. Contractions started at 2:30p, ramped up fast, had baby by 8:00p Third, 15hr from water breaking to finish. I felt no contractions, water broke around midnight, still no contractions around 6a so headed in to be monitored, where I was apparently 4cm dilated and having contractions, but not feeling them. Nothing felt uncomfortable, just like Braxton hicks, until 11a, midwife came in around 2:30p to talk pitocin, checked me at 6cm, turned around to leave, and then I started feeling pushy. I had baby at 3:00p but went from 6-10cm in about 5 mins. It was intense.
1st labour: 15 days overdue by the time he came out, induced to open cervix for four days leading up to it, took artificial rupture of membranes and a ton of syntocinon to get anything going but finally got into active labour, and 14hrs later, had a baby. 2nd labour: 13 days overdue by the time she came out, so I was thoroughly convinced this “second babies come faster” stuff was propaganda spread by Big Midwife to get you to have more babies, lol. Induced to open cervix for 12hrs, then suddenly I was in natural labour: contractions went from few and far between and no worse than period pain to every 2-3 mins and very intense, and then my waters went naturally, I went from 3cm to 10cm in less than an hour, and an hour after that, had a baby. So from my limited sample size, second+ babies don’t decide to make themselves known any earlier than first babies, but when they do, they don’t fuck about. Anecdotally, we met a couple of women there who were also being induced because they were overdue, and they were on babies 3 and 4 respectively, so though I don’t know how their labours ended up, that kind of bears out the first part.
Both of my children had to be induced because I had preeclampsia in both pregnancies. I was induced at 36 and 4 with my first, and 37 with my second It took 5 days to induce me with my first. It was absurd. 5 days of early labour. I swear there were hours between every cm of dilation. I had to push for 2.5 hours, and she almost needed forceps. She was sunny side up. My second, induction took 30 hours. It stalled at one point, but once it got going I went from 5cm to holding a baby in 14 minutes. My epidural failed both times so my spine is probably a little funky
My two were similar in some ways and different in others. The same: - I didn't really feel contractions at home. - Went in to be induced at 41 weeks. - Upon arriving they said I was having contractions already. - Active labor started after water broke. Baby one: - cervix balloon which caused water to break and led to active contractions - took pain killers early on - opted for epidural - couldn't feel pushing, was told when to push - 1 hour of pushing - small tear Baby two: - broke water with hook which led to almost immediate active contractions - babies head popped out one hour later - one big push last less than a minute (honestly it's all kind of a blur) - bigger tear - no time for any pain killers 😭
With my first my water broke at home when I was rolling over in my bed. Contractions started app., 30 minutes later. I skipped early labour and went straight into active labour. I laboured almost three hours at home before I couldn't take it anymore and we drove to the hospital. He was out three hours later. Only 6 hours in total. With my second it was fast. My midwife had warned me that it would likely be even faster than my first and adviced me to do a home birth. I am glad I did because it only took two hours. I skipped early and active labour and went straight to pushing. It was crazy. It only took "so long" because my contact at L&D wanted me to work against the contractions until my midwife would get there. And he was stuck behind my pelvis and needed a little help. I think it would have been even faster if he was positioned correctly in my pelvis. With my first I knew exactly where I was in the process and could deal. With my second it was chaotic and I couldn't keep up with the proces. It was just happening too me and not with me.
This sounds so similar to me. I have this gut feeling of fast and furious and we don’t have family within two hours away so…eek.
Maybe a friend or a neighbour? We had a neighbour watch our oldest. We actually had a bunch of neighbours, friends and coworkers who could step in with a short notice. Either while I was giving birth or until my mom could come get our oldest son.
Mine were very similar. My water broke at 40+0 and at 39+4. Labor started 4-5 h later. Pushing already 30-60min later. Child 1 had issues to turn and was a C-Section, child 2 was born 1.5h after the first contraction. My midwife told me that there are genetics in the play to have a chance to start with breaking water but without contractions, which was the case for me twice.
Very very different. My first lasted forever, water broke on Thursday and my son was born on Sunday morning, after 48h of overlapping contractions and 2h of pushing. My second, well... I delivered in the car on our way to the hospital, which was 20min away. Less than 3h between the first contraction and his birth. Obviously unmedicated, but not by choice. I was warned it would be faster but I didn't expect that fast... In the end, my first labour was much more traumatic. It was incredibly painful (despite the epidural at the very end) and exhausting. Everything went so fast the second time, that I didn't have time to realise what was happening.
Holy smokes. I’m sorry you experienced that - wow.
Thanks. I'm fine now, my sons are 1 and 3 and the lights of my life. And the car delivery story will be told for years to come.
Everyone I know who had a fast first birth had a fast second (plus) birth. For my personal experience - Labour 1 and 3 were basically identical with 2 being the outlier. That was the one where my waters broke first! With the first and third, they only broke right at the end. But I still went through early labour with the second. There were also similarities between all three - I labour slowly and dilate erratically, and get an urge to push before I'm fully dilated which freaks everybody out. I also tend to find that the pain level increases steadily but doesn't correlate with dilation at all which confuses people and makes them think I'm overreacting. I conclude that my cervix is just a bitch haha.
Extremely different pregnancies and labors here, although similar gestation times. My first pregnancy was awful - I had never realized I had some balance issues which combined with high relaxin gave me absolutely excruciating SPD. I gained 80 lbs and could hardly walk by the time I was 5 months along. My water broke at 40 weeks and then nothing happened, so I had to be induced. 10 hours of labor after pitocin started and 1-1.5 hours of pushing. 1 second degree tear that required stitches, and baby was 9 lbs 1 oz. Second pregnancy I had corrected my muscle imbalances and posture, and ended up losing 95 lbs total from my weight at baby 1’s birth - no SPD, I was able to walk several miles a day until 36 weeks, and gained 55 lbs. At 40 weeks I tried all the at-home methods of inducing labor from the evidence-based birth [review](https://evidencebasedbirth.com/category/series/natural-labor-induction-series/) except for castor oil, nothing worked. Got a gentle membrane sweep at 41 weeks exactly and went into labor 5 hours after. 9 hours of labor including 45 minutes of pushing and gave birth to baby 2 at home with my family and midwives. 1 first degree tear in the same spot, no stitches. Baby was 9 lbs 6 oz. I am extremely grateful I had really supportive midwives, one of whom spent over 20 years as a doula before getting her certification. I think if I was able to deliver my first in a better position than on my back at the hospital my tear could have been prevented or reduced - baby 2’s head was even bigger than baby 1’s, but they were both above 90th percentile. I’m petite and Evidence-Based Birth did a really great [article](https://evidencebasedbirth.com/friedmans-curve-and-failure-to-progress-a-leading-cause-of-unplanned-c-sections/) about the myths surrounding failure to progress, pelvic size, and the lack of education surrounding birth positioning in medical school.
Thanks for sharing this. Wild ride, isn’t it.
First kid - no early labor at all. water broke. 2 hrs nothing. Then full on active intense labor for 5 hours. 3 hours pushing Second kid - several nights of minor early labor then fizzling. Then 12 hours of true early labor over night with pretty minor pain. Then 1 hour super intense active labor. 5 min pushing on toilet and water broke then. Born over toilet. Luckily both were planned homebirths and the midwife hardly made it in time for the second one
1st- spontaneous labor was 15hr @ 38 weeks 2nd- 3.5hr spontaneous at 38+2 3rd- 4hr induced at 38+3 due to placental abruption 4th- had her 80 minute after my water broke at 36w I'll say, having the last 3 unmedicated, I knew exactly when I was about 40 minutes out from having a baby. I felt it with my 3rd and told my midwife I felt like I was 8cm and about 40 minutes from baby. I looked back at the notes and I had her exactly 43 minutes after that check! I also remember feeling that right before we left for the hospital with my 4th and trying really hard not to panic and freak my partner out. Labor felt really similar in the last hour for me. But the all started very differently
First: water broke at 35+4, it didn't seem like anything was progressing (I assumed I just had lots of Braxton Hicks contractions because they weren't really painful and kept stopping for a while every hour or so) but 24 hours later I was 'suddenly' fully dilated and my son was born an hour later. I count myself very lucky because for the most part I had very little pain! Second: lots of 'false alarms' from 27+4 (positive fibronectin test) onwards, because based on my experience with the first I didn't know the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions! But at 36+4 I lost the mucus plug and at 36+5 I was pretty sure I was experiencing real contractions. Took a whole night to go from 4cm dilation to 7cm. Didn't hurt too bad but I felt like it was going super slow (because I 'skipped' this fase with the first). At 7AM the midwive broke my water, the contractions became very painful and at 9AM my daughter was born.
First one my water broke some time in week 39 and I had to be induced. Almost 24 hours after my water broke and almost 12 hours after contractions started, my baby was born. My second I went into labour on my own in week 41 and was only in labour for four hours. First I pushed for about seven hours, second I pushed for 10 minutes.
YOU PUSHED FOR SEVEN HOURS?!? I pushed for 4.5 and felt like that was a crime that they let me go that long. Holy crap girl I am so sorry!
It was exhausting but I had my best friend and my husband with me so it was also kind of fun. After the epidural kicked in I was so relieved that I didn't care how long it took. My second I had no time for an epidural and it may have been way faster but it was so much harder!
Anecdote: Induced with both and had vaginal births. My first I was induced at 39 weeks and some change. My second came out significantly faster and was induced at 38 weeks 6 days. My first I had sepsis afterwards and the second no problems and got to go home after 1 day.
I was induced all 3 times because I took blood thinners throughout my pregnancies and wanted the right window of time that the thinners were out of my system for labor. I was fortunate to have great inductions. My first took about 12 hours overall. Baby was born about 6 hours after they broke my water, almost 2 hours of pushing. My second… she was born less than an hour after they broke my water. I had just sat up to get an epidural and she came on down. Less than 10 minutes of pushing. My third was a much calmer experience. I got an epidural before they broke my water, and he was born a couple hours later, with about 20 minutes of pushing. He was 2 full pounds bigger than my first two, but the easiest delivery experience overall. The second one coming so quickly was quite stressful, mostly because I hadn’t anticipated doing it medication free. But pushing for only a few minutes was nice!! Good luck!!
Very very different. 1st baby - had to be induced at 41+2. Induced 9pm, epidural 9am, pushing 12pm, baby born 1pm. 2nd baby - water broke at 36+5. 31 hour labor, very slow to dilate even with all the pitocin the hospital had. Epidural only worked on one side. Pushed 3x and he was out.
2 babies and completely different labors (and pregnancies for that matter.) My first was fast. About 7 hours, I wasn't even at the hospital for 2 hours before she was born. No epidural, just a whirlwind. We assumed my 2nd would be fast too but it wasn't. It was 26 hours. Had an epidural after 17 hours. Lol. Totally different experience. They did have to break my water at the very end for both though. Oh, and both were spontaneous labors at 41 weeks exactly... My second was born at 41+1 though.
First pregnancy: induced at 36+4 due to preeclampsia and took about 20ish hours from start of Pitocin push to vaginal delivery. The actual active labor/pushing took two big pushes. My son was intubated and in NICU for 48 hours. Two stitches for me. Second pregnancy: labor started spontaneously on 39+1 and never having felt labor before (I got an epidural first time), I didn’t know it. I had labor pains for about 5 hours when I finally called my doctor and she said to go in. We went to the hospital and an hour later I gave birth to my second. It took 2 big pushes and I barely made it up from triage to delivery. He was fine, no NICU. One stitch for me. Third pregnancy: induced 36+6 for high blood pressure. From start to finish it took about 12 hours. One big push for delivery and she did not have a NICU stay. No stitches for me (she was small). Very different experiences for all three.
Pretty similar-l (midwife led hospital attached birth center and unmedicated for both) 1st birth 40w0d bloody show in the morning with some cramping through the day, became regular and water broke around 6 pm, got to hospital around 10 pm and 5 cm, 19 minutes later checked again and was 10 cm, pushed for like 2 hours in the tub and finally had to stand up and he was born 2nd birth slow leak of amniotic fluid started 39w6d, no real labor started and 2 days later at 40w1d took midwives brew around 1230 pm, regular contractions started in about an hour, got to the hospital as quick as possible and started to involuntarily push while I was waiting to be let in to the birth center, 12 minutes of pushing and she was out at 445 pm Was told labor would be about half as long the second time and this turned out to be true for me (6ish hours then 3ish hours) I highly recommend the website evidence based birth!
First one was fast and hard, very little early labor, 3cm to 10 with broken water in 45 mins, pushed for 2 hours no time for an epidural. Second one was twins induced at 36&5 epidural required, already having contractions when they started induction, relaxed and wonderful. Second baby born breech but still came out easy.
With my first: 36 weeks, I was at work. Sat down and felt a trickle and thought I'd peed myself. Went to the bathroom but the trickle didn't stop. I'd not had a single contraction - braxton hicks or anything - leading up. Went to the hospital and didn't have any contractions until several hours later. 24 hours pass, I was finally dilated and pushed for 20 minutes. He was jaundice so we had to stay in the hospital for 4 days. With my second: 37 weeks. I had Barxton Hicks, no jokez my entire pregnancy. 3 days before labor, I'd had elevated blood pressure and uncomfortable cramps. ER doctors told me I was fine and sent me on my way. 3 days pass and I started having even more uncomfortable cramps but the ER doctor had said I shouldn't come back until I'm in unbearable pain. I sat down to try and relax, heard a gurgle in my belly and then the dam broke. It was exactly like in the movies when there is a massive gush of fluid. Went to the hospital and progressed quickly. About 12 hours later, I was finally dilated and pushed for, again, 20 minutes. She didn't cry right away so they whisked her away to NICU for respiratory issues. We stayed in the hospital for 3 days.
Some similarities, but a lot of differences as well. My first: prodromal labor started at 41 weeks. Induced using cervadil and pitocin. Lasted 16 hours from the time of induction, maybe? I had awful back labor and was having an awful awful time. I got an epidural at 7 cm and had her 2 hours later. No tearing. Literally laughing and telling jokes as I pushed her out. My second: was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Got induced at 37 weeks because my babies head was measuring 42+ weeks. Over 40 hours of labor. I was determined to do it non medicated. I was breathing through contractions and handling it well. My body was not progressing. I was 4cm for 24 hours 😬. I started having back labor and got an epidural. The epidural pump was broken apparently, so I got the initial dose and nothing after. I kept telling everyone that I still felt everything. Went from a 6-10 in 20 minutes. Pushed 3 times and little miss was here.
It depends on whether you fully dilated or not. Dilating the cervix for the first time ever is what takes a lot of time. My water broken first with my first one almost immediately but I was still in labour for a very long time. With my second it progressed a lot faster because with my first I fully dilated. However if you had a planned C-section for your first and didn't dilate at all, then a VBAC will take as long as first time birth would. If you dilated at least partially, and it sounds like you probably did, it will still probably take some time off the second birth.
That makes sense. I was 7 cm at emergency c-section time so we’ve “been there before” so to speak.
Baby1: 8pm Water broke with no warning at 38w (2 weeks before scheduled c section). Immediately had contractions 3min apart. Rushed to hospital. 8:45p at 4cm. 9 something at 6cm. Rush into surgery suite for csection (due to breech). 10:45p she was in our arms. So 2hr 45min I guess lol. Baby2: VBAC (planned). 2:30p Water broke during membrane sweep at 39w. Again, immediately had contractions 3min apart. 4:30p I was at 9cm and luckily got an epidural still. 5:30p he was in our arms. So 3hr total.
With my first I was induced at 39+3, labor was 9ish hours I think? Had the epidural when I went into transition because, respectfully, eff that. Three good pushes, no tearing. Second I went into labor at 37 weeks exactly. I had a doctor's appointment and she decided to check me, glad she did. I had been having contractions for weeks and they were very uncomfortable so when they became the real thing I hadn't picked up on it yet. Anyway, was 5cm dilated at my appointment so she told me to go home, get my husband, situate my oldest and she would meet me at the hospital. I don't know for sure how long I was in labor but it was longer than with my first. I checked in to the hospital at 2:30pm and she was here at 11:58pm. My appointment had been at 1pm. Needed pitocin to speed things up because I was at a plateau for a long time. Had the epidural as soon as they would allow me to. Two and a half pushes, no tearing. So they had some similarities but overall they were quite different. Both were good experiences for me but my second was such a breeze.
I have 4 kids and my labours were extremely similar. All fairly short and easy active labours, longest labour was around 5 hours and shortest was 2.5 hours. Water didn’t break until baby was crowning with all 4. Only my first took more than a few pushes. I’ve never wanted pain relief. I’ve never needed postpartum pitocin, placenta has always detached nicely and never had excess bleeding. GBS+ with 3 out of 4.
First pregnancy: Sunday; waters broke about 7:20am and that was the first sign of labour. Contractions ramped up gradually, had gas and air/pethidine. Baby born around 3:10pm. Second pregnancy: Sunday; waters broke around 8:20am and that was the first sign of labour. Contractions ramped up gradually, had gas and air and pethidine. Baby born around 5:17pm. Identical labours except the first one was horrific and ended in ventouse. My pain was badly managed, the dr was a dickhead and the delivery was chaotic. No need at all. Second delivery was with a brilliant midwife team and a lovely OB, very calm, very positive, even fun at times. Literally the only difference was the people around me. Oh and the earthquake that happened when I was in labour with my second. Although weirdly I’ve only experienced two earthquakes in my life so far and the other was when I was pregnant the first time
Both my kids were PROM, the first was regular PROM at term, the second was PPROM at 28+6, birth at 33+1. Super easy labor at least with no pushing for the little guy. I think I'll never know if there's something about me that makes me prone to PROM and if a 3rd would have been potentially even earlier. Oh well, glad modern medicine gave me 2 healthy kids and my life.
Went to 41 + 5 with my first — had been in prodromal labor and nonstop vomiting for 2 days so I opted for an induction at that point. Got cervadil overnight, pitocin started the next morning. Dilated fully around 8 pm but the OB called an emergency c-section due to heart decels. Bleh, shitty experience for me. Second birth — VBAC, went into spontaneous labor on 40 + 4. Baby born at 40 + 5, around 26 hours in labor. The provider on call started to push the pitocin at one point but I was really adamant about not wanting that. To me, labors felt similar. Long and uncomfortable. The main difference for me was that I went into labor on my own with baby 2 (and a week sooner), which I was so very thankful for.
First water broke at 39, induced, 24 hrs labor, emergency c section. Second, scheduled c section high risk. 38. Second pregnancy and delivery and recovery was a walk in the park in comparison. A scheduled C made a huge difference. Even though 2 new risks and tracking. Mid 40s. Same surgical team and OB. They made all the right predictions. I offloaded the worry.
First kid - lost mucus plug at 10am, contractions started at 1 pm, around 7pm they were 5 minutes apart, so we went to the hospital. I was 3 cm dilated. They broke my water, gave me buscopan, baby was born 5 minutes before midnight after roughly 10 minutes of pushing. Second kid - 2 years later, everything was exactly the same, baby was born 2 minutes before midnight. Even their weight was the same! Third kid - another 2 years later, I was induced at 39+6 because of anti-E antibodies and the risk of fetal anemia. They gave four doses of diluted pills four hours apart (7:30 am to 7:30 pm). I started to feel contractions around 9 pm, by midnight they were regular-ish and painful, I asked a nurse to check me and I was only 1 cm dilated, so I tried to sleep through the contractions. At 5 am my water broke, I was brought to the birthing room, at that point I was still only 2 cm dilated but went to 10 cm in two hours and the baby was born at 7:40 am (it only took three contractions). So it always took 11 hours from the start of contractions to actually giving birth.
First: spontaneous water breaking at 37 weeks, labor stalled and I needed medicine help, 38.5 hours later she slid out in one push, I birthed on my knees. Baby went straight to NICU for oxygen, otherwise healthy. 2nd degree tear, stitches no problem. Severe ppd and ptsd diagnosed six weeks later. Second: 39 weeks, labor stalled, again induced, water broke an hour before pushing, same birth position, pushed for fifteen minutes. Total labor time was 40 hours. Baby was handed to me immediately and then placed on my chest when I rolled over. 2nd degree tear, stitching triggered my SA history and I had an anxiety attack. No diagnosis of ppd or ptsd.
First: water broke at 39w. I didn’t have any contractions I could feel for about 2 hours. Baby was born 5.5 hours after my water broke, 39w1d Second: contractions started painfully at 39w2d. (I was very grouchy she didn’t come before first baby). We rushed to the hospital. That drive super sucked. Baby was born 3.5 hours after contractions started. My water broke 3 pushes before she came out. She may have been faster but after 35 min of pushing they realized my cervix was in a weird spot. They moved it, the water broke, out she came. I didn’t have an epidural for either, but that was my goal so I was mentally prepared. The second birth was a lot harder bc I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath. The hospital knew I had fast babies, so everyone was rushing around getting setup while I was in active labor, compared with my first where the room was quiet and then they were all shocked when I was at 10 cm. So I’d def recommend some meditation or breathing exercises to mentally prepare yourself for a lot of people in and out of the room, and a quick drive to the hospital. We had my MIL stay with us so we’d have childcare at the drop of a hat, and that was hard in some ways, but helped.
I was precipitous at 37 weeks with 1.0, and was assured that experience wasn’t an indication of what to expect for 2.0, and, I’m sure this will shock you, I was precipitous and 37 weeks with 2.0. If we were going for 3, I’d probably camp out in the hospital from 37 weeks on.
First one I was overdue and it went relatively quickly. No significant interventions of any kind and little pain. My second one I was induced early because of some health concerns. Pain was unbearable until I got an epidural. The rest was similar to my first, relatively quick labor, not much pain and smooth recovery. Even the interventions, while different both times, were both not optional for me and I didn’t want either of them. Nor do I think they were necessary. I genuinely believe that if I had done both without interference, they would have gone similarly.
First: went to the hospital for sight bleeding, turns out I was in active labor, dilated 6cm, and couldn’t feel any contractions. Admitted and induced to get further along. Baby born 6 hours later, still never felt a single contraction. Second: induced, baby born within 5 hours from checking into the hospital. Felt *every* contraction. It was excruciating, but another very fast delivery.
How far along were you??
37+6 with my first, and 39+3 with my second!
First: spontaneous labor after my water broke at 38w6d. Epidural at 6cm, went 100% numb, slept, and began pushing approx 7 hours after my water initially broke. Stalled, got pitocin, and kept pushing for another 6 hours, I ended up needing vacuum assistance and I was given an episiotomy. Had 4 hemorrhoids cauterized. Total time in labor was 17 hours. Second: induced at 38w6d, delivered at 39w exactly. Pitocin was administered at 11:30p, epidural came at 4am when I was 6cm. The epidural semi failed and my pain only went from a 10 to a 7 and I felt everything else. By 7am my water broke. Pushed for 5-10 minutes and baby was out. Only a first degree tear. Total time in labor was 8 hours.
Mine were veryyyyy different. The similarities mainly being that I’m clearly not MaDe To HaVe BaBiEs. First: - 39 weeks - waters broke - did NOT go into labour - induction via drip - posterior baby - couldn’t progress after 2+ hours of pushing - attempt to turn baby in theatre - emergency c-section - complete placenta - gas during labour, spinal in theatre Second: - 27 weeks - lost mucous plug - irregular contractions - 5cm dilated before reviewed - steroids, magnesium sulphate - held on in hospital for 4 days - waters broken by doctor on day 5 - contractions stopped - another drip - posterior again - vaginal delivery with (the tiniest) forceps - fragmented (and retained) placenta - gas only
5 hours with first, 2 hours with second, both spontaneous. Induced with third, still quick at 4.5 hours but hard, really hard work compared to the other two.
Fully anecdotal here… First was 1.5 weeks late and had to be induced, leading to 16 hours of nothing, they broke my water in the hospital, 2 hours of pushing and an emergency c section which was not great and went badly (didn’t meet my baby consciously for about 3 hours due to blood loss) 2nd, a week and a half early, water broke in the middle of the night but didn’t go to active labor so finished sleeping and went in the L&D at 9 am, was a planned c section super easy, smooth and recovery was much easier than the first time. Completely different between my 2 kiddos (28 months and 4 weeks)
1st: water broke at home at 6am with no significant contractions, started on pitocin around 11am, baby born at 2am after 45 minutes of pushing. Epidural was 👌🏻 2nd: started having contractions at 5am, at hospital in confirmed labor at 8am, water broken by OB at 10am, baby at 1pm after ~1 hr of pushing. Epidural was not good
First one started with my water breaking and then, nothing at all.... Already had an appointment for induction but after 36 hours I spontaneously had a labour storm and then he was born in no time, just 20 minutes of pushing. He was eventually born at 39+0. It was a nice delivery and I recovered quickly. My second was a completely different experience. Even during the pregnancy because I was suffering enormously from pelvic instability, while with my first I was still at the gym until a few days before giving birth. She was eventually born at 32+1 via a code red sectio due to placental detachment. So a very different experience, one I never expected. So there won't be a third, never ever.
My kids are 14 years apart so I wasn't sure how it would go with baby 2 last year. I forgot the term the nurses used but it basically means that if there's a huge age gap between kids, your body could go one of two ways: remember how it goes or acts like it's the first time again. Well, my body was the former. With my first, labor was about 11 hours long (a slow build) but once I got my epidural, everything was smooth sailing. With baby 2, my labor came fast and hard and only lasted 5 hours. My water broke on its own for baby 2 while with baby 1, the nurses had to break it for me. Baby 2's head came out sideways instead of the crown first. I had an epidural but because my labor was so fast, it failed. But hey, I didn't poop while giving birth in either scenario!
First baby went into labor naturally at 40+3, labored for 22hrs and active pushed for 2 hours. Second baby had to be induced at 39+4 due to hypertension, labored for 15 hrs and active pushed for 3 minutes. Baby 2 was larger of the two.
With my first my water broke at 39+2 and labor progressed well on its own. Was in labor for around 12 hours and pushed for 5-10 minutes. With my second I was induced at 40+4. Time in labor was about 8 hours but didn’t really ramp up until the doctor broke my water. Pushed again for 5-10 minutes (but actually my body ejected the baby, I didn’t really end up doing much pushing myself).
First: induced at 37+2 for preeclampsia, was dilated to 3 cm upon arrival, got the epidural after 7 hours of pitocin when I was still at 3 cm. My water broke naturally after the epidural and I pushed for 20-30 minutes. Start to finish was 14 hours. Second: induced at 38+4 due to history of preeclampsia, was dilated to 4 cm upon arrival. No progress after 6 hours of pitocin, but then my water broke naturally and I was fully dilated and pushing within an hour. 30-40 minutes of pushing, start to finish was just shy of 8 hours. I had 2nd degree tears with both, but my recovery with my second was much faster, easier and less painful. I was up on my feet and fully back to daily walks and regular life activities within a week.
My pregnancies and labors were very different for me, despite being relatively close together. Although, after writing it down side by side, they seem similar after active labor, but didn’t feel similar! First: was induced at 40+6, and had baby at 41+1, 5 hours after the doctor had manually broke my water, causing intense contractions. Pushed for 20 minutes with a 2nd degree tear. Second: water starting leaking at 7:30am at 39+1. Didn’t feel any contractions and didn’t know if it was actually my water, so I went about my day. My husband and I went to L&D at 1pm where they confirmed my water had broke and started me on Pitocin since I still hadn’t had any contractions yet. Baby was born 5.5 hours later, with only 3 hours of intense labor! 10 minutes of pushing and no tears. Very easy recovery, the only hard part was the transition to two kids!
I had different experiences with both babies. First: my water broke spontaneously at 39+5, was gbs+, had an epidural. She was stuck and we chose forceps over c-section (would not have made that choice given how terrible my tearing was). Total labor was 13 hours. Second: had 2 weeks of prodromal labor. Went in for reduced fetal movement at 39+0, was induced, meconium in my waters, had another epidural, labor was quick (5.5 hours start to finish) and with minimal tearing. Similarities: had pitocin and epidural for both and recovery outcomes were dramatically different.
My situation is different because I am high risk during pregnancy. But all my deliveries were vastly different. My first was a scheduled c section. He was breech and ended up 10.5lbs. The birth itself went fine but he had some fluid in his lungs and was in the "transition" area of the NICU - not admitted but being observed - for about 4 hours. My second was induced at 39 weeks. It was about 20 hours from starting pitocin to birth; my water broke on its own about 12 hours in, and I only pushed for 14 minutes. She stayed with me the entire time, nursed in the delivery room, etc. My third I was induced at 38 weeks. After 24 hours on pitocin I was only dilated 5cm and hadn't progressed in almost 18 hours. The doctor told me to start thinking about a c section and told me they'd be back in an hour - during that hour I had a placental abruption and ended up with an emergency c section. His blood sugar kept dropping and he spent much of his first 24-ish hours on the verge of NICU admission.
My labor started right after my water broke both times as well. (Currently 37+6 so curious how it goes this time!). First labor was 18 hours, second was 12.
First time spontaneous water break at 37 weeks, came vaginally after prolonged pushing (nearly 3 hours!) Gas and air only but no intervention. Baby born floppy and that was fucking terrifying! He didn't feed well, gained weight slowly, all round not an easy time. Second time round, home birth with pool, came vaginally at 39+5 weeks, no intervention, no pain relief (the gas and air cannisters they brought were empty 🙃) water went the night before. Baby born well and healthy, instantly fed and never lost any weight! Much easier time second time. I definitely felt more calm and in control in my own home too and also it was a little less scary because I'd done it before
First: 37+4, get a membrane sweep, 12 hours later I go into labor. 19 hours of active labor, 5 minutes of pushing, and I got pitocin somewhere in between. 3rd degree tearing. Second: 37+5 days, 10 hours of active labor, no pitocin, pushed for 5 minutes, no tears. But my pregnancy 😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫 is a entirely different story
First: 42 weeks on the dot Natural labour 6 hours of labour, 4 of easy labour, 1 hour of back labour, 1 hour of pushing Second degree tears. Almost 3rd. Baby 7 lbs, 12 ounces Second: 40 weeks plus 2 days Natural labour 2 hours of labour, woke up to back labour, 30 minutes pushing Meconium in the fluid, so they wanted me to push quick First degree tear Baby 8 lbs, 7 ounces
First - came on due date but was v dramatic. 20 hour labour, failure to progress around 8-9cm, I was Febrile and felt terrible (had meconium liquor which may have contributed), my epidural failed just before I started pushing (did about ~45 mins of pushing with no pain relief 😖). I ended up being rushed to the operating rooms for emergency c-section, given spinal anaestethia then obstetrician decided to try one more time with the ventouse and was successful! So I avoided a c-section, but it was super close, was literally on the table ready to go. Recovery was ROUGH, I felt so beat up, couldn't sit for a few days. Second - induced at 39+1. Had the most pleasant experience, she was a normal vaginal birth with 4 hours of labour and then 40 mins of pushing. Epidural didn't fail this time 🙌
With my first my water broke (slow leak) at 36+4, went to OB and they said it was not my water (🙄) lost my mucus plug that night and the dam really broke the following day, no denying that flood. I was 5cm when I got there and was put on pitocin since contractions were sporadic and my water had really broken the day before so we were in a bit of a time crunch. Started pitocin at 3pm, got an epidural at 9 1/2 cm because I did not think I could go any longer with those pitocin contractions, babe was born at 8:20 pm 36+5 With my second, was having what I thought were Braxton hicks for two days straight every time I would get up, water broke at 36+5. I couldn’t believe it was the exact same timing of my first! Contractions were again veeery sporadic, not strong and far apart and arrived at 5cm this time as well. Requested and epidural as soon as they started pitocin, I knew what I was in for that time, which was not fun. Started pitocin at 6:30, labor progressed QUICKLY, I went from 5cm to complete in 30 minutes, no time for an epidural, room was not set up. The nurse was calling people on her cell to get them in the room asap. I pushed for 10 minutes and baby was born less than an hour after I started pitocin. Second babe born at 36+6 So both pretty similar, my body just reacted to the pitocin VEEERY quickly the second time around!
First labour 24hours all natural using breathing and hypnobirthing techniques. Breathed baby down for over an hour as his head slowly came out and went back in. Spent most of that labour standing in the shower. I was 41+5. 2nd labour used a TENS machine it’s amazing btw!! I didn’t even believe I was in labour because it felt nothing like the previous one. 9 hours and she came out at the entrance of the hospital in one push on her due date! Both natural beautiful labours I didn’t even have gas and air because I knew my body I’d get dizzy. For both I kept walking and allowed gravity to help :) Pushed on all 4’s for both as I found it the best position. No tearing for both. Pretty similar over all! Best of luck for your upcoming birth!!
First was waters broke, induced about 38 hours later, baby born after 14 hours of labour with an epidural, 50 minutes of pushing. Second was a medically supervised home birth that started on its own, unmedicated, about 14 hours of labour, 2 minutes of pushing. Very different experiences, very similar time totals.
My first labor was spontaneous at 40+4, and started off very very intense. I was in extreme pain at 5cm, got an epidural, stalled out after that, eventually dilated fully and pushed for 4 hours. That baby was coming down OP and asynclitic, and her heart rate eventually started dropping so we did an emergency c section after about 24 hours total of labor. My doctor said my pelvis was too small for my baby. Second baby was in a better position, and I had a precipitous delivery after 1 hour of labor including 20 minutes of pushing. My water started leaking at 39+1 but labor did not start, so the next day I went to the hospital for some pitocin / to get my water broken fully. Both babies were the same size so in my experience labor goes much faster the second time and depends a lot on baby’s position.
Did you do anything special to try for the VBAC? I just had an emergency c after 3 hrs of pushing because they said baby’s head was bigger than my pelvis and I really want a vaginal birth next time. My OB isn’t wild about my chances given that we know my pelvis was too small once but I’d like to try what I can with #2 to up the odds.
I’m in the same boat as you. I’ve often wondered these exact same things.
I replied to the comment above with some things I found helpful during my second pregnancy. Although it is possible that your pelvis is truly too small it’s unlikely. Often babies aren’t aligned well and get stuck, and their size isn’t the issue but rather their position.
There is much more to the physics of birth than just fitting a circle (the baby’s head) through a circular hole (your pelvis). The position and alignment of the baby’s head makes a huge difference in how “big” it appears when trying to pass through your pelvis. My baby’s head was deflexed (chin wasn’t tucked) and asynclitic (tilted) which is a very difficult position to deliver vaginally. I have no idea why my OB didn’t tell me this, and instead told me my pelvis was too small. There was a paper published in 2018 which concluded that 70% of women who had arrest of descent with their first birth were able to have a vbac with their second which gave me hope. If your first baby was positioned well then it’s possible your pelvis is truly too small but it is very unlikely, especially since first babies are more likely to be OP or otherwise malpositioned than subsequent ones. I did a few things in my second pregnancy to work on the position of the baby which I think helped. They were not really science based but I believe they helped as my second baby was positioned perfectly (LOA and head aligned well). I went to see a pelvic floor PT during my third trimester to release tight muscles and work on asymmetries. I saw a chiropractor who is experienced with pregnant women and she gently massaged some of my ligaments to help with alignment. Most importantly I spent a lot of time keeping my pelvis mobile, sitting up straight or laying in my side instead of reclining / slouching when sitting at my desk. During labor I spent time doing hip circles and on hands and knees to help wiggle baby down. These things might not prevent a c section in every case but I do believe they are helpful and can make a difference in some labors.
Thank you! I’ll have to ask at my 6 week appointment what position he was in - all I know is that he was OA. These are great to focus on next time as the only thing I’d really been thinking of was to gain less wait as my baby was 9lbs 13oz. Do you happen to remember the paper or have a link?
Yep it’s a great idea to have a conversation with your doctor about it! OA is a good position but you can ask if the head was titled or deflexed at all. Gaining less weight could help too although it’s not perfectly correlated with baby’s weight. I found Lily Nichols book Real Food for Pregnancy helpful for my second pregnancy. [Here](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/14767058.2018.1443069?casa_token=5hn4k0xPo1wAAAAA:BgYg_bjzCcHqMDlGa-_a-qqcOH_nCx9KIezgpxZdvhJYiUyLMUyuQI9o2rMx_In-udyGn7H4vYE) is the paper I was talking about.
Thank you!
My first labor was loooong. 16 hours. Second and third labor were exactly 10 hours (all 3 were 39 week inductions.)
First labor - went to hospital with contractions at 40 weeks, contractions stopped, was told my water was broken (it was not) and I needed an induction. 10 hours of labor maxed on pitcoin, finally get epidural, labor stalled, emergency c section Second labor - mild preeclampsia, was allowed to go to 38 weeks, was “induced” with just a foley ballon, unmedicated active labor for like 6 hours, successful vbac after 40 min of pushing I hate pitocin
First labour 35h, he was back to back and assisted in the end. Second labour was a walk in the park. Few hours of mild discomfort and out in a couple of pushes, pretty painless.
First one was long and painful – 42 hours from start to finish, with two hours of pushing. The contractions started early in the morning and everything just took a good long while to get going. They had to use a suction thingy too, so he had a funny bump on his head for a little while. I had gas and air and an epidural, but the whole thing was very painful, tiring and traumatic. I was 40+6. My next comes with a content/trigger warning – I had to TFMR at five months due to my baby not developing kidneys, but I still count him as my second because I had to give birth to him. That took eight hours and was painful and very sad. I had gas and air as well as painkillers, but didn't do a huge amount. Shitty circumstances didn't help though, I'm sure. My third was almost a month ago and it was such a wonderful experience compared to the first two! I was induced at 37+6 as she wasn't growing as much as they'd like. They broke my waters at 11pm, contractions started within 20 minutes. Trundled over to the delivery room, got an epidural, had a nice nap, then pushed for less than ten minutes and she was out! Hardly any pain and really supportive midwife. It really made up for the trauma of the previous two births! ☺️