Can it be predicted?

[proudparent88]

I have two kids it is claimed that each birth is faster than the one before both of my first two lasted the same amount of time is there a way to kind of predict how fast it will go? I would like to at least estimate so I can plan a little on where to have the baby home or hospital. I am really leaning towards home. I am also lost on a few things with home birth like what to do with the afterbirth I don't mean to be gross but I am just so unsure and have my heart set on a home birth!

 

[CountryMomma]

I also have two and am expecting my third. My first was 36hours and my second was only about 7 hours. So I would say that usually subsequent babies come faster but you really never know.

 

[chulie]

Personally I don't think it an be predicted at all.....every person is different. My girlfriends husband is a fireman and so they had to really plan his time of. Because she was 2 weeks early with her first and it was so fast she assumed it'd be the same with #2. Well she went a week past her due date so her hubby "wasted" 3 weeks just sitting around doing nothing...she was a mess because she felt SO ovedue but really she was only a week...but in her mind she "expected" to go early. With #1 I was 2 days overdue so for this one....even though everyone says it gets faster...I am not buying in because I think stressing about trying to get into labour is something that works against women! So I'm just gonna go about my business and not really assume it'll go faster! If that makes sense...

 

[proudparent88]

I fully understand! Thanks for your thoughts everyone!

 

[Pearls18]

My first birth was 4 hours, second about 1 hour so it was just as well I planned a home birth (here the MW takes the placenta away unless you want to keep it, they have to safely discard of it due to it being a biohazard or something lol). Most people I know have quicker births the next time around if it has been smooth sailing, any kind of intervention such as inducement, certain pain relief etc can change that of course. But of course there are no hard and fast rules, every labour is different, but I would plan as if it could be quicker.

 

[tristansmum]

My first was around 12 hours and my second 4 hours ( active labour). All my friends have had shorter second births.

 

[ClairAye]

My first was 38 hours and my second was 9 hours, but even the midwife wasn't expecting it to progress that fast! I don't think it can be predicted though, I know people who have had longer/worse second labours.

 

[Seity]

Assuming baby is in optimal position, it'll generally be faster; however, if a subsequent child is back to back or the like, it might be a longer labor.
My first was 2.5 hours active and my second 30 minutes active. I don't want a 3rd and won't be having any more children, but if I had been so inclined I'm pretty sure I'd have to have been prepared to have it at home or in the car.

 

[proudparent88]

Well both my labors were about the same amount of time. Funny thing with my two boys are they are to the day 22 months 12 hours and 25 minuets apart! It's just amazing how that worked out! Since both mine were about the same I think this one might also be around the same but it's hard to tell.

 

[BunnyN]

My first was 38 hours and my second was 9 hours, but even the midwife wasn't expecting it to progress that fast! I don't think it can be predicted though, I know people who have had longer/worse second labours.

My labour was 38 hrs so I'm hoping I follow the same pattern as you .

I think it is a fact that on average second labours are faster but there are so many factors from case to case that there are no guarantees.

 

[proudparent88]

My first was 38 hours and my second was 9 hours, but even the midwife wasn't expecting it to progress that fast! I don't think it can be predicted though, I know people who have had longer/worse second labours.

My labour was 38 hrs so I'm hoping I follow the same pattern as you .

I think it is a fact that on average second labours are faster but there are so many factors from case to case that there are no guarantees.

Yea I totally understand what you mean hopefully this baby will just be anxious to come and be quick. lol

 

[ttc bubby no2]

The general 'rule' is each labour is half as long as the last... but there are so many cases when this isn't true so its not a hard and fast fact

I am an example of following the rule as my first was 4 hours (active labour) and the 2nd was 2 hours.

As for a homebirth, I had my 2nd at home. He was born in water but I got out due to some breathing issues and his placenta was delivered into a bucket so there was no mess (sounds a bit gross but it wasn't that bad and you are too busy looking at your new baby to care!). I think some women just stay in the water for that part but I'm not sure. I highly recommend having a baby at home if it is an option and something you want to do