How similar were your first and subsequent labors?

[MrsK]

When I went into labor with my son who is now 15 months old, my waters just broke completely out of the blue at 39+2. Contractions didn't start until a few hours later, but they escalated very quickly and 6 hours after they started, my son was born after 20 minutes of pushing. It was a home water birth.

Totally the opposite of what I had been told to expect for a first time labor!

I'm afraid this time might be even quicker and if my water doesn't break, I might not realize that I'm in labor until its too late?! Probably a silly fear.... But, can any of you ladies with 2 or more tell me how your labors compared? Did you go into labor at roughly the same point in pregnancy/ did your water break/ was the second really much shorter?

 

[Caroline:-)]

I also want to know this! My first pregnancy I had to be induced at 42 weeks. If I could be cheeky and add another question - did you have the same type of pain the 2nd+ time round. I could cope with the regular contraction pain, but what I couldn't bear was the terrible pain right in my bottom that came with contractions!!!! I'm hoping to God I don't get that again!!!!

 

[MrsK]

If I could be cheeky and add another question - did you have the same type of pain the 2nd+ time round.

I thought about adding that question as well because, due to the intensity of my first labor, I was in absolutely horrible pain and I can't bear the thought of going through it again. But I'm trying to prepare with natal hypnotherapy this time around, so just putting all my faith in it and hoping it helps me manage the pain!