I had a horrible first time - everything that I had thought they could do and some stuff that I hadn't even know about (taking blood from the baby before he was born, etc). I was in labour for ages and then had to have a ventouse, etc.
On my second baby I was only in the hospital for an hour (the midwife wouldn't even believe that I was in labour!).
All deliveries are different but I personally think that the second time around was easier as I wasn't so scared.
However, I do feel that if your are really worried then you should try to be nearer the place where you would have the baby as I don't think that home births are a brilliant idea (especially if there might be a problem). If you are prepared for the worse than it is sod's law that it wont happen but I had my third baby at home (by accident - still had my trousers on!) and if that birth had gone the way of my first child I don't think she would have made it.
Hope this helps (PS - have also had a cesarean - fourth baby turned into twins and because my third delivery was so quick and one twin was bigger than the other they made me have one - and whilst I was really scared it was OK although I am glad that I had the chance to prepare for it rather than have an emergency one).