How many of you had a quicker labour second time round?

[lylabellablueyes]

My midwife keeps telling me it's faster and easier second time round.

What was your second experience like if so? X

[Craftypig]

Ok this is a bit of a thread hijack but can someone tell me why going into labour is so painful (generally) for women? We are constantly drip fed "human evolution this, human evolution that" So why in the face of so much pain and risk to both the mother and baby hasn't evolution come up with a quicker less painful way of giving birth?

[B00]

Dunno, but ive had that very thought twice now! And why isn't it more civilised too?

[wolf63]

I just picked my two up at the pet store - pain free. But they were heavy to carry home.

[boxtops]

When I acquired No.1 son, wolfy, he was featherlight - he weighs more than 5 kilos now...

[wolf63]

If we still lived in the wilds and were vulnerable during childbirth I think that the need for quick and pain-free births would be essential for the survival of the mother and baby.

But we don't .....................

[wolf63]

Frankie is becoming rounder as he ages!

[Craftypig]

But the fact that we "used" to live in the wilds would reinforce the the case for a quicker, pain free labour. I would love to read any theories on evolution working backward when certain social criteria have been met. It's only medical knowledge that has reduced the risk to mothers and babies, not evolution.

[pretty_snowdrop]

If you are referring to the 'pushing' part of labour, no1 was 8 mins and no2 was about 15mins. The whole process from contractions starting was about 3 hours for both.

[DTCwordfan]

1st (not me) was 36 hours, two pethadones and that was it.....natural breach.

2nd was 4 hours and straight up.

[albaqwerty]

I love the story about the woman giving birth in the maternity hospital lift. Midwife says to her, don't worry dear, we had a woman who gave birth in the the car park last year.

'Yes' she sobs 'that was ME!!'

[DSJ]

Second time around was definitely quicker. I had a good lunch at hospital, no contractions, then everything kicked off, baby delivered in time for a cup of tea at 3.45pm.

[lylabellablueyes]

Thanks everyone x

[puzzled54]

1 hour and 10 mins from when I woke in the night to when number 2 was born.

[pingping]

oh, I live in hope then! first involved induction, 21 hour labour, 3.5 hours pushing, episiotomy, forceps and stitches.

second one due in April 2012, so fingers crossed it will be easier goping by what the majority of you have posted!

[cazzz1975]

I didnt find childbirth that painful, I think I hated my gallstone attack more

[ummmm]

I was born in a wheelchair....

My cousin gave birth in the hospital car park...In the car!!

[giveup]

Oh yes cazzz Gallstones were a hundred times worse than labour pains.I still go cold when I think about them.

[Selfridge81]

1st - 5 half hrs
2nd - 3 hrs

Had 2nd baby 5 weeks ago, she was nearly born in the car!! Was rushed n screaming in the wheelchair and gave birth as immediately as i arrived there. It was worth it.

Good luck! :)