I had an awful labor and delivery with my first, and I am really scared this time... I need some reassurance?

Question

Labor and delivery with my first baby was terrible. I was in labor for a really long time, and pushed for about five hours before the doctor had to use the forceps. I had to have oxygen, and blood transfusion, and I hemorrhaged.

I am a healthy female with no health complications, got pregnant at a healthy weight, and eat healthy foods. I'm also still active and exercise frequently.

I just want to know if anyone went through something like that their first time to deliver a baby, and went on to have an easier labor the second time... I'm horrified. :(

I asked my doctor, but he wasn't able to say much to put my mind at ease... I would like someone's personal experience...

My doctor told me that because I delivered vaginally last time, a c-section isn't even an option unless something goes wrong (which is what I'm afraid of).

Answer 1

No one can assure you how your second delivery will be. It depends on your body, the baby size, the baby position and hundreds of other factors. I am not sure even doctors examining you can give you anything else than a guess or a wish.

My wife's first delivery was quite hard, about 18 hours and our son was born also with the help of forceps. But our daughter was born with a Caesarian session and my wife's recovery was much-much faster and painless.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The frst time you have a baby your body is learning what to do. With your second it has been thru the process and can cope much much better! You are at a high risk of heammorhage this time because of your first delivery but because your doc knows about this they will be prepared so hopefully they will stop it before it gets to the blood transfusion stage!! Also b4 u go into labour tell your doc or midwife you only want to push for say an hour b4 u get assistance!!!! They will support you.

Answer 3

First off, no, I didn't have a labor like yours but I did have complications. I had eclampsia and it was because the doctor was incompetent and didn't catch it till I almost died. I ended up having a c section. Anyway, even though I didn't have a similar experience to yours, I can tell you that every labor and pregnancy is different. You may or may not have the same problems. HOWEVER, you'd want to get a different doctor this time, as it sounds like you had a crummy doctor. Get an ob/gyn that specializes in high risk pregnancies or one who is familiar with complications. Make sure your new doctor gets your previous health records so he can review your case well and avoid having the same things happen. Good luck, hon.

Answer 4

Every pregnancy is different and you should not use last time as a reference. I've known women who deliver perfectly the first time and have a really hard time the second time around. On the contrary, others have had a tough first pregnancy and have a second pregnancy without any morning sickness, labor pains, and the baby comes out easier. All that stress cannot be good for you or your baby; try to relax and think positively. You'll be fine, mommy! Good luck!

Answer 5

I know its difficult but try to stay calm, it will help.
My first was difficult, I got very tired and had problems with her heartbeat dropping. It was touch and go that I might have to have a C section. She was eventually born normally but I felt awful for ages. With the second I felt much like you did, I was scared that I would go thru the bad time I had with my first. But what a difference!!! My second came so easily I couldnt belive it. I walked around a lot during the labour and refused drugs so I was mobile until literally the last few minutes before he was born. I pushed twice and he popped out so fast the midwife only just caught him!
Good luck...and I also wish you a safe and trouble free delivery...;

Answer 6

The only thing I can advise is to fire your doctor and find a midwife, ideally a homebirth midwife. Doctors (and many midwives who are trained within the hospital system) are not trained in how to help facilitate normal birth, and the hospital environment itself prolongs the birth process. It's likely that all your problems were iatrogenic in nature, meaning stemming from the management of your birth. Many women start out with horrible traumatic first births in a hospital setting and go on to lovely empowering births in a different setting. If you're interested in learning more about how and why this is, go to the discussion forums at Mothering.com, there's a huge amount of information there.

Answer 7

I had a difficult delivery the first time, the second time i waited for the labor pains, i watched their frequency and when they started to come at a faster time, i went to the doc, i got my daughter in hardly 10 minutes or so, so stop getting tensed, everything will work out fine

Answer 8

Just because you had a bad one the first time doesnt mean you will again. For my son i was in Labour for almost 3 days and had ventouse for my daughter 2 years later i had about 90 mins of full blown labour and no problems. All labours/pregnancy are different. Your delivery midwife should reassure you

Answer 9

I can understand your concern, but let me just tell you that the first delivery is ALWAYS the worst. Nothing can really ever be said to put someone's mind at ease, when it comes to delivering a baby.. but I can tell you that it will definitely be easier than your first. Hang in there, and good luck.

Answer 10

Sweetie,
each pregnancy is different dont be alarmed. My first labor was 23 hours long and awful. My second one was only 5 hours start to finish,no problems. So dont worry to much. I am sure since your doctor knows how the first one went they will be on their toes and aware and you will be fine. God bless you.