Having a 2nd baby, is the birth easier on the 2nd than the first?

Answer 1

I've heard that it doesn't matter.
My mother had 2 boys before me and they were easy births, but she was in labour for 12 hours with me.
I think it depends on your state (healthy, active...etc) and the baby. They might really want to come out, or really want to stay in, lol!

Answer 2

Hi there,

Well I have had four babies and in my experience my labours did get much quicker for each baby, and as you have already paved the way for baby number two by giving birth before, things have stretched and so it makes sense that it helps for a quicker labour, and as you have done it all before and know the worst. I honestly think labour is easier to cope with once you know what to expect and know you can do it so yes it most certainly can be easier if you are a positive thinker. Good luck with baby number two here is my experience of labour
baby number one 14 hours labour
baby number two 7 hours
baby number three two hours
baby number 4 37mins I kid you not from start to finish was in hospital as baby number 3 nearly came in the car!!

Answer 3

I have only had one up to yet but can tell you that my Mum had twins first (at home) and said she never had a stitch or many problems afterwards. When she had me 3 1/2 years later, she said she was stitched insude and out and had lots of pain afterwards. Her theory is that first time round she had an "old school" midwife who told her to take her time and let nature run it's course. Second time, she had a younger midwife who wanted to rush the labour along. She had enemas and the lot and wasn't allowed to take it at her own pace. Good question though and I will read the rest of your answers as I am ttc #2 and would like an easier birth next time.

Answer 4

I heard it's faster, but the pain is probably the same. I'm pregnant with baby #2 right now and I've been a little worried since my first birth was only 2 hours long. I'm hoping I make it to the hospital this time.

Answer 5

Well mine was easier and quicker but it was much more intense pain. With my 1st baby I was in labor for 24 hours and pushed for 2 hours, I got an epidural and never really felt and contractions. With my 2nd baby I was in labor for 16 hours and pushed for 1 hour, the contractions were really intense and painful because they broke my water very early into labor but the pain eased once I got my epidural. I also did not tear with the 2nd baby like I did with the 1st. My overall delivery and recovery was sooooo much easier than with my 1st baby.

Answer 6

Hi there,
After a threeday labour with my first baby my second was only hours. It jst depends on the baby really. Good tips for easier labour tho is try to walk about as much as you can even when you need to rest stay upright gravity brings the baby down if your lying flat it makes it harder for baby to move down well it will make it longer. warm baths can help in labour to ease the pain of contractions.

Good luck hope this helps

Answer 7

i know a lot people say generally yes along with faster labor progression. but i dont know there's scientific proof of it. i think is depends on youre body and the baby and a number of factors. my second child was larger, and much more difficult birth than my first. but the labor was about the same amount of time, but way more painful the second time around.

but some people say different. i think the concept is that since you've done it before, you know what to do and what to expect. making everything go more smoothly and less scary.

Answer 8

I was induced with 1st baby as he was 10 days late and needed stitches, very uncomfortable, 2nd one only about 4 hrs labour nearly didn't make it to maternity home, a very easy birth.

Answer 9

It can be, but not necessarily. Every pregnancy is unique. I had my children 13 years apart. First labour 13 hours, second labour 4 hours. I have had friends with different results, though. and if there are any complications....
I think it is easier because you are not as scared and know what to expect.

Answer 10

hi every pregnancy is different. my 1st (a daughter) was 2 weeks early and labour was 3 hours. my 2nd (a son) was 36 hours and 5 days late. my 2nd was more difficult than my 1st
good luck