[1more.equals4]

hi,
I've heard that second labors are usually shorter than first. my first was only 8 1/2 hours, as my water broke at 1 am and he was born at 936. any experiences? thanks!

[New_England_Girl]

A lot of that depends on the position of the baby. It was true for me, but my first was posterior, so I had a long labor with her (17 hours). My second was in perfect position and was born in 6.5 hours. Typically, however, I think that it does hold true simply because you're 'stretchier' down there and baby descends faster and easier. HTH!

[JulieMc]

First was 7 hours, induced w/ pitocin.
Second was 3 hours, all natural, water broke on its own.

They said the 7 hours was rather fast for a first time and it being an induction. They expected faster with my second, but not quite that fast. They told me next time I have a baby I should get my butt in there right away so I don't have it in the car. lol.

[JessP]

My first took 13 hours from the first contraction to birth.
My second was induced and it took 2.5 hours 1cm -10cm.
Both times I had pitocen. My mom was the same way second was faster than the first. I hear that women take after their moms in this regard.
I was told not to wait with this one, get to the hospital immediately.

[GSLynn]

1st one 3h42min start to finish
2nd one 1 1/2 hr start to finish
3rd/4th (Twins): emergency c-sec; onset of labor was stopped but it didn't last long
5th: almost 12 hours! So, labor isn't guaranteed to be slow just because it's a first time or fast because its a 2nd or more time.

[Thismamaisonherway]

My first birth was 17.5 hours and I stalled 10 hours in and needed pitocin. I am hoping with baby #2 that things go a bit quicker.

My water broke and then I went into labor.

[navywifey2003]

My first 12 hours
My 2nd 4 hours
My 3rd maybe an hour and half we are not quite sure when labor actually started.