Pain- first baby vs second?

Question

Please, tell me your experiences! Was it easier the second time around? I had my first baby at 31 weeks and I delivered him with no pain medication. I am wanting to do it without an epidural again, but I am worried the difference between a 4lb baby and a full term baby will be more than I am prepared for. Was it worse or easier delivering your second, or bigger baby? I am 33 weeks baby is measuring average. My guess will be around a 7lb baby.

Answer

I have only had full term labors so I can't speak to that but I'm confident you will be able to do just fine. My girls were both full term, born around 39 weeks, around 7 lbs. For me the hardest part both times were the contractions. I would imagine your contractions were the same intensity as if your little one would have been full term. For me my second labor was 3 hours shorter (20 hours vs. 17) so not quite the difference I hoped for there. However the pushing was much shorter 1 hour for the first and 5 minutes the second time. I think our bodies are made to get the baby that we grow out for the most part. My babies were pretty average sized but I have heard mothers who have delivered even bigger babies say it was not much different from their tinier babies so hopefully that is true.   Best wishes for a smooth, healthy delivery for you and your sweet baby.

Answer

2 full term labors -42w and 41w. First was 34hr (24hr before epidural). It was horrendous. 2nd was 9hr natural birth in water and was amazing. Same pain.... but progressed nicely with the second. The first,... it’s like I just couldn’t progress.

Pain- first baby vs second?

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