While the first labor might have been a painful and difficult experience, more women find the second labor to be a much easier -- and possibly enjoyable -- experience. While labor usually begins at term -- defined as after 37 weeks -- the experience of delivery is quite different. While women who are delivering their first baby may need 10 to 14 hours for the entire process to finish, if you have delivered a baby before, you can usually deliver a baby in half the time.
Engagement
Engagement is when the head your baby "locks into" the lower part of your pelvis. In women who are having their first pregnancy, this process tends to occur several weeks before labor actually begins. In contrast, if you have had a baby before, the muscles in your abdomen may not be as tight. This allows your baby's head to change his position a lot. As a result, engagement tends to occur at the onset of labor.
First Stage
While your uterus may contract at the same time in both of your pregnancies, the nature of your contractions the second time around are different. The first stage of labor is characterized by contractions of your uterus and dilation of the cervix. Women who have had a previous pregnancy tend to have stronger and more efficient contractions. As a result, cervical dilation occurs in a more coordinated manner. While the first stage of labor might have lasted 10 to 20 hours in your first delivery, it may finish in only half that time the second time around.
Second Stage
The second stage of labor begins after your cervix is fully dilated and ends with the delivery of the baby. Again, because of more efficient contractions of your uterus, the duration of this stage is also approximately halved. While this stage normally takes 30 minutes to three hours in women who are having their first baby, it can take about five to 30 minutes the second time around. Its duration is affected by factors such as your pushing efforts, the position of the fetus and the amount of pain medication given.
Third Stage
The third stage of labor is when the placenta is delivered. Your uterus continues to contract during this stage, but not as vigorously as before. This allows the placenta to separate from the uterus and get expelled. On average, this stage lasts about five to 10 minutes -- regardless of whether you have had a baby before.
Other Differences
Depending on how you feel the second time around, you may need less medication to fight pain and to enhance your labor. If you needed a cesarean delivery for your first baby, your chances of getting a vaginal delivery are better the second time around. Remember -- if certain things frightened you the first time, talk to your doctor about the best way to handle these situations in your upcoming delivery.
References
- Baby Center; Labour and Birth: What to Expect the Second Time Around; November 2008
- Government of South Australia Department of Health; Delays In The Second Stage Of Labour
- Baby Center; When Should My Baby's Head Engage? If It Engages Early Does That Mean I Am Going To Give Birth Early?; September 2008
- Obstetrics Simplified; Normal Labour; Diaa M. EI-Mowafi; September 4, 2008
- Baby Center; Your Pregnancy: 37 Weeks
