5 surprising facts about giving birth the second time around

There’s no question that preparing for giving birth the first time can come with a lot of questions. For many, the first time they experience birth is when they are giving birth themselves (except for watching it on TV—which, P.S., is almost never accurate). When it comes to giving birth a second time, you may find that you still have a lot of questions. Sure, you’ve done it before, but giving birth is always a big deal, and it’s natural if you find yourself wondering whether your second birth will be different from your first.

Every birth is different. This is especially true if the “type” of birth differs—for example, if you had a C-section birth the first time and are planning a VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean) for your second birth. If you are having a second vaginal birth, it will likely be at least a little different than your first—though it’s impossible to say for certain how your second birth will differ.

Reflecting on Your First Labor and Childbirth

Can you recall your experience during your first labor and childbirth? Whether it was positive or challenging, it’s natural to wonder if history will repeat itself. While every labor is different, there are certain patterns and changes that commonly occur during subsequent pregnancies. Let’s delve into some key aspects you can expect as you approach labor for the second time:

1. Engagement of the Baby’s Head: Unlike your first pregnancy, your baby’s head may not engage in your pelvis until later, potentially even as the contractions start and you go into labor.
2. Stronger and Faster Contractions: In your second pregnancy, contractions may become stronger and faster, leading to a quicker dilation of the cervix.
3. Easier Passage through the Birth Canal: If you’re having a vaginal birth again, your pelvic floor muscles and the elastic walls of your vagina have already been stretched, making it easier for your baby’s head to pass through the birth canal.
4. Quicker Labor: If your first labor was long, the second time around, it is likely to be shorter. On average, second-time moms experience labor for about five hours, compared to eight hours for first-time moms. The pushing stage also tends to be shorter, typically lasting under two hours instead of three.

It’s important to note that while these trends are common, every birth experience is unique, and there may be variations that defy expectations.

What you might experience giving birth the second time

As you approach labor for the second time, it’s natural to wonder how the experience will differ from your first. While each labor is unique, there are some general trends and expectations for second-time moms. Let’s explore what you can anticipate during labor and birth:

1. Your second labor might go faster

While first labors usually last an average of 18 to 24 hours, second labors tend to clock in much shorter, with an average of about 8 hours. Certainly, this will vary, but many pregnant people do experience a faster birth the second time around.

Once you’ve given birth, your muscles and ligaments will relax into the process more readily, since everything has been stretched already, so the baby will move down more easily. Your cervix can also dilate (open) faster.

Engagement of the Baby’s Head

Unlike your first pregnancy, your baby’s head may not engage in your pelvis until later, potentially even as the contractions start and you go into labor. This delay in engagement is a common occurrence during subsequent pregnancies.

Related: This viral photo of the cervical dilation process is incredibly eye-opening

Stronger and Faster Contractions

In your second pregnancy, your contractions may intensify and become more frequent compared to your first pregnancy. This increased strength and frequency often result in a faster dilation of the cervix.

Easier Passage through the Birth Canal

If you had a vaginal birth before, your pelvic floor muscles and the elastic walls of your vagina have already been stretched, making it easier for your baby’s head to pass through the birth canal. This may facilitate a smoother and quicker delivery.

2. Pushing is often faster in a second birth, too

The muscles and ligaments in your pelvis and vagina have already done the work of making room for and pushing out a baby, so the second time generally goes faster. This varies too, but first-time moms can push anywhere between 20 minutes and 3 hours, while second-time moms are usually done within an hour (often even faster). Learning how to push can be a little awkward at first. But second-time moms already know how to do it, so they tend to push more effectively from the get-go.

Quicker Labor

For second-time moms, labor tends to be shorter. The average duration of labor is around five hours, compared to eight hours for first-time moms. The pushing stage is also typically shorter, lasting under two hours instead of three.

It’s important to remember that these trends are not definitive, and every birth experience is unique. Your body’s muscle memory may contribute to a smoother labor, but childbirth is an unpredictable journey.

3. You may–or may not—go into labor sooner with your second birth

Your baby’s due date is at the 40-week mark of pregnancy. You’ve probably heard by now that your baby’s due date is just an estimate based on the first day of your last period.

The average first-time mom will give birth at 39 weeks and 5 days. Anecdotally, second-time moms often say that their second baby arrived a few days earlier than the first, but surveys show they generally arrive right around the same time as the first. The idea that second babies come sooner may be a myth.

However, one study found that if the gap between pregnancies is shorter than one year, the second pregnancy is more likely to be slightly shorter.

Waiting for the baby to come never gets easier though. If you’re at your due date and want to try to get things going, here are some ideas. But as you know, once it starts there is no turning back, so try to enjoy these last moments as a mama of one!

To read what the U.S. government says about a safe & healthy birth (What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know), click here: Safe, Healthy Birth: What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know – PMC (nih.gov)

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4. You might feel more cramping during postpartum this time around

Many experience cramping for the first three to five days when they breastfeed or chestfeed. When the baby latches, your body releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps you fall in love with your baby, but also makes your uterus cramp in order to stop the postpartum bleeding and to shrink back down to its pre-pregnancy size.

Related: Yes, your pregnancy hormones plummet after birth. Here’s what to know about the postpartum hormone crash

5. You might feel more confident—in birth and motherhood

Even though your second birth will be different than your first, you have been through the process, and know a bit more about what to expect. You’ll trust that your body can do it, and above all, you know what you get out of it all—the sweetest little reward ever. Many moms find that they enjoy motherhood more the second time around, because they worry less and trust themselves more. And if you don’t, remember you can always reach out for help.

Preparing for the Arrival of Your Second Child

As your due date approaches, it’s essential to make practical preparations for the arrival of your second child. Here are some steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Meal Preparation

Ask friends and family to assist by preparing meals for the days immediately after the birth. This support will allow you to focus on recovery and bonding with your newborn.

2. Establishing Bedtime Routines

If your older child requires your presence to fall asleep, consider gradually introducing a different bedtime routine. This adjustment will allow your child to become accustomed to a routine that involves your partner or another family member, giving you more flexibility when attending to the needs of your newborn.

3. Sibling Preparation

Read books with your older child about welcoming a new baby sibling. Engaging in conversations about the upcoming arrival and involving them in preparing for the baby’s arrival can help foster a sense of excitement and involvement.

Conclusion

Welcoming a second child into your family is a joyous and transformative experience. While there may be similarities to your first pregnancy and childbirth, each journey is unique. Understanding the physical and emotional changes, as well as the trends in labor and birth, can help you navigate this incredible journey with confidence and preparedness. Remember, every birth experience is different, and it’s essential to prioritize self-care, seek support, and trust in your body’s ability to bring new life into the world.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Is it common for the second childbirth experience to differ from the first, and why?

Yes, it’s common for the second childbirth experience to differ from the first. Each birth is unique, and various factors, such as the type of birth (vaginal or C-section), engagement of the baby’s head, and muscle memory, contribute to the differences. For example, if you’re having a second vaginal birth, certain aspects like stronger and faster contractions or easier passage through the birth canal may vary from the first.

Q2: How might the engagement of the baby’s head differ in the second pregnancy compared to the first?

Unlike the first pregnancy, the baby’s head may not engage in the pelvis until later in the second pregnancy. This delay in engagement is a common occurrence during subsequent pregnancies.

Q3: What changes might one experience in the second pregnancy, specifically regarding contractions and labor duration?

In the second pregnancy, contractions may become stronger and faster, leading to quicker dilation of the cervix. Additionally, the overall labor duration tends to be shorter for second-time moms, with an average of around five hours compared to eight hours for first-time moms.

Q4: How does muscle memory impact the labor experience in the second childbirth?

Muscle memory from the first childbirth can contribute to a smoother labor experience in the second. The muscles and ligaments in the pelvis and vagina have already stretched, making it easier for the baby’s head to pass through the birth canal. This may result in a quicker and more efficient labor.

Q5: Is it true that second labors generally go faster than first labors, and why does this happen?

Yes, second labors tend to be faster than first labors. This is attributed to the fact that muscles and ligaments have already undergone the process of making room for and pushing out a baby during the first childbirth. Consequently, the second time around, the muscles and ligaments readily relax into the process, facilitating a faster descent of the baby.

Q6: Can the timing of going into labor differ in the second pregnancy compared to the first, and are there any factors influencing this?

The timing of going into labor may or may not differ in the second pregnancy. While some anecdotal evidence suggests that second babies may arrive a few days earlier than the first, surveys indicate that they generally arrive around the same time. However, if the gap between pregnancies is shorter than one year, the second pregnancy is more likely to be slightly shorter.

Q7: What can be expected in terms of postpartum cramping during the second birth, especially for those breastfeeding?

Postpartum cramping is common for the first three to five days, particularly during breastfeeding. The release of oxytocin during breastfeeding causes the uterus to cramp, aiding in stopping postpartum bleeding and returning the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size.

Q8: How might the emotional experience of giving birth and motherhood differ for second-time moms?

Second-time moms often feel more confident in both giving birth and motherhood. Having been through the process before, they tend to trust their bodies more and worry less. This increased confidence can contribute to a more enjoyable experience of motherhood the second time around.

Q9: What practical preparations should be made as the due date approaches for second-time moms?

As the due date approaches, second-time moms should consider practical preparations such as meal preparation, establishing bedtime routines, and sibling preparation. Asking for support from friends and family in meal preparation, introducing new bedtime routines for older children, and involving them in preparing for the baby’s arrival can contribute to a smoother transition.

Q10: What key advice is offered for second-time moms as they approach the incredible journey of welcoming a second child?

Understanding the physical and emotional changes, being aware of trends in labor and birth, and prioritizing self-care are key pieces of advice for second-time moms. Trusting in the body’s ability to bring new life into the world, seeking support, and embracing the uniqueness of each birth experience are essential for navigating this incredible journey with confidence and preparedness.

A version of this post originally appeared on May 17, 2021. It has been updated.

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