A midwife shares 5 facts about giving birth a second time
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You might feel more cramping after birth—but also more confidence.
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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.
What you might experience giving birth the second time
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 cervical dilation can also happen faster. And 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. In your second pregnancy, contractions may also intensify and become more frequent compared to your first, which often leads to quicker dilation of the cervix.
Related: This viral photo of the cervical dilation process is incredibly eye-opening
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.
3. Your labor timing may surprise you
One of the biggest questions second-time moms have is whether their baby will arrive earlier. The short answer? Not necessarily. While your labor will likely progress faster (see above), the timing of when labor actually starts doesn’t follow a predictable pattern just because it’s your second pregnancy. If you’re wondering do second babies come earlier, we break it all down in detail.
What’s worth preparing for: since second labors tend to move quickly once they begin, it’s a good idea to have your birth plan, hospital bag, and childcare arrangements for your firstborn ready to go earlier than you might think. Many second-time moms are caught off guard not by when labor starts, but by how fast things progress once it does.
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.
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.
A version of this post originally appeared on May 17, 2021. It has been updated.
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