At what week did you start to dilate/efface when you were on pregnancy #2 or more? Do you remember what you started at? Did you continuously dilate until giving birth? If you didnt dilate/efface at all, did you need to be induced?
If you were induced with #1, were you induced with #2 (when i say induced i mean only because you were past your due date)? If you werent induced with #2, did you "pop" early? Sorry so many questions, looking for a little insight.
After having my first child and letting the Dr. give me pitocin I decided to wait until my water broke on my 2nd & 3rd pregnancies. All 3 of my kids came early my first 5 days 2nd 2 weeks and 3rd 6 weeks. I would try to stay home as long as possible to be more comfortable. All pregnancy are different but hope this helped. Good luck
With my first, I was induced because she was breech at 38 weeks (I had a version - where the doctor turned her). I was not dilated or effaced at all. With my second, I didn't dilate or efface at all....until I went into labor naturally at 39 weeks. Didn't have any drugs...41 hours of labor...and a perfect baby!
Good luck...I thought with my second, it would be faster, easier etc....but it was just different:)
Everyone is different! My first was born an hour before her due date. I went into labor on my own. It took 12 hours of labor before I was even dilated to a 3 with her. I was in full blown labor for a total of 24 hours and 2 minutes! With the second one I thought I would be early. I was a week overdue before they induced me. I was having contractions off and on for 3 weeks. By the time they induced me, I was dilated to a 4 and 90% effaced. I was having mild contractions, but just wouldn't seem to go into full blown labor. I had a 10 lb 7 oz baby 8 hours later. (and I wanted them to wait one more week before induction! Good thing I didn't!)
I know you already have one child and it becomes stressful trying to figure out who, what, when, where, when it comes to labor and having someone take care of your daughter. My best friend took my daughter for me and when I would stress out about what if it was 2 am, she would just say to me "So what? What's one night of bad sleep? I'll get over it. I want to do this for you so let it go. When it happens, I'm here." So, my point is just make plans for who will be taking care of your daughter and just know that your family and friends are happy to do it for you, no matter what your next birth story becomes.
Happy, Healthy Birthing to you!
Every pregnancy is different (yet similar). #1 - water broke 3 days late, still had to be induced to get contractions starting and dilated. #2 - water broke 2 weeks early, still had to be induced to get contractions going and dilated. #3- planned induction 1 week early because baby was growing much bigger then previous two and I started dilating about 1 month prior and was already 4cm.
Every labor and delivery is different. What is typical of 2nd labors is that they are usually faster and easier than the first one. I was induced with my first baby - 8 days overdue - but went into labor on my own on my due date with my 2nd baby and delivered her 9 easy hours later. Subsequent deliveries (4 more) weren't as smooth and I was overdue with two more and early with two. I got pitocin with all of my last 4 births, but could've avoided it with all but 3 if I had been more patient. Do you have a doula? I would strongly recommend one. I know you're due in June, but that's the only strong piece of advice I give women concerning labor and delivery. Get a doula, or have someone you know and trust help you during your labor and delivery. God bless you!
With #1 and #2 I was dialated for 2cm for about a month and a half. I was induced with #1 because she was "late" and induced on my due date with #2 because of blood pressure. I am refusing induction this time with #3 so I have a feeling I will be past my due date by the time she makes her arrival :)
But both labors were similar.. I progressed quickly once things started and both times I went from 5cm to birth in less than half an hour!!! (including pushing!)
I was not at all dilated with my 1st 6 hours before I went into labor...17 hours of labor. 1 week overdue. Born 9 lbs. 6 oz.
Never got checked with my 2nd. My water broke after a hike and my daughter was born after 4 hours of hard labor + 2 of easy labor. I cleaned the house, watered my garden, trimmed my roses and did laundry till I couldn't focus on outside things anymore. Born 8 lbs. 13 oz.
Both born at home...and was never checked for dilation throughout my labors.
At any rate, your body opens up and they come out. Your body already knows what to do regardless of how dilated or effaced you are while pregnant. You could walk around 2 cm dilated for weeks and then go into labor or not be dilated at all and go into labor in an hour.
Trust your body. It's filled with thousands of years of birthing wisdom. Relax and let your mind be quiet.
Congrats!
My best friend just had her number 2. One week before her due date she has not dilated at all. Next week, the actual due date, she went back and was about 1cm. Next day she went walking all day at the zoo with her son, and her water broke that night! She had a c-section for the first. I think every pregnancy is totally different and you should just trust that your body knows what it's doing (and you doctor too!)
;)
Good Luck!
