QuestionHello, Thank you for your time.
I am 26 yo and my husband and I are having our third boy. We have a 4 yo and a 2 yo and with my first the birth went well. Painful but normal labor pains. I was induced and have heard that labor by induction can be more painful (so i hear). I was in labor for what "I think" is a normal amount of time for a first child of 13 hours and I pushed for about an hour. He weighed 7 lbs 14 oz. Then with my second I went into labor on my own. everything went the same as it did the first time except this time it didn't seem to hurt me as bad and it was only for 6 hours and I only pushed 3 times and he came right out with ease. He weighed 7 lbs.
Now this time. I am wondering first is there more of a chance of me going into labor early since my body knows what's up or at least to go into labor on my own, on time without induction? Plus I really was wondering could my labor time get even shorter and quicker this time around? I didn't know if my body is naturally go to respond this way or if it was just how I cope with it.
The reason I am asking these questions is because my biggest fear is a cesarian section-section or some kind of complications.
My body hasn't taken well to being pregnant this time around. Lots more pain and lots of Braxton hicks contractions and I am only 6 mths along. Well my last question is since my second weighed less then my first does that say this one has a higher chance of being smaller and if so can I change that threw a better diet?
sorry about all the questions and thank you for your help. Kelly
AnswerSome women do find that their labors get easier and quicker with each baby. However, a lot depends on positioning. A posterior baby will almost invariably result in a later birthdate and a longer labor, as this position is more difficult to deliver. You can optimize your baby's position by using Optimal Fetal Positioning techniques such as those found at www.spinningbabies.com.
Your better ability to cope with labor the second time around, in addition to your shorter labor, both were probably directly related to your not being induced. Induced labors are notoriously harder to cope with, as the contractions do not have a natural wave pattern and are often stronger. In addition, inducing means you are forcing your body to give birth before it is ready; this often means a longer labor to get the cervix to fully open.
You say you are already having lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions. This is good, and it is very normal for a third pregnancy. What you may find is that your contractions continue to gradually increase in frequency and intensity as your pregnancy progresses, and you may have more difficulty than before recognizing when you are in full labor. Pay attention to emotional signposts (rather than the contractions themselves) so you do not go to the hospital too early; it's time to go when you can no longer focus on anything but the contractions, when you can't read, watch TV, or pose for pictures. You may have periods of "false labor" this time around, where you have more regular contractions for a few hours, but then they go away. This is normal, too, so remember to be patient if this happens.
The best way to make sure your baby is a healthy size is to follow a healthy diet. Check out the Brewer diet at www.blueribbonbaby.org. This diet provides all the essential nutrients for a growing baby, and will help ensure your baby is a good, healthy size without getting too big. This diet also helps prevent preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, two big factors in c-sections.
Congratulations on your new pregnancy, and happy birthing!
