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Premature birth

Differences between premature and full term labour

6 replies

GoldenDaffodil · 04/05/2014 06:58

I delivered my first baby at 32 weeks due to severe pre-eclampsia, a premature rupture of the membranes and a placental infection. Whilst I was very unwell (hospitalised for 10 days) and the experience was very traumatic the actual birth was ok. There was a team of paediatricians waiting to take the baby but I had a 'normal' vaginal birth with just gas and air for pain relief.

I'm currently 21 weeks pg with DC2 and obviously hoping for a better experience for myself and the baby this time. There are obviously no guarantees but if I do make it to full term or something close to it I'm wondering what the birth will be like. Second labours are meant to be faster aren't they but as my first DC was only 3Ibs 10 it didn't take very long to get her out. Do you think this labour will be more like a first time one? A few people have (rather thoughtlessly) said to me it will be tougher this time around as I didn't 'stretch' much first time around. It still hurt a lot I can assure you! I also sustained a second degree tear.

Has anyone on here been through premature birth in a previous pregnancy and a full term one next time around? I'd be really interested to know what your experience was like. It's the sort of question I'd like to ask my consultant but at my 16 week appointment he couldn't have been less friendly if he'd tried. I'm very anxious this time around and worries about the birth aren't helping.

Thanks for reading.

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FraggleRock77 · 04/05/2014 10:12

Congratulations on your current pregnancy. I will be in a similar position to you next time round so i will be watching this thread with great interest. I'm petrified about being pregnant for a second time (fingers crossed) and about the delivery! Shock

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Poppet45 · 04/05/2014 22:05

I kinda had the other way round. Dc1 was a n overdue 9lb 6oz-er, while his little sis was a 1.15 oz 27 weeker. Her labour was basically pain free. I didnt even have g&a, I asked for magazines to take my mind off the fact that the drugs werent stopping contractions. Whereas ds's labour was sore and v long and tiring. I had 6 bottles of gas and air with him! I should add both ended up as emcs. Him after a day or so and 3 hours of failed pushing - he was malppsitioned head sideways. Her because she turned breech and suddenly wasnt doing v well. I dont know if my second labour was so painfree because my body had done it before or cos she was early. Prob both but it was night and day easier than my first. Prem or not your bodies done this once before so it wont be like a first labour at all.

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mandy214 · 05/05/2014 23:38

Yes, normal vaginal delivery with twins at 27 weeks, also had a tear (Twin 2 was born bottom first). Had pethadine and it was quite a long labour (19 hours, no issues, just never had the urge to push, whilst the babies were ok, they were happy to leave them where they were). Contractions were painful. Both babies @ 2lb 6oz.

2nd pregnancy - delivered at 39 weeks & 6 days (not quite term). Quick labour. Watched The Apprentice with twinges, got in the bath for an hour. Thought about 11pm it was going to happen during the night so got ready for hospital. Arrived at 1am, was 6cm dilated. Waters went at 1.30am and she was born at 3.02am. Only had gas & air. She was almost 8lb and yes it hurt but not as much as 1st time around. No major tears. I felt more in control and it was definitely better / easier / just a generally a good delivery.

Its easy to say don't worry and it sounds as though the consultant isnt concerned either. Try not to let worries about the labour spoil your enjoyment of the pregnancy x

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minipie · 14/05/2014 12:19

Watchign with interest as I have the same question. DD was 34 weeks, just under 5lb, born after PROM. Labour was pretty quick and not too painful (just G&A and a small episiotomy).

I am hoping DC2 will go to full term and wondering whether it will hurt a lot more... Not just because of bigger baby but also because I think I was in shock first time round and that may have blocked some pain?!

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Coveredinweetabix · 14/05/2014 12:25

My friend had a 4lber at 33 weeks due to pre-eclamsia & then her second near enough at term. Second labour was shorter but more painful but theb she only had G&A whereas the first time she was induced, had the drip & had an epidural so didn't feel a thing during the second stage. However, she didn't really talk much about the labour as all she wanted to talk about was getting immediate cuddles, skin to skin & taking her baby home that afternoon when her first DC had ended up on SCBU in a different hospital. Best wishes.

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GoldenDaffodil · 17/05/2014 07:46

Just wanted to belatedly thank you for your replies. It's great to hear your experiences gave been positive, they definitely give me hope for a good birth this time around. If I'm lucky enough to get the immediate cuddles/skin to skin/baby with me on the ward I don't think it will feel real after last time. xx

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