Can you really even compare an induced labor to a natural one? (length-wise)

[1babysmom]

With DD I was induced shortly after my DD, including AROM and later had an epidural. My entire labor was about 12 hours from beginning to end. While it wasn't what I'd do again, it went well enough.

Anyway, does that labor give me ANY insight as to what a natural, non-induced labor will be like for me? I'm SOOOO excited to labor again this time, and I just can't wait to find out what it'll be like to just have labor start on it's own and see how long it takes.

[amymaew]

My 2nd labor was about 1/2 as long as my induced 1st labor. With #1 I was induced, had an epi etc, and it was about 8 hours. With #2 from the time my water broke to baby was 4 hours, and I only felt ctx for about an hour of that. Good luck

[Dov'sMom]

But to balance, I was just talking to a good friend whose first induced labor was 3 hours and second natural labor 6.

[DBZ]

Epidurals slow things down. I've also heard that a lot of people labor naturally faster as opposed to induced. I bet your labor will be shorter this time.

[1babysmom]

Originally Posted by DBZ

Epidurals slow things down. I've also heard that a lot of people labor naturally faster as opposed to induced. I bet your labor will be shorter this time.

I always believed that, too (I DO believe it did for me), but I guess I just lucked out to be in a family where as soon as everyone else gets an epi they're complete.: And then they all look at me like I'm an idiot for suggesting that they might very well slow the progress of labor. Figures.

Thanks for all the replies! I look forward to be able to come back here and share my "new" experience with labor!