The Actual labour does get quicker. 3 hours still has a lot of scope.

To give you an idea of how much, my sisters 1st labour was 30 minutes. Its called Premiate labour. Her next was about 20, and with the 3rd baby she got to the hospital (10 minutes away) sat down on the bed and had the baby.

She has not made it to the hospital since.

Yes - I am horribly jealous because she doesn't even get warning! They call it worrisome - I call it lucky!