Beatrix try not to stress/worry about the labour and birth (easier Saud than done usually I know!) But if it can be at all encouraging to you my 3rd was less than 1 1/2hrs from first sign (waters breaking) and only about 45mins that I really knew it was gonna happen soon, and then #4 was closer to 6hrs (approx 2hrs I was sure ) so what they say about every time being different is so true. And the after pains are apparently no worse from 3rd onwards usually.. mine probably were I'd say but I don't really mind as I'm sure its why I have such a small amount of bleeding and uterus is back to pre-pregnancy size by day 2... Hth in some small way to ease some worry