The rate of birth depends on the mother/baby, though its true that the first birth is often much slower. I'm a mother that just had my second, and labor escalated so quickly this time that my partner didn't believe how close I was and I nearly didn't get to the hospital on time. So, trust your partner, and if she thinks she needs to go to the hospital, just take her (or call them up and ask for advice, I had the advice line on speed dial).