Latent Phase

Information for women

Author: Birth Centre Lead Updated: May 2015 | Review: April 2017 MAT-LATENTPHASE-MAY2015

The three stages of labour

• The first stage, when the neck of the womb (cervix) opens to 10 centimetres.

• The second stage, when the baby moves down through the and is born.

• The third stage, when the afterbirth () is delivered.

What is the latent (early) phase of labour?

The latent phase occurs before labour starts. During this phase the neck of the womb (cervix) changes from being long, firm and closed, to shorter and thinner and more closely applied to your baby’s head. Your cervix must do this first before it can begin to dilate.

Closed cervix Cervix drawn up and thinner

During the latent phase Braxton Hicks contractions may become more noticeable and more frequent, lasting between 35 and 45 seconds. Some women can feel backache or cramps during this phase. Some women have bouts of contractions lasting a few hours which stop and start up again the next day, this is normal.

This ‘start-stop’ pattern is common in the latent phase

Some women have a very quick latent phase. Typically it can last for anywhere between four and 24 hours but in some cases may continue for several days or even weeks.

It is not possible to say when active labour will begin. It could start in a couple of hours or in several days, so try to stay as relaxed as possible and distract yourself from focusing only on the contractions.

As labour establishes and you enter the first phase of labour your contractions will get longer, stronger and closer together.

This can be tiring, but it is important to remember your body knows how to give birth. When you begin to understand what helps or hinders the natural process, you can create the right environment around you. If you find that labour has slowed down, this is a good time for you and your birth partner to get some rest and have something to eat. When your body has built up some energy supplies your contractions will start again.

Remember – the latent phase of labour can last a very long time, especially for first time mums.

Things you can do to help yourself

Walk around the house Keep well hydrated Relaxation techniques Massage Take a warm bath or shower Have a nap Use a hot water bottle Use a TENS machine Adopt different positions Eat little and often Take a walk Watch a DVD Focus on breathing in gently Listen to music Keep the lights low and sighing out slowly

Experiment with positions that you find comfortable. There are advantages to staying mobile in labour. This can mean standing, sitting, squatting, kneeling and walking around. You may find a birthing ball, a floor mat or a beanbag useful.

If you are tired you could try resting on your left side or sitting backwards on a kitchen chair leaning over the backrest – you might need pillows to rest against.

Choose a supportive birthing partner who can be with you throughout your labour. Some women choose to have the support of more than one person. Your birth supporters can encourage and reassure you and help to tell your midwife what you would like.

Things your birth partner can do to help

• Praise and encourage her • Help to distract her to take her mind off things • Massage her back • Ensure she eats little and often • Give lots of support and encouragement • Encourage her to drink • Don’t spend too much time counting or timing contractions as your partner may feel under pressure or disheartened • Try to make the situation as calm and normal as possible • Give her cuddles • Keep her company and even try to make her laugh!

Remember: labour is a natural process and every mother is unique in how she deals with labour

When to phone the Maternity Unit

• When you want to talk to a midwife • If you think your waters have broken (see below for more information on waters breaking) • If you are concerned about your baby’s movements • Pain is becoming more than you feel able to cope with • When your contractions are regular, lasting 45-60 seconds and constantly painful • If you feel the urge to push at any time, you are strongly advised to call the hospital to speak to a midwife

The “show”

As the cervix begins to flatten and open, the mucus which has been protecting the entrance to your womb may come away. Many women experience what is known as a ‘bloody show’ from the vagina.

The mucus will be tinged pink or brown from blood – this is normal. Having a ‘show’ means that your body is starting to get ready for labour – but the actual birth is very likely to be some time away. Some women have a ‘show’ several days before labour starts.

If there is bright red blood you should phone the Delivery Suite on 01737 768 511 x6790.

Your waters breaking

Before active labour starts, your waters may break. During , your baby is surrounded by – the ‘waters’.

• For some women (about 1 in 10), the first sign that labour is going to start is when the waters begin to leak. • It is quite common for women to leak a small amount of urine at the end of pregnancy and it can be difficult to tell if your waters have broken or if it is urine. • If you are not sure if your waters have broken, put a sanitary pad on and lie down for about 30 minutes. • If you have a definite gush of fluid when you stand up it is a clear sign that your waters have broken and you should telephone the Delivery Suite. • If not, then you can assume your waters haven’t broken.

If you telephone your midwife for advice and everything sounds normal you will be encouraged to remain at home for as long as possible.

You can help your labour to carry on smoothly by increasing the levels of your own natural pain relievers – ‘endorphins’. In order to achieve this you need peace, quiet and a feeling of safety to help you relax.

Most women are more relaxed at home in the latent stage. If you are choosing to give birth in hospital, it is recommended you stay at home until labour is established. There is also evidence to show that the further on in labour you are when you come in to hospital, the more likely you are to have a normal birth.

Remember – labour is a journey, and the early part of the first stage can take a long time. This is normal. Quick labours are not always the easiest to cope with.

We hope that using some of the tips in this leaflet will help you when you are in labour.

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