The latent phase
This information is designed to help you understand the process of labour, especially the early part of the first stage, known as the latent phase.
It includes suggestions for you and your birth partner on how to help you cope at home, or in the hospital during your latent phase.
Labour is a physical process, which can often take a long time. Everyone’s labour is different.
There are three stages of labour:
- The first stage, when the cervix (neck of the womb) opens to 10 centimetres
- The second stage, when the baby moves down through the vagina and is born
- The third stage when the placenta (afterbirth) is delivered
What is the latent (early) phase of labour?
The latent phase of labour is the very first part of your labour - the early part of the first stage when your cervix begins to soften and open until it is 4 centimetres dilated.
Before labour starts, the neck of the womb (cervix) is long, firm and closed. But even before labour begins the cervix can soften and start to get thinner.
The next part of labour is called the active phase or established labour. Both the latent and the active phases take place during the first stage of labour. Eventually, at the end of the first stage, the cervix has opened to 10 centimetres and is described as being ‘fully dilated’.
‘Braxton Hicks’ contractions happen throughout pregnancy. These are tightenings of the muscle of the womb (uterus) which last for about 30 seconds and are usually painless. During the latent phase, Braxton Hicks contractions may become more noticeable and more frequent, lasting between 35 and 45 seconds. However, you may not notice anything happening at all. Remember, the latent phase of labour can last a very long time, especially if it is your first birth.
Sometimes the latent phase is very quick, but it typically lasts anywhere between 4 and 24 hours. For some people it may last several days or sometimes even weeks. You may feel backache or cramps during this time. You may get contractions which last a few hours but then stop and start up again the next day. This is normal.
Remember - labour is a journey, and the early part of the first stage can take a long time. This is normal.
We hope that using some of the tips in this information will help you through your labour.