Latent phase

Before labour starts, the neck of the womb (cervix) is long, firm and closed.

Even before labour begins, the cervix can be drawn up and gets thinner. 

The ‘latent’ phase of labour is the very first part of your labour – the early part of first stage.

During the ‘latent’ phase the neck of the womb thins and opens up to about 3 to 4 cm. 

The latent phase can last several days or weeks before active labour starts. This is normal. Some women have bouts of contractions lasting a few hours, which then stop and start again later or even the next day.

Other signs that I may be going into labour

The show

During this time the cervix, which was previously long and closed during pregnancy, gradually thins out and begins opening and this can often result in the passing of a mucous ‘show’ from the vagina which might be clear or pinky in colour and is normal. However, if there is bright red blood then please phone maternity triage.

Your waters breaking

For about 1 in 10 women the first sign that labour is going to start is that your waters begin to leak.

If you are unsure whether your waters have gone, put a sanitary pad on and recheck after about an hour to see if it is wet.

Phone maternity triage if you think your waters have broken. They will give you advice on what to do next and ask you some questions like if you noticed they were a specific colour, and if baby is still moving normally.

What can I do in the ‘latent phase’ of labour?

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 you can and distract yourself from focussing only on the contractions.  You can always phone maternity triage for advice.

There are things you can do to help yourself, such as:

• Pottering around the house
• Taking a walk
• Watching a DVD
• Taking a warm bath or shower
• Having a nap
• Doing some relaxation
• Keeping your breathing quiet and fluid 
• Massage – ask your partner/labour supporter to do this for you
• Putting a hot water bottle on any areas that ache – your lower back, your tummy(under the bump) or between your thighs. Wrap it in a small towel first
• Keeping as mobile as you can, while remembering to save your energy for the active part of labour.
• Take paracetamol, 1g 4 to 6 hourly, maximum of 4g daily
• Drinking plenty of fluids – water, sports drinks, apple juice are all good
• Eating little and often – carbohydrates (bread, pasta, rice, cereal) for slow – release energy plus sugary foods for quick-release energy 

By doing all these things at home you are aiding the release of the happy hormone “oxytocin” and reducing the stress hormones that could affect your progress in labour.

When should I ring the hospital?

If you have tried all of the above suggestions and your contractions are now regular and painful, you may want to ring the hospital again.  The midwife will advise you depending on the information that you give. If you are invited to go into the hospital then take your overnight bag with you.  However, if labour has not yet established you may be advised to return home as a clinical environment is not the best place to be in early labour, and can in fact make labour longer and harder.

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.  They can help with things such as:

• Keeping you active
• Massage
• Getting you drinks
• Praising and encouragement
• Giving you cuddles
• Keeping you company and even trying to make you laugh
• Reminding you to go to the toilet regularly as a full bladder can be unhelpful in labour 

Most importantly your birthing supporter/partner should be someone who you can be totally relaxed and comfortable with.

A few other reasons to contact maternity triage

• If you think your waters have broken and they are dark green in colour. This could mean that baby had his bowels open and may be distressed.
• You feel that the pattern of your baby’s movements has slowed significantly.
• You are bleeding.
• You feel labour is progressing. From time to time note the interval between contractions (from the start of one contraction to the start of the next) and how long they are lasting. However, don’t become a slave to your stopwatch; you simply need a sense of what is going on. In most cases, your contractions will let you know when it is time to take things more seriously.