Information and advice for mothers-to-be
Maternity
The latent phase of labour: how to recognise
what is happening and how to cope
Page 1
What is the latent phase of labour?
When you reach the end of your pregnancy it is normal to feel apprehensive
or even excited about the start of labour. Before labour starts, the neck of
the womb (cervix) is long, firm and closed but this changes in the last few
weeks of pregnancy.
The latent phase of labour is the build up period before the start of labour.
During the latent phase the neck of your womb (cervix) thins and opens
up (dilates) to 4 cm.
As the cervix stretches and fits around the baby’s head you will experience
some sharp pains - this is normal. Some of these pains can be quite sharp
or even feel strong however they do not mean that labour is about to start
– they are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. You might find that you
have a ‘show’ (the mucous plug), which is likely to happen anytime from
37-42 weeks during your pregnancy. The show can look like the
mucous that is on a tissue when you blow your nose, sometimes it has streaks of blood in it.
This is all part of the normal build up to labour.
Once the latent phase of labour has done its work you will go into the first active stage of
labour; this is when labour has become ‘established’ and the contractions become regular
and stronger.
How do I recognise the latent phase of labour?
Some women can feel backache or cramps during this time and even have bouts of
contractions lasting a few hours which then stop and start up again the next day. This is
normal and can last on and off for days and might be very tiring for you.
How can I manage the latent phase of labour?
The best place for you to be during the latent phase of labour is at home where you can feel
more comfortable and relaxed.
Tips to help you cope
• Keep active – Moving around will help your labour to progress normally, so do some light
housework or take the children or dog for a walk.
• Eat and drink as normal – It is important to keep your energy up so eat some small snacks
that are high in calories and drink plenty of water.
• Make sure that you are going to the toilet normally – If you have emptied your bowels
frequently it can help labour to start.
Cervix stretching
around baby’s head
Mucous plug