This information leaflet is written with the intention to educate mothers on features of beginning of labour contractions and the latent phase of labour and what they are supposed to do when they have started to experience contractions. 

Onset of labour contractions 

Your womb starts to contract and relax at the beginning of labour. When you experience regular, painful contractions that last more than 30 seconds, labour may have started.

These contractions tend to become longer, stronger and more frequent with time. 

When your womb tightens, pain would increase and when the womb relaxes, the pain would fade. 

These contractions would push the baby down and open your cervix.

This may be associated with blood stained vaginal discharge or breaking of your water bag. 

What is the latent phase of labour?

The latent phase of labour is the time from the onset of labour contractions to established labour. During this period your body is preparing for actual labour. 

Experience of latent phase varies widely amongst mothers in terms of character and duration. 

However, in general mothers experience painful and infrequent contractions accompanied by thinning and opening of the cervix up to 4cm.

What happens during the latent phase of labour?

In the latent phase of labour, the womb begins to contract irregularly in order to make the necessary changes in the cervix. 

As time goes on, the contractions act upon the cervix itself, causing it to soften, thin out, become stretchy and then start to open.

What might I experience during the latent phase?

You may experience painful contractions. Some women find the pain of contractions in the latent phase so mild that they can hardly believe that actual labour will happen soon. Others are distressed by the pain of the latent phase and admission to hospital and regular painkillers are required.

The nature of contractions varies greatly amongst individuals.

If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is normal, please contact your midwife or ward.

It is common to have regular contractions for a few hours which may then fade out completely. This is entirely normal and it is your body’s way of preparing itself for labour in small stages. If this happens, have a lie down and try to sleep. You can take two paracetamols for the pain. 

Blood-tinged mucus, also called a ‘show’ may be seen. If the blood loss is more than a tea spoon of fresh blood or you are concerned about the amount, please make a visit to the nearest hospital. 

Your ‘water’ bag may break. This may be felt as a gush of fluid or a slow leak. If this happens, please make a visit to the nearest hospital.

You may feel increased pelvic pressure due to the descent of the baby into the pelvis.

You may have increased vaginal discharge. However, if you are concerned that you may be leaking fluid, visit the hospital.

How long does the latent phase last?

This length of this phase can range from six hours to two-three days. Nobody can exactly tell why there are such big differences in duration between individuals. It tends to be longer and tiresome in the first pregnancy. 

Sometimes you may be admitted to the ward for more than 24 hours and still will not have gone in to active labour. 

What can help during the latent phase of labour?

Try relaxing in a warm bath.

Distract yourself by some activities. Walking a bit would help. You may do recitals based on your religious beliefs. This may increase your confidence.

Focus on your breathing during contractions. As you become aware of a contraction, breathe out slowly as if you are sighing. Then as the sensation builds, continue to blow away the pain by making your ‘out-breaths’ as long as possible. As you blow out, relax your body as much as possible.

There is no harm in considering using home remedies. Applying balm and massaging may help. 

Follow your diet and hydrate well in order to ensure you maintain your energy levels for labour. 

Drink plenty of fluids and make sure you are emptying your bladder regularly.

Try to remain upright and mobile.

Keep your bags ready and packed 

If the contractions are worsening and becoming regular visit the hospital.  

When should I be concerned and visit the hospital immediately?

You think your ‘water bag’ is broken. This might be felt as a gush of fluid or a slow leak.

You feel that the pattern of your baby’s movements has slowed significantly.

You are bleeding.

You feel labour is progressing. 

If you have a past history of any medical illnesses 

  (eg:  Fits, heart disease or diabetes).

If you have had a quick labour in the past. 

If you are a pre term mother. 

If the pain is continuous without a gap and associated with fresh bleeding. 

What happens once you come to hospital?

A doctor will assess your condition.

Depending on the symptoms the doctors will perform a vaginal examination to check the status of the neck of the womb.

A nurse or midwife would check the heartbeat of your baby. If necessary, a heartbeat trace of the baby (CTG) would be performed.  

If you are in pain, you will be given pain relief. 

You will be encouraged to mobilize. 

Once you have started established contractions and the cervix has opened adequately, you will be taken in to the labor ward.