Early Labour
Early labour (latent phase) is defined as a period of time, not necessarily continuous:
where contractions/surges are irregular in frequency, strength, and duration.
where the cervix makes gradual changes to become thinner (efface), and open (dilate) to about 4cm. (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2007)
Early labour is still a part of the first stage of labour, and all contractions are important in the labour process. They normally start out relatively mild and short-lasting to allow you to adapt slowly to the sensations.
This part of labour can go on for any length of time - days, sometimes weeks. It can also be stop/start. Often this stage is longer with your first baby. This is because your body has never done this labour thing before, and it is trying to establish a pattern for contractions/surges which will be effective in birthing your baby. It can be scary if you don’t know what to expect!
I want to share with you my 5 TOP TIPS for managing early labour:
REST as much as your body will allow you to. Resting/sleeping is not going to cause your labour to stop or slow down, the same as forcing yourself to bounce on a birthing ball all night isn’t going to cause labour to speed up! But trust me, you are going to need to reserve your energy, so if your surges tail off then be opportunistic and rest. Don’t worry, they will come back.
Carry on with your normal day-to-day life whilst you can. This will keep you distracted and will allow your body to stay relaxed - enabling the process to run smoothly.
Practice your calm breathing techniques from the very first surge - creating the habit!
Keep the atmosphere light hearted, dimly lit, and quiet.
Snack little and often, and keep well hydrated. Send your partner out on a snack run, or if you’re super organised you can start collecting “early labour sustenance” early on.
So what comfort measures can you access during this phase? Surely not a lot, right? WRONG!
There are so many tools and techniques you can use at home during this time to help you stay relaxed, to relieve any discomfort, and help you manage until at least the active stage of labour:
Movement - Upright positions are normally to most comfortable during surges, however your body will tell you if it needs to rest. The most important thing is to listen to your body.
Bath - water immersion can be relaxing and relieving in equal measure. Use battery operated candles or fairy lights aswell, to create an oxytocin boosting environment.
Paracetamol - Paracetamol is a great pain relief and is completely safe to take during pregnancy and labour. Read the leaflet carefully before taking to ensure that you take the correct dosage.
Hot water bottle - your uterus is muscle. Heat applied to sore muscles can help them feel more comfortable.
TEN’s machine - a battery-powered handheld controller connected by fine leads to four flat pads. The pads stick to your back and the machine sends small safe pulses of electrical current via the leads to the pads on your back. The pulses pass through your skin and into your muscles and tissue. This gives you a tingling or buzzing sensation, which may be stronger or weaker, depending on the setting level. You can control the settings and how strong the pulses are.
Massage - your partner can use massage techniques to help you to relax, or to relieve pressure/tension.
Aromatherapy - you can use any scents which promote relaxation during early labour i.e. lavender.
Kisses and cuddles from your partner - This will encourage your oxytocin production, not to mention it gives you all those lovely feels for your partner which makes everything feel better!
Comedies - watching comedies/anything that makes you laugh will encourage the release of endorphins - your ‘feel good’ hormone and natural pain reliever.
Breathing techniques - Long, deep breaths in and out, focusing on relaxing each muscle in your body. This will give you something else to focus on other than the sensations you are feeling.
When to call the midwives/birth centre/hospital?
If this is your first baby, then you should make the call when your surges are 3-4 every 10 minutes, and lasting approximately 60 seconds. They should have been this regular consistently for at least 1-2 hours.
If this is not your first baby, then you should make the call when your surges are at least 3 every 10 minutes, lasting approximately 60 seconds. They should have been this regular consistently for at least 1 hour.
Other reasons to make the call include:
If your waters break
If you are concerned about your baby’s movements
If you have any fresh red bleeding, that is not of a “mucousy” show consistency
If you feel you need further pain relief
If you feel like labour is progressing quickly - you will know!
I hope this has been informative. Please leave me a comment with any of your own tips/comfort measures that you found useful during early labour, or if you have any questions I will try my best to answer :)
All my love, Lauren xo