In this post, I'm explaining what the latent stage of labour is and why you should consider staying home to ride those first waves, even if you are not planning a home birth.
What is the latent stage of labour?
There are 3 stages of labour:
The first stage – also referred to as the dilation stage, when the neck of the womb opens to roughly 10 centimetres.
The second stage – also referred to as the pushing stage, when the baby moves down through the vagina and is born.
The third stage, when the placenta is delivered (after baby is born).
The first stage of labour generally unfolds across two phases (although it might not be so distinct with very quick births). Those phases are the latent phase or early-first stage, and the active phase.
Before labour starts, your cervix (the neck of your womb) is long, firm, and closed. As the latent phase begins, your cervix begins to shorten and soften (known as effacement) and will start to open (dilate). The surges (contractions) might start taking more and more of your attention at this point, but they are often irregular, short lasting and not quite as strong as during the active phase of labour – although for some for us they can still be quite intense.
The NHS suggests phoning your midwife for guidance when surges (contractions) are strong, regular (coming 3 in 10 minutes) and lasting 45-60 seconds. This might indicate that you are now in active labour and that you could be admitted to the labour ward if you decide to transfer, or to request for the home birth team to be dispatched to your home.
What are the benefits of remaining home during the latent phase and even the early active phase of labour, even if you are not planning a home Birth?
The latent phase is usually the longest stage of labour, especially if it is your first baby, and can sometimes last several days. You will be better able to rest and get some good nourishment if you are home.
Being home will help you feel calmer and in control. Studies show that women who stayed at home for most of their labour, described a ‘sense of power’ that stayed with them throughout labour.
You are less likely to receive Syntocinon (synthetic oxytocin drip to increase the strength of contractions). This is because your home is generally an environment you can associate with safety and privacy which are key for your body to produce its own Oxytocin, also known as the 'love hormone', that's responsible for effective and efficient surges to birth your baby.
You are less likely to need pain management drugs. This is also because if you are feeling calm, your nervous system will be able to produce beta-endorphins (your own powerful pain killer).
You will be able to distract yourself more easily with fun and relaxing activities (watch a comedy from your sofa or your birth ball, have a nice warm bath, or even consider sexual intimacy! ...). All great options to boost Oxytocin!!
You will have more space to move around freely. It is incredibly important to be active during the first stage of labour to support birth physiology. It will be easier and more comfortable to do so in your home than venturing through hospital’s corridors…
Your chosen birth partner will be better able to support you with all your familiar items and favourite food around. You might also decide that you would like a larger ‘birth team’ which might not be possible on the labour ward.
Avoid the risk of having to travel back home. If you transfer to the Midwife-Led or Obstetric unit too early, you might be told to go home and to come back later when active labour is fully established. The car journey during labour is never a fun ride so better try to avoid having to do it more than once!
For more knowledge and practical tips for a positive and empowering birth experience, you can join one of my Antenatal and Hypnobirthing courses, or contact me if you have any questions.
Photo by Lindsey Eden