Maternity Information Leaflet Early Labour The Latent Phase - PDF document

Maternity Information Leaflet Early Labour - The Latent Phase The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (2007) A period of time, not necessarily continuous, when there are painful In the latent phase of labour, contis normal. Co

ntractions may continue for about 30 – 40 seconds. This is normays, so try to stay as relaxed as flattening is called ‘cervical effacement’ or thinning. labour starts. Some women can feel backache or cramps during r all through pregnancy. They

are tightenings of the muscle of especially for first time mums. However this is also a really positive and exciting time as your body pr There are all sorts of things you can do to keep yourself busy your labour to establish. Have a nice warm bat

h or relaxing shower – how about er not to make it too hot towel to wrap the bottle in Use some relaxation techniques…focus on your breathing Eat little and often and try to eat slow release using in active labour – keep mobile and find out what

e not allergic) – remember What is the ‘latent’ (early) phase of labour? 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 During the ‘latent’ phase the neck o

f the womb thins and opens up to about 3 – 4 cm. he ‘active’ phase. This is when la-bour has become established. 8 Contractions last 40-60 seconds If you have questions If you can no longer cope at home If baby is not as active as normal or

very active Advice for partners for the latent phase (early labour); 9 Rubbing her lower back can be really soothing and helpful. Help to apply a TENS machine if you have one. will want lots of affection but otherTime contractions discreetly as

tidea of when to come in, it meansthem herself but try not to menti30 seconds!’ after each contraction is not very helpful! to keep her hydrated in labour. ter, make sure she knows how well she is doing. Remember that labour follows no rules abou

t time, some are quick 10 www.westernsussexhospitals.nhs.uk Department: Maternity Issue date: February 2017 Review date: December 2019 Version: 2 Author: Louise Fairs—Midwife Manager as possible. If you need this docuEnglish, pl

ease contact the Communications Office by: email: Communications@wsht.nhs.uk Or by calling 01903 205 111 ext 84038. NHS Choices Website — National Institute for Clinical Excellence — www.nice.org.uk This number covers both Chichester/ Worthing