At the onset of labor, contractions will be short, irregular, and quite tolerable. It is known as the latent phase of labor. Over time, as you enter the active phase, they will become more frequent, longer, and stronger. You will be happy to know that there are several things you can do to help yourself and your baby during each of these stages.
How long does the latent phase last?
It's different for everyone. If this is not your first baby, then it may take you as little as half an hour to enter the active phase. If it’s your first pregnancy, irregular or infrequent contractions may last a day or longer.
How can I distinguish the latent from the active phase if contractions are painful from the start?
The contraction counter on our app can help. Use it to mark the beginning and end of each contraction. If they come every 10 minutes or less, it means that labor has entered the active phase. Your doctor can confirm the beginning of this phase after checking how dilated your cervix is.
How long does the active phase last?
It's different for everyone, but the active phase tends to last between four to eight hours [1]. Don’t worry, you will have time to get to the hospital before the pushing begins.
When is the best time to go to the hospital?
It depends on various things, but an important one is your state of mind. Some find it more comfortable to spend the latent phase at home, surrounded by loved ones and in a familiar environment with access to their shower, kitchen, and toilet. Others prefer to be under the care of their medical team as soon as possible.
Studies show that women who arrive at the hospital in the latent phase of labor are more likely to receive additional medical interventions like oxytocin, pain relief, and even cesarean section [1]. And it’s difficult to determine whether they needed it or if doctors were just trying to do something because they were already in the maternity ward.
It is also true that women admitted to the hospital during the active phase of labor often do without epidural anesthesia [1].
How can I ease contractions at home?
Research shows that distraction techniques work well during contractions: if the brain is kept busy, it registers less pain [2].
The following are proven to be effective distraction tools:
solving puzzles or crosswords;
watching your favorite movies;
drawing;
playing board games (especially those involving counting or memorization).
A warm shower or bath, a light massage between contractions, and support from your partner, both physical (like hanging from his neck or leaning your back against him) and moral, can also ease the pain. Research shows that continuous support shortens labor time and significantly reduces the likelihood of an unplanned cesarean section [1].
How can I ease my contractions in the hospital?
During the latent phase of labor, you can experiment with changing positions [1]. For example:
standing on all fours and moving your pelvis;
swaying on a fit ball;
walking, stopping, and bending during contractions;
lying on your side;
squatting with your back against a wall or a partner.
During the active phase, you can also request anesthesia [1].
