Let's Talk Early Labour

What is early labour?

Early labour (also called the latent phase) is the time when your body starts making changes in preparation for active labour. Women experience early labour in many different ways. Generally, national guidelines define early labour as a period of time, not necessarily continuous, where there are painful contractions and there is some change to the cervix including effacement and dilatation up to four centimetres.

During early labour your womb will start to irregularly contract. By doing this your body is starting to prepare for the birth of your baby. These early labour contractions start moving your cervix into the right position, so it can soften, efface and eventually dilate so your baby can be born.

What does early labour feel like?

You are likely to experience some contractions in early labour. For some women these contractions can be painful, other women don’t feel much at all. Both of these experiences are normal but if you are unsure as to what you are feeling, please call the Labour Line for advice.

You may experience period-like cramps or backache. This is a normal part of early labour. If you have any concerns or questions about what you are feeling, please call the Labour Line for advice.

You may have some time having regular contractions in early labour and then some time where they become less regular or even stop completely. This is normal and is part of your body’s preparation for going into active labour. If you have any questions or concerns about your contractions you should call the Labour Line for advice.

Let's Talk: What does it feel like to be in early labour?

You may see some clear, pinky or blood-tinged mucous (also referred to as a show or your mucous plug) this is normal and is your cervix beginning to make some changes. However if you experience any blood loss that is more than this, or is not with mucous, it is important you call the hospital immediately for advice.

Your waters may break during early labour. This may be experienced as increased dampness or may happen with a big, obvious gush of fluid. Either way, if you believe it is possible your waters may have broken, it is important you call Labour Line for advice. It is useful to keep any pads or underwear you have been wearing to show the midwife – we are used to seeing everything so please don’t be embarrassed about these things!

If you notice your baby is moving less than usual, or there's a change in the pattern of movements, it is important you call the hospital to speak to a midwife as this can be the first sign that your baby may be unwell.

You can always call the Labour Line for advice, information or assistance about anything you may experience during labour.

How long will early labour last?

Some women will be in early labour for a few hours and for some women, it may be a few days. We do not know for certain why the duration of women’s early labours can vary so greatly. Early labour tends to be longer for women having their first baby.

Where should I be in early labour?

Unless otherwise advised, being at home during early labour is normally the best place. This is something that will be discussed at your antenatal appointments.

Let's Talk: Being at home in early labour

Research has shown that women who remain at home during early labour have better birth outcomes than those who are admitted during this phase. It is difficult to know exactly why this is the case. It is likely to be because leaving the comforts of your own home has been shown to slow oxytocin production, the hormone required for labour to naturally progress. Therefore remaining positive and calm at home, in a familiar environment, with people you know supporting you, is likely to improve the way your labour progresses.

For many women, particularly women expecting their first baby, this may sound like a daunting prospect. But it doesn’t have to be. This website offers advice from women who have had positive experiences of being at home in early labour.