Stages of labour

First stage of labour

The first stage of labour is made up of three different phases and involves the thinning of the cervix and its dilation to around 10 centimetres.

Latent phase

• Generally, this stage is the longest and the least painful part of labour.
• The cervix thins out and dilates from zero up to four–six centimetres.
• This may occur over days or hours and be accompanied by mild contractions.
• The contractions may be regularly or irregularly spaced, or you might not notice them at all.

Active phase

• The next phase is marked by strong, painful contractions that tend to occur three or four minutes apart, and last from 30 to 60 seconds.
• The cervix dilates from four–six to eight centimetres.

Transition

• The cervix dilates from eight to 10 centimetres (that is, fully dilated).
• These contractions can become more intense, painful and frequent. It may feel as though the contractions are no longer separate but running into each other.
• It is not unusual to feel out of control and even a strong urge to go to the toilet as the baby’s head moves down the birth canal and pushes against the rectum.

Throughout the first stage of labour, careful monitoring and recording of your wellbeing, your baby’s wellbeing, and the progress of your labour, is important. This helps us to know whether your labour is progressing normally, to recognise any problems early and for clear communication. Ideally, you will experience the latent phase in the comfort of your home. You may wish to come to hospital as you move through the active phase.

More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Early labour

What can I do in the active stage of labour?

Birth partner’s role

• Remind your partner to go to the toilet.
• Help her with changing positions.
• It might help to dim the lights or play some music.
• Support her in any decisions she makes about pain relief.
• Keep yourself relaxed as possible and look after your needs.
• Sometimes humour can lighten the atmosphere when appropriate.

Helping yourself in first stage

• Stay well hydrated.
• Eat lightly during labour; your digestive system naturally moves more slowly, and you may find that you become nauseated. Some easily digested foods include fruits, yogurt or toast.
• Choose positions of comfort; you might find that your body instinctively moves to certain positions during contractions.
• Slow swaying movements may also help during contractions.
• Standing helps your body and your baby work with gravity and encourages the downward movement of your baby through the pelvis.
• Remember – an empty bladder is more comfortable and gives your baby more space to move down.

More information: Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – Giving birth - first stage of labour

In this guide:

1. Baby’s journey of labour
2. Hormones during labour
3. Stages of labour
4. First stage of labour
5. Second stage of labour
6. Third stage of labour
7. The fourth stage

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