The phase of birth you’ve never heard of: Latent Labor
The first stage of labor is divided into two phases: the latent phase and the active phase. In the latent phase, contractions become progressively more coordinated and the cervix dilates to 4 cm (approximately 1.5 inches)
Sounds straightforward enough, right?
The truth is, latent labor is not a term thrown around very often.
Many of us are familiar with ‘stages’ of labor or even the phrase ‘active labor’. We often don’t explore what exactly is happening in the body between going about your daily life during pregnancy.
One thing we have seen happen time and again is clients feeling confused about this ambiguous period of time. They often want to head to the hospital very early simply because they aren’t sure.
We encourage families to head to the hospital whenever they feel ready with provider approval. However, knowing how to manage latent labor before going in can help avoid long wait times and hallway walking.
Latent Labor Explained
Scientifically speaking, latent labor (early labor) is the phase when your body is adjusting and developing its own labor pattern.
Your uterus is finding its ‘sea legs’, we call it an “Uncoordinated Uterus”.
This is why we experience Braxton-Hicks contractions or “practice” contractions. Your Uterus is doing its best to practice irregularly for the big day.
Many books and providers advise pregnant individuals to head to the hospital when their contractions or surges have reached a predictable pattern of approximately 5-1-1; contractions spaced 5 minutes apart, lasting at least 1 minute, for at least 1 hour. But, how long does it take for your body to go from no contractions at all to 5-1-1?
In the US data shows that birthing individuals who go to the hospital very early in their labor are at a slightly increased risk of complications. Obstetrical best practices now advise that the active stage of labor is defined as beginning when both regular contractions are occurring and at least 6cm of cervical dilation has been achieved.
For most low-risk pregnant individuals, the closer to active labor one is when arriving to the hospital, the higher their likelihood of avoiding unnecessary or unwanted interventions during labor. Learning ways to gauge when you’ve moved from latent (early) labor to active labor is key!
Signs of Latent Labor
While these are some things to keep an eye out for, you may not experience all of them.
A good rule of thumb is that if you’re experiencing 2 or 3 of these signs, labor is probably beginning to progress.
Early contractions.
These may simply be a tightening sensation (similar to braxton-hicks) or they may be more uncomfortable, heading toward the feeling of menstrual cramps. Discern contractions from braxton-hicks by noting if they do not go away when you move, eat, or hydrate.
Irregularly spaced contractions.
During latent labor, your body is finding its rhythm. This means that contractions may be unpredictable and frustrating to track. You may describe them as being unable to discern as when one contraction starts and another ends because everything feels tense and uncomfortable.
Frequent bathroom trips/stomach upset.
While you may be no stranger to increased bathroom breaks during pregnancy, a common sign of latent labor in having to constantly empty your bladder. You may also experience what might seem like an acute case of gastric distress.
Persistent lower back pain.
Many pregnant people experience intense, persistent lower back pain during latent labor. Since one of the key features of latent labor is baby rotating, many birthing individuals experience back pain due to increased sacral pressure. Some birthing individuals will feel only tightening sensations all centered in their lower back.
Nesting or ‘shrinking the bubble’.
During latent labor, some may find an intense desire to suddenly get everything done that’s been sitting on your to-do list for weeks. You may also experience an unexplainable desire to be close to home and have your partner or support team nearby.
Latent labor in first-time moms can extend over a full day, night, and sometimes even off-and-on for a few days. It’s easy to become discouraged when you arrive to the hospital to hear you’re ‘only’ 2cm dilated. Staying home in familiar surroundings is one of the best things you can do to help your labor progress.
Looking for childbirth education classes in Baltimore? Learn more detailed, practical information like this about latent labor and everything you need to feel ready to have your baby. Head to this link to find out more about all of our classes including dates and times.
