6 coping strategies for early labour

Early labour is known as the latent phase of labour. It can be unsettling as it can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days. During this time, women will start experiencing contractions - but they won't necessarily be in a continuous pattern, stopping and starting and varying in length and strength. 

During this stage of labour your cervix will start to change, softening, shortening and opening. When the cervix is dilated to 3-4cm you are considered to be in established labour. Once you are in established labour your contractions will come at regular intervals (for example, 3-4 in a 10-minute period) and last for 60 seconds on average. 

Unless you have been advised differently, it is advisable to stay at home for as long as possible during early labour. Research shows that arriving at your birthplace too early (before you are in established labour) may increase the likelihood of interventions. Here are some handy tips to get you through...

Once that first contraction hits, it's tempting to start tracking each one. However, whilst some people may find this helpful, many people find it stressful. Particularly if the contractions come and go, or they don't seem to be getting closer together. Remember, stress hormones inhibit the release of oxytocin and can slow or stop your contractions. 

Remember, the latent phase can be a stop-start process and can take a few days for some people. During that time, it's important to get some rest too! Consider what the right approach is for you and your birth partner - you will both need to conserve your energy as much as possible.

Plus, you'll notice as your contractions start to get closer together, become more regular, more intense and start to last longer. When they're about 5 minutes apart, give your maternity unit a call. Or if you need some reassurance before then, call the maternity unit - the team is there to support you!

Distraction is the name of the game during early labour. Think of activities that are going to boost your oxytocin levels. Different activites will suit different people, but here are some ideas to get you started:

• Watch a film or boxset (think romcom rather than horror!)
• Go out for a walk
• Get baking
• Put some tunes on and have a dance
• Do something creative, knitting, drawing, painting...
• Play a game 

You need as much energy as possible for labour – which means keeping up a healthy calorie intake. If you can’t manage large meals, eat little and often instead. Focus on nutritious foods as much as possible. Fast food or ultra-processed meals with high salt and sugar content can lead sap your energy, leaving you feeling dehydrated and on a rollercoaster of sugar highs and lows. 

Staying well hydrated is essential for the same reason. Common symptoms of dehydration: 

• Headaches
• Irritable
• Tired
• Dizzy or lightheaded  

See Why is it important to balance my sugar levels in pregnancy?

There are loads of different natural pain relief options you can use during the latent phase of labour.

• Water…a warm bath or shower will alleviate aches and pains.
• A hot water bottle or wheat bag for lower back pain.
• Massage
• Breathing techniques
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Movement - try these active birth positions

A TENS machine is a great bit of kit. Simply stick the pads to your lower back, then the machine sends out small electrical impulses. These impulses confuse the pain messaging that runs up your spine to your brain, and help your body to release endorphins, your body’s natural painkiller. The pregnancy TENS machines usually have a boost button that allows you to have continuous electrical pulses for the duration of a contraction.

The earlier in your labour you start using the TENS machine, the more effective it will be. Just remember that they are not safe to use in the bath!

You can buy or hire TENS machines. Speak to your community midwife or search online for the options available.

Research shows that the more relaxed and happy, and the less stressed you (and your birth partner) are in the latent phase of labour, the more likely you are to have a spontaneous delivery. So, consider what may cause you stress during this stage of labour - and how to avoid these triggers.

For example, a key role of the birth partner during early labour is to protect the birth environment and help make it as safe, comfortable and oxytocin-boosting as possible. This will look different for everyone. For some it may include mood lighting and music. For others privacy, which could mean not telling family and friends until you're in your chosen birth unit - or the baby has arrived. 

There is no right or wrong answer. Think about what will work for you! 

For more tips about your birth environment, check out: Birth environment: engage all 5 senses

The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice, and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. New Life Classes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.