Definition of Latent Phase of Labour:
The early stage of labor that is characterized by irregular, infrequent, and mild contractions and little or no dilation of the cervix or descent of the fetus.
The latent phase of labour is the time when changes in the body start occurring in preparation for actual or established labour. The latent phase is difficult to describe as it varies widely amongst individuals in terms of character and duration. However, it is generally described as a period of time, not necessarily continuous, where there are painful contractions accompanied by thinning and opening of the cervix up to 4cm.
In the latent phase, contractions occur more often, become stronger, and become more regular. During this phase the cervix thins. This is called effacement. The latent phase varies from woman to woman and from labor to labor. It may take as a few hours. The latent phase tends to be 10 to 12 hours. Membranes may rupture in the early- to mid-portion of the first stage of labor. If they rupture, the labor process often speeds up.
Characteristics of Latent Phase of Labour:
All the characteristics of latent phase have listed in the below:
- It starts from onset of labour until the cervix reaches 3 cm dilatation.
- Once 3 cm dilatation is reached, labour enters the active phase.
- Lasts 8 hours or less.
- Each contraction lasting > 20 seconds.
- At least 2/10 min contractions.
- A sensation of warmth in the abdomen.
- Blood-tinged mucous discharge.
- Rupture of the amniotic membranes.
Importance of Latent Phase of Labour:
Latent phase is so much important due to the below reasons:
- During this phase the cervix thins. This is called effacement.
- The latent phase varies from woman to woman and from labor to labor. It may take a few days or be as short as a few hours.
- There is some cervical change, including cervical effacement and dilatation up to 4cm.
- The latent phase tends to be 10 to 12 hours for a woman who has had children. For first pregnancies, it may last closer to 20 hours.
- Many pregnant women confuse the latent phase of labor with Braxton Hicks contractions.
- Membranes may rupture in the early- to mid-portion of the first stage of labor. If they rupture, the labor process often speeds up.
What Happens During the Latent Phase of Labour?
In the latent phase of labour, the womb begins to contract irregularly as it starts to co-ordinate the action of its muscle fibres and slowly adjusts its shape so that the cervix moves into the right position for birth. As time goes on, the contractions act upon the cervix itself, causing it to Soften, thin, become stretchy and start to open.
How Long Does The Latent Phase of Labour Last?
This length of this phase can range from six hours to two-three days. Nobody knows for sure why there are such big differences in duration between individuals. It tends to be longer in the first pregnancy.
Maria Khatun Mona is a Founder and Editor of Nursing Exercise Blog. She is a Nursing and Midwifery Expert. Currently she is working as a Registered Nurse at Evercare Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. She has great passion in writing different articles on Nursing and Midwifery. Mail her at “maria.mona023@gmail.com”