The first stage of labor is when contractions start to become regular. These contractions will allow the cervix to contract and fully dilate, until the opening reaches 10 cm.
The beginning stage or “latent phase”
During the latent phase, you may experience contractions without being sure if labor has started. Is this the beginning or a false alarm?
At the beginning, contractions are mild; you may even be able to talk during contractions. They are often irregular and short-lived. Try to stay calm and remember to rest and eat. You can take a bath if you want. Use this time to cope with what’s happening inside you.
This period can last longer or shorter, and you must be patient. It’s not time to go to your birthplace yet unless your water breaks or you don’t feel your baby moving.
If your contractions decrease in intensity or stop, this is called “false labor”. Something is happening inside you, but it’s still just “preparatory” work, meaning the cervix is “ripening”.
Active labor
This is the time when you feel that labor is progressing. Contractions become painful, closer together, longer, and stronger. We then talk about the active stage of labor: the cervix thins (or effaces) and opens (or dilates) to about 3 to 5 cm.
Then the contractions gradually intensify, and the cervix opens gradually until 10 cm (full dilation). At 8 or 9 cm, contractions are often very painful. They were at their peak intensity before full dilation of 10 cm.
This period is often compared to a storm. You may have strong emotions, or you may need to make sounds or scream. You may feel like you’re losing control and it will never end. It’s normal.
Try to surrender to labor, breathe well, imagine your baby starting to descend, and stay connected with him/her.
