-By Bushra Hatahet, UK-Trained Clinical Midwife
Early labour is often the longest phase of labour. For some women it lasts only a few hours, while for others it may continue for a day or more.
This stage is your body’s way of preparing for active labour. Your cervix gradually softens, shortens (effaces) and begins to open (dilate).
Although contractions may already feel uncomfortable, remember that every contraction is helping your baby move closer to being born.
One of the biggest mistakes women make is assuming they need to rush to hospital as soon as labour begins. In most pregnancies, staying comfortable at home for as long as possible is often the best place to be.
You should time:
Also pay attention to:
A contraction timer app can be useful, but your own instincts are just as important.
As a general guide, many hospitals recommend attending when contractions are around every 3 to 5 minutes, lasting approximately 60 seconds, and have been following this pattern for around one hour.
Always follow the advice given by your own midwife or hospital.
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