The First Room of Labour : What to Expect and How to Prepare for the Latent Stage

Pregnant mother in the early stages of labour 

The first room of labour, also commonly referred to as the latent phase, marks the beginning of an incredible journey to meeting your baby. It is the longest and most varied phase, involving the gradual opening (dilation) of the cervix to allow your baby to move into the birth canal. Understanding this stage, knowing what to expect, and preparing mentally and physically can help you feel more confident during labour.

This phase is also known as the “first room” or separation stage of labour. During this stage, the mother needs to detach from the external world and focus inward, preparing to transition to the second stage of labour. In this separation phase, a delicate balance between oxytocin and adrenaline is key. No matter where you choose to labour, it’s important to create an environment that supports the release of oxytocin—a hormone essential for labour progression. Oxytocin levels thrive when the following elements are present: safety, comfort, privacy, warmth, love, and darkness.

Oxytocin plays a vital role in labour. As this hormone rises, it binds to receptors on the uterine cells, causing them to contract effectively, facilitating the dilation of the cervix and the descent of the baby. Adrenaline also has a role during this phase, as it activates the neocortex (the part of the brain responsible for behaviour, emotion, and cognition). This allows the mother to remain alert and focused, doing what is necessary to prepare her body and mind for birth.

Signs of the First Room (Latent Stage) of Labour

Every pregnancy and body is unique, so what might be true for others might not be true for you! There are some signs to look out for during this stage:

• Contractions:

  • Early labour contractions are irregular and mild, becoming stronger and closer together as labour progresses. A contraction is a rhythmic, coordinated tightening and relaxation of the muscles in the uterus. It starts at the top of the uterus and the progressive retraction of the uterine muscles will draw more and more of the uterus muscle upwards forming a layer called the fundas, which will help push the baby out.

• Lower Back Pain:

  • A dull ache in your lower back, sometimes accompanied by cramping sensations.

• Bloody Show:

  • A pink or blood-tinged mucus discharge, indicating that the cervix is softening and opening. This does not always mean that labour is imminent.

• Waters Breaking:

  • A gush or trickle of amniotic fluid, although this doesn’t always happen in the first stage. It sometimes doesn’t happen until the very end!

• Increased Pelvic Pressure:

  • A sensation of the baby moving lower into the pelvis.

What to Expect Emotionally and Physically

During this first room of labour you may feel excitement, nervousness, or impatience as your body begins to prepare for birth. Just know that this is a process and trust in your body. As the neo-cortex is still functioning, between contractions, you will most likely want to get on with light tasks in preparation for the birth. You may even want to shower or have a warm bath.

Contractions during this stage can be strong but are unlikely to follow a perfectly predictable pattern. They may feel like period cramps or you may experience pain in the lower back at first.

It is important during the period to focus on resting, staying hydrated and nourishing your body.

How Long Does This Stage Usually Last?

There is no set rule for how long this stage or period may last for. It will vary significantly from person to person, but on average:

First-Time Parents: Anywhere from 6 to 20 hours or even longer in some cases.

Subsequent Births: Generally 4 to 12 hours, as the body may progress more quickly after a previous delivery.

Every labour is unique, and the duration of this room/stage can be influenced by factors such as the baby’s position, the mother’s activity level, and individual physiology.

How Can You Prepare for the First Room of Labour?

1. Learn About Labour:

   • Attend antenatal classes or read reliable resources to understand the process.

2. Pack Your Hospital Bag:

   • Include essentials like comfortable clothing, snacks, toiletries, and items for your baby.

3. Discuss Your Birth and Postpartum Plan:

   • Share your preferences for pain relief, birthing positions, and interventions with your midwife, healthcare provider and have those conversations again with your birthing partner. Also, it is wise to go through your postpartum plan once more and make sure that everything is in place for when the baby arrives.

4. Build a Support Network:

   • Ensure your birth partner or support person is prepared to assist you during labour.

Conclusion

The first room of labour is a transformative experience, as your body works to bring your baby closer to the world. Understanding what to expect, recognising the signs, and preparing mentally and physically can help you navigate this stage with confidence. Surround yourself with a supportive team, trust your body, and embrace the journey—it’s the beginning of something truly incredible.

Our antenatal classes in Tunbridge Wells focus on supporting, educating and nurturing through your pregnancy and postpartum journey. Our next course starts in January 2025.