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The first stage of labor is the longest and is
broken down into three phases:
Latent phase: Starts from the onset of labor
until the cervix is dilated to 3 cm.
Active labor phase: Continues until the
cervix is dilated to 7 cm.
Transition phase: Continues until the cervix
is fully dilated to 10 cm.
Note: Each phase is full of
different emotions and
physical challenges. It is one
big adventure you are about to
take and we would like to give
you a guide for it.
 N T
T E E
A
L A S
P H
 LATENT PHASE
The latent or preparatory phase
begins at the onset of regularly
perceived uterine contractions
and ends when rapid cervical
dilatation begins.
 WHAT TO EXPECT:
 Duration will last approximately 6
hours for nullipara and 4.5 hours
in a multipara.
 Cervical effacement occurs
 Cervix dilates from 0-3 cm.
 Contractions will last about 20-40 seconds,
giving you 5-30 minutes of rest in between
contractions
 Contractions are typically mild, somewhat
irregular, but progressively stronger and closer
together
 Contractions may feel like aching in your lower
back, menstrual cramps, and pressure or
tightening in the pelvis area
 WHEN MONITORING
CONTRACTIONS OBSERVE THE
FOLLOWING:
Growing more intense
Following a regular pattern
Lasting longer
Becoming closer together
Note: How to Time a Contraction
What you will need: A watch with a second hand
Pad of paper Writing instrument Time between
the contractions is measured from the
beginning of one contraction to the beginning
of the next contraction. Length of contraction is
timed from the time you feel the contraction
starting until the time you feel it finish.
 TIPS FOR EARLY LABOR:
Rest as much as possible.
Stay away from meats, dairy or high
fat foods.
Foods that are good for you include:
Teas , Fruit Juice , Eggs , Toast and
Butter, Cooked Fruits
 SIGNS OF EARLY LABOR:
Backache
Menstrual like cramps
Indigestion
Diarrhea
Warm Sensation of Abdomen
Bloody Show
 COPING WITH EARLY
LABOR:
Warm bath
Heating pad for backache
Do NOT take aspirin as it increases
chances of complications with
bleeding.
Relaxation exercises
Keeping busy with light activities
Sleep if it is night time
Activities to take your mind off
of the labor like TV, games or
reading.
 TIPS FOR THE SUPPORT PERSON:
Practice timing contractions
Be a calming influence
Offer comfort, reassurance, and support
Suggest activities that will distract her .
Tell the client to keep up her own strength.
 VE
T I R
C
A AB SE O
L A
P H
 WHAT TO EXPECT:
Duration will last about 3 hours for
nullipara and 2 hours for multipara
Your cervix will dilate from 4cm to 7cm
Contractions during this phase will last
about 40-60 seconds with 3-5 minutes rest
in between
Contractions will feel stronger and
longer
Show (increased vaginal secretions) and
spontaneous rupture of membrane may
occur
This is usually the time that you head to
the hospital or birth center
 WHEN AMNIOTIC SAC
RUPTURES NOTE THE
FOLLOWING:
Color of fluid
Odor of fluid
Time rupture occurred
 INDICATIONS OF ACTIVE
LABOR:
Increased back pain
Leg pains
More bloody show
Anxiety
As contraction become more difficult to deal with,
you will probably become less aware of your
surroundings and retreat with in yourself to deal
with the contractions. You will probably end up
talking less during this stage.
As labor progresses, your membranes may rupture
and with this there is usually a gush of fluid. After
the membranes break, your contractions will usually
speed up and increase in intensity after this point.
 TIPS FOR ACTIVE LABOR:
Slow breathing helps you through
contractions.
Focus on positive images or relaxing music
Showering or bathing, changing positions,
massage and hot and cold compresses can
help relieve discomfort.
Walking, standing and sitting upright will
help labor to progress.
Relaxing during and between contractions
helps to save energy and helps the cervix
dilate.
Being very anxious or tense may slow down
the progress of your labor.
 TIPS FOR THE SUPPORT PERSON:
Give your undivided attention
Offer verbal reassurance and
encouragement
Massage her abdomen and lower back
Keep track of contractions (if she is being
monitored, ask how the machine works)
Go through the breathing techniques with
her
Help make her comfortable (prop pillows,
get her water, apply touch)
Remind her to change positions frequently
(take her for a walk or offer her a bath)
Continue with distractions (music, reading a
book, playing a simple card game)
 N
I O
ST R
SI O
N A B
RA L E
T L A S
A PH
 WHAT TO EXPECT:
Duration will last about 30 min-2 hrs
Your cervix will dilate from 8cm to
10cm, there is full cervical dilatation.
Contractions during this phase will last
about 60-90 seconds with a 2-3 minutes
rest in between
Contractions are long, strong,
intense, and may overlap
This is the hardest phase but
thankfully the shortest
You may experience hot flashes,
chills, nausea, vomiting, or gas
 SIGNS OF TRANSITIONAL
LABOR:
 Feel strong pressure in your back and against
the perineum from the baby's head
 Bloody vaginal show will increase
 You may feel: Leg cramps , Nausea ,
Exhaustion , An overwhelming urge to push
 TIPS FOR THE SUPPORT
PERSON:
 Offer lots of encouragement and praise
 Avoid small talk
 Continue breathing with her
 Help guide her through her contractions with
encouragement
 Encourage her to relax in between contractions