Latent Phase of Labour

Transcription

1 Latent Phase of Labour

2 Congratulations! You are in the latent phase of labour! The length of time that this phase can take can be difficult to judge, but it can become a long and exhausting phase. Your body and your cervix have a lot to do during the latent phase and this leaflet has been created to help and support you during this stage of labour. The muscles of your uterus work together in harmony when you are relaxed. When you are relaxed and bend your arm two muscles work together and it is not painful, now if you tense your muscles the same movement becomes harder work and feels painful. Contractions are very similar, when you relax and breathe the pair of muscles involved work more effectively and they do their job more quickly and efficiently. Your body will release the hormones to keep labour going (oxytocin) and hormones to help you cope (endorphins). These are the good labour hormones! So relax and breathe! The latent phase can be an anxious time for you and your partner. When you become tense and anxious your body can respond by thinking there may be an emergency that you may have to run from! It responds by releasing a hormone called Adrenaline which can slow labour and your body also sends blood to the arms and legs and not as much to the abdomen. This can make it harder for the muscles of the uterus to do their job during contractions and again it can slow the process down. Also, the stomach does not work as efficiently and therefore you cannot absorb as many calories and this can lead to you running out of energy, which can slow the labour process down. So by feeling anxious and stressed the contractions often feel more intense but are actually less effective. 2

3 try to make the out breath long as this stimulates your body to release endorphins (the hormone to make labour more manageable). Birth partners this is where you can really help! Help the mum to breathe, keep her shoulders down and relaxed, lots of positive thoughts. Allow your body to ride the contraction like a wave. YOU CAN DO IT! Let it bring your baby to you. Avoid having lots of people watching you or phone calls. This is a time for you and most women labour better in privacy. Keep lights low and music uplifting and relaxing. Maybe put on a funny film, laughter helps to release the good labour hormones! 3

4 Released in dark quiet settings Boosts Oxytocin Melatonin Works best when inhibited by interruptions and observation Works together with Oxytocin Gentle massage especially on your lower back may help; also a hot water bottle on your lower back or a deep warm bath can really help. During the day going for a walk, being upright or sitting on a birthing ball can help; but also having naps is wonderful. Remember you are at your most relaxed when you are asleep and this will help your body to go into established labour. Eat small amounts but often and keep drinking! Your uterus and body needs lots of energy during this phase and also throughout established labour. Try to keep positive and happy thoughts! RELAX AND BREATHE, allow your body to do its job. YOU ARE AMAZING! TRUST YOUR BODY AND YOUR MIND TO WORK TOGETHER! 4

5 So when you are relaxed and breathe contractions through, the good labour hormones are released to keep the labour going and help you to manage. However, when you become stressed and anxious, often Adrenaline is released which can slow labour down and makes it more uncomfortable. 5

6 Tips to survive the Latent Phase! Ignore it for as long as you can! It is very exciting when you get the first signs that labour is starting but remember this could be a long process. So while you can, carry on with your day or even better go to bed to sleep (this is when you are most relaxed and therefore if your body is ready to labour it will). Try to avoid 5 putting pressure on yourself to perform and therefore only tell the people who need to know that things may be happening! RELAX AND BREATHE through the whole contraction. Long slow breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth, 6

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8 This leaflet is available in audio, Braille, large print and other languages. To request a copy, please ask your midwife. Midwife Led Unit Leighton Hospital Middlewich Road Crewe Cheshire CW1 4QJ Printed May 2016 Review May 2018 Ref: WCSH/MS/