Contractions in the early 1st phase
Things to consider in the early 1st phase
The early 1
st phase is viewed as the time when the woman's labour changes from being in prelabour, and moves into what the caregiver would term as 'early established labour', or the 'latent phase' of labour. It is from this time that the caregiver usually records the 'starting time' of labour.
For some women, this change is obvious. Their contractions 'step up', they become stronger, last longer and are more frequent. For others, it may be more of a subtle change with the woman (and sometimes even the caregiver), not being aware that her labour has taken this change, progressing into a new phase. The change may not be that noticeable because they have been gradual, or in some cases the woman does not react very differently, to the more intense contractions.
Occasionally, prelabour can move into the early 1
st phase, and then into the active phase of labour, reasonably quickly. Some women may even 'skip' prelabour (or the early 1
st phase) and move straight into the active 1
st phase, starting off with regular, strong contractions, with little pre-warning. More often than not though, there is a definite build up, giving the woman plenty of time to prepare, or move to her place of birth, without the need to rush.
The change, or 'stepping up' into early, established labour, can happen within an hour or two after the prelabour commences, or after many days. The length of time is very individual for each woman.