Early Labour Blog

Top tips for early (latent) labour

Although labour is typically broken down into three stages the latent phase of labour is the period before the start of active labour.  During the latent phase of labour the neck of the womb (cervix) thins and opens to 4cm. 

In this stage some women can feel some sensations in their back or sensations similar to menstruation cramps. The good news as with all stages of labour there are lots of things that can be done to make yourself or your labouring partner more comfortable.  The latent phase of labour can start and stop which can help to give you or your partner the rest they need to prepare them for active labour.  Some women may find that they have a ‘show’ but this can happen at any time typically between 37-42 weeks of pregnancy and other women may find that they may have more Braxton Hicks (practise contractions) than normal.  

So, here are our top tips for early labour:

The best place to be is at home; At home you are more likely to feel comfortable and relaxed.  Set the scene for romance, turn the lights down low, play some soothing music and have a cuddle with your birthing partner.  Oxytocin is the love hormone; this is the hormone that allows the womb to contract.  Your body will produce more oxytocin the more relaxed and loved up your are in labour. 

Rest: Most women find that they can sleep during this time.  If you can get some sleep or simply lie down and allow yourself to listen to a relaxation CD or music that you find relaxing. The key here is to do whatever you find the most comfortable. 

Relax: The key here is to do whatever you find the most comfortable.  For some women this will involve practising their Hypnobirthing or Natal Hypnotherapy techniques. Self hypnosis during labour can ease any discomfort and lower the risk of medical complications. 

Eat and drink well: Keep your energy up and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.  Try protein rich and complex carbs to give your body the nourishment it needs.  Make sure that you go to the toilet regularly too. 

Take a warm bath or shower: This can help to soothe your body and relax your muscles even more.

Aromatherapy and massage: aromatherapy can help to promote a serene atmosphere. Check which oils you like before labour begins. You can use the oils in a diffuser, oil burner or even a hot bowl of water so that they can be inhaled or you can use the oils on a warm compress.  Massage in this stage can help to promote your feeling of wellbeing and promote your endorphins. Broad strokes with palms down your back, legs or arms can feel lovely.  Some women say that they find a hand massage or counter pressure on their lower back feels supportive also. 

Movement and pelvic dancing: Movement and upright positions in labour help to shorten each stage.  Try a slow dance with your birthing partner, or swaying your hips to music to help you manage the sensations of your birthing body and if you have a birthing ball sitting on it can help you move your hips to make space for your baby in your pelvis.  

Visualising and imagery: visualization helps to reduce stress and helps you to relax your body quickly and efficiently.  Women report that thinking about their favourite holiday spot or meditating, on having a gentle and peaceful birth helps them to feel calmer and more peaceful during labour. Some women even find that visualising their newborn in their arms helps to remind them that their labour is the journey they need to take to meet their baby and this journey is one that their body is capable of taking.

Self affirmations: Affirmations during labour help women to have a more empowering experience during labour. Some women have found these affirmations useful: “My body is powerful and strong”, “One contraction at a time”, “The more I relax, the more my body opens”, “My baby needs this labour to have the best start”.

Seek reassurance:  You birthing partner is there to support you and to help you feel as comfortable as possible and help to reduce any stress or tension in this stage.  If you have any concerns call your midwife for reassurance and guidance.

Liz Smith

Caseload Midwife

Neighbourhood Midwives 

 

Next week in The Centre we have:

Monday 19th May

Allergy Testing with Cathy Foley
Food Sensitivity Testing with Cathy Foley
The Bowen Technique with Warren Gin
Counselling with Phil Hartland
Sports Massage with Sangeetha Anantha
Cranial-Sacral Therapy with Sangeetha Anantha
Sports Injury Therapy with Sangeetha Anantha 
Clinical Psychology with Dr Sally Field
Assessment  and psychology treatment with Dr Sally Field 

Tuesday 20th

Physiotherapy with Kingston Physio Ltd
Counselling with Jayne Ritchie
Acupuncture (including IVF, fertility and pregnancy oriented) with Victoria Busk
Reflexology with Victoria Busk
Sports massage with Jambaal Jeng 
Back and neck pain therapy with Jambaal Jeng
Visceral manipulation with Jambaal Jeng
Myofascial release with Jambaal Jeng
Podiatry with Susan Emami 
Swedish Massage with Hilary Insall
Remedial Massage with Hilary Insall
Lymphatic Drainage with Hilary Insall
Acupuncture (including IVF, fertility and pregnancy oriented) with Victoria Busk
Reflexology with Victoria Busk 

Wednesday 21st

Acupuncture (including IVF, fertility and pregnancy oriented) with Victoria Busk
Reflexology with Victoria Busk
Counselling with Jayne Ritchie 
Cranial-Sacral Therapy with Sangeetha Anantha
Sports Injury Therapy with Sangeetha Anantha 
Nutritional Therapy with Kate Bennett
Counselling with Amy Benson
Osteopathy with Gillian Lonsdale
Cranio-sacral osteopathy with Gillian Lonsdale
Naturopathy with Gillian Lonsdale

Thursday 22nd

Colonic Hydrotherapy with Mandy Jones
Physiotherapy
 with Kingston Physio Ltd
Body Talk System with Yvette Smith
Sports massage with Jambaal Jeng 
Back and neck pain therapy with Jambaal Jeng
Visceral manipulation with Jambaal Jeng
Myofascial release with Jambaal Jeng
Homeopathy with Dr Muthulingam
Acupuncture with Dr Muthulingam
Massage with Dr Muthulingam
Counselling with Jayne Ritchie
Counselling with Michael Cohen
Cognitive behavioural therapy with Michael Cohen
Hypnotherapy with Michael Cohen
Sports Massage with Emma Stacey
Rehabilitation with Emma Stacey
Relaxation & Remedial Massage with Emma Stacey
Optima Sports Nutrition with Emma Stacey
Massage for special populations (stroke, diabetes etc) with Emma Stacey
Homeopathy with Shauna Wyldeck Estrada

Friday 23rd

Physiotherapy with Kingston Physio Ltd
Hypnotherapy with Urmila Lewis 
Clinical NLP with Urmila Lewis   
Clinical Psychology with Dr Sally Field
Assessment  and psychology treatment with Dr Sally Field 
Ultrasound Scans with Rachel Bailey
Acupuncture (including IVF, fertility and pregnancy oriented) with Victoria Busk
Reflexology with Victoria Busk
Neighbourhood Midwives

Saturday 24th

Physiotherapy with Kingston Physio Ltd
Ayurvedic Massage with Magda Oliveira
pregnancy and ayrvedic massage with Magda Oliveira
Ayurvedic acupressure with Magda Oliveira
Lymphatic drainage with Magda Oliveira
Reflexology with Magda Oliveira 
Fertility Reflexology with Magda Oliveira
Remedial massage with Magda Oliveira
Sports massage with Jambaal Jeng 
Back and neck pain therapy with Jambaal Jeng
Visceral manipulation with Jambaal Jeng
Myofascial release with Jambaal Jeng
Counselling with Jayne Ritchie 

Sunday 25th 

Colonic Hydrotherapy 
Therapeutic Massage
 with Helen Rennie
Art Therapy with Helen Rennie
Aromatherapy with Helen Rennie
Counselling with Helen Rennie
Crystal Healing with Helen Rennie 
Podiatry with Susan Emami

If you would like to know more about any of our therapies please conatct us on 0208549800 or 07436 070 832

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