How Long Can Early Labour Last? What to Expect

Early labour, known as the latent stage of labour, is when your cervix will begin to soften and dilate with irregular contractions, often feeling like cramp or backache. It differs from active labour, where contractions will become more intense and regular. During early labour, the cervix usualyl be less than 4cm dilated. 

Experiences with the early stage of labour can vary from person to person, so it is normal if you have a different experience to someone else. To help you understand what to expect, this article will explain how to spot signs of early labour, how long it can last, what to do and more.

How long does early labour last?

The duration of early labour is unique to each individual. It can last a few hours, but it can often last 1-2 days, especially for first-time mums.

Although your next early labour may be shorter, every pregnancy is different, so make sure you are prepared to react accordingly if the latent phase lasts longer than expected.

Signs of early labour

Some of the most common signs that you are in early labour include:

• Your water breaking
• Irregular tightenings or contractions. These can be uncomfortable to start with, becoming more painful later on
• When the plug of mucus from the cervix comes away (known as a show)
• Lower backache or cramps
• A sudden urge to go to the toilet. This is caused by your baby’s head pressing on your bowel

(Please call your local midwifery unit if your waters break or you have any bleeding at any stage of pregnancy.

What to do during early labour

You’ll need energy for when established labour starts, so we recommend eating and drinking in the latent stage. Additionally, breathing exercises, warm baths, and massages can help ease your pain.

When you think you might be in early labour, try to stay as relaxed and comfortable as you can. If possible, try to sleep so you have as much energy as possible for established labour.

If you are unable to rest when early labour starts, gently keep yourself active and stay upright, which will help your baby move into your pelvis, and also help your cervix dilate.

When to contact a midwife

You can call your midwife for guidance if you think you’re in labour, are having regular contractions every 5 minutes or more often, or if you’re just worried about anything related to your labour.

You need to call your midwife or maternity unit immediately if you experience the following:

• Your water breaks
• Your baby’s movements change at all
• You have vaginal bleeding
• You think you’re in labour, but are less than 37 weeks pregnant
• Your contractions are lasting longer than 2 minutes
• You are having 6 contractions (or more) every 10 minutes

Further information on early labour

If you need further help and support with early labour, please speak with your midwife.

You can learn more about the stages of labour by visiting our page here, and find more information about labour here.