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The miracle of birth puts stars in eyes and smiles on the faces of all who have experienced this wonder. However, the entire process is not a walk in the park for most women. The joy of the end result makes the few negatives of birth, especially the pain, worthwhile. This amazing process is broken into stages.
“Each stage and phase of labor has qualities that set it apart from the others (McKinney, James, Murray, & Ashwill, 2005). The first stage of labor consists of cervical effacement and dilation. Stage one is divided into three phases: latent (0-3 cm dilation), active (4-7 cm), and transition (8-10 cm).
The beginning of labor, known as the latent phase, varies in length among women. It may seem that not much is happening in comparison to the rest of labor, but cervical effacement and subtle fetal position change occur during this phase. This should set up the body to progress into active labor, and the rapid changes that happen in the second phase. (McKinney et al., 2005) The latent stage needs to be a smooth progression as it sets “the mood” for the entire labor episode.
The latent phase of labor can be confusing and worrying for women, and how their care is managed is of vital importance. This phase includes implications for the whole labor. This is a key reason why women should be given information about the latent phase process in advance. However, women with a knowledge deficit for varying reasons, or even an educated woman, can become worried, confused, or overexcited that the end is near and rush to the hospital. Often, women in early labor are told to return home. This can leave the patient feeling confused or neglected. Instead, the latent phase should be a crucial time to support the mother because it unlocks the gates to the active phase. (Baxter, 2005)
Baxter makes the point that many women experience painful contractions prior to what is considered to be established labor. The nurse, in conjunction with the...