What is the 'latent phase' of labor?

The latent phase of labor is characterized by early regular contractions that help to initiate the dilation of the cervix. During this phase, the cervix generally dilates to less than 4 centimeters. This means that the contractions might be fairly irregular and not particularly strong at the beginning but do become more organized as labor progresses. The onset of this phase marks the beginning of labor, and while it can vary in duration from woman to woman, it's essential for the subsequent phases of labor.

This phase is important for understanding the overall labor process because it can be a lengthy part of labor that may lead some women to believe that they are in active labor when they are still in the latent stage. Recognizing the characteristics of the latent phase helps healthcare providers in monitoring progress and managing expectations for the birthing person.