What is the first stage of labour?
The first stage of labour describes the process in which your cervix dilates (progressively opens because of the womb contracting) from being tightly closed to being around I Ocm – wide enough to get the baby out, or “fully dilated”. During this first stage of labour, contractions generally start off gently and don’t last very long – about 30-45 seconds. It is now recognized that you are in established labour only if you are 4cm dilated. Prior to this stage, the contractions you have been feeling have been The birth of your baby ripening (effacing) your cervix During the early stages of labour, it is a good idea to rest and eat carbohydrates such as toast or pasta, so that you will have some energy when the contractions really kick in. This is called the latent stage of labour. Once the contractions do start coming regularly, staying active is beneficial in that it can help labour become established, as gravity will help press your baby against your cervix Going to bed could result in
