The first stage
The first stage is usually the longest. It can last for twenty hours, and occasionally even longer.
What to look for
Labour can start very quickly or it can seem to take ages. Sometimes it can start without you realising it.
Early labour
We’ve all heard stories about people who have been in labour for many hours and others who had their babies within minutes.
Coping with
early labour
Listen to your body. Experiment with different movements and do what’s most helpful for you.
Checks and monitoring during labour
Both you and your baby will be checked regularly throughout labour to make sure you are both doing ok.