Women's Experiences of THE Early Phase of Labour

Chapter 7 draws on the significant body of research reporting women&s;s experiences of the early phase of labour. This is complemented by a series of vignettes that illustrate the diversity of women&s;s experiences. The range of symptoms experienced by women is discussed. The authors describe the early phase of labour at home and the process involved in seeking professional support. They highlight the challenges of gatekeeping, and the impact on women of managing the latent phase (admission to hospital) that can result in women being exhausted and traumatised before they are recognised as being in labour. The chapter concludes with recommendations for how care might be offered in the future.