However, it should be noted that contractions may be felt long before labour actually starts, and cervical dilatation may be present weeks before the end of pregnancy. Often the membranes are also checked to see if they have ruptured. Enemas and pubic shaving, were once standard procedure but, according to the World Health Organisation, have long been considered unnecessary and should not be undertaken except at the woman's request. The WHO also states that dilation of the cervix is the most accurate indication of the progress of labour. The rest of labour, usually shorter than Early phase 4 - 8 centimetres 45 to 60 seconds apart and stronger, peak sooner.
Contractions become more and more intense once water breaks.
These contractions, which peak suddenly and peak more than once, can be as close as 1 and 1.5 to 2 minutes apart. May feel as if the contractions are right on top of each other. A Practical Guide. Report of a Technical Working Group, World Health Organisation, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, 1999.