The early or latent phase is when labor begins. You’ll have mild contractions that are 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. Your contractions will become more regular until they are less than 5 minutes apart. The contractions cause your cervix to dilate and efface, which means it gets shorter and thinner, and more ready for delivery.

In the early stages of labor, the contractions are often 15 to 20 minutes apart. They will generally last for 30-60 seconds. As labor progresses, the time between contractions gets shorter and the contraction lasts longer.

The time between contractions includes the length or duration of the contraction and the minutes in between the contractions (called the interval). Mild contractions generally begin 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. The contractions become more regular until they are less than 5 minutes apart.

If your contractions are mild to moderate and coming more than five minutes apart (and up to 20 minutes apart), you’re likely in early labor. Contractions in this stage of labor can be regular or irregular and last 30 to 45 seconds each.