Contractions become stronger, more regular, and painful during the latent phase. The cervix is thinning and shortening, or effacing, and the cervix is opening, dilating to about four centimeters. The mother may feel pain deep in the groin, low abdomen, or back. When the contractions reach four to five minutes apart, last about one minute, and the pattern continues for one to two hours, it is usually time to head to the hospital or birthing center or contact the midwife or doula.

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