Labor pain: what to expect? Compare

Does childbirth hurt that much? With or without epidural, good pain tolerance or not, hypnosis or relaxation techniques… The testimonies and techniques are all incredibly diverse. But what should you expect on the big day?

Labor pain: comparison.

What can labor pain be compared to?

The experience of pain varies greatly from one person to another: no one has the same pain threshold. And that threshold can even vary depending on the location of the pain or the surrounding conditions. The same goes for childbirth.

Each woman experiences labor pain differently, so it is impossible to find a universal comparison that accurately describes this experience. It’s also a unique kind of pain as it is often new and inextricably linked to an event usually experienced as positive: the birth of your child. Some women even say that during labor, they didn’t interpret their sensation as pain, but rather as a power coming from their body.

These pains can be categorized according to the different stages of labor:

• Dilation: uterine contractions (which allow your cervix to dilate and open to let the baby through) are the first source of pain during labor. They usually begin in the belly and/or lower back and may radiate to the thighs. For some women, these contractions feel like very intense menstrual cramps, located in the lower back and abdomen. Others describe them as a strong and continuous pressure, like a tightening belt.
• Descent: when your baby begins to descend, a strong pressure may be felt in the rectal area, triggering a need to push. Some women describe it as an urgent need to have a bowel movement, but much stronger.
• Baby’s head crowning: at this stage, the perineum is under significant strain, and an intense burning sensation may be felt in the vulva, also called the “ring of fire.” However, this sensation is usually brief.

Fortunately, nature is well designed! The body has natural mechanisms to help relieve this pain. The release of endorphins, the so-called “feel-good hormones”, plays a key role. They act as natural painkillers, reducing pain perception and allowing pregnant women to better experience labor.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.

How to relieve labor pain?

In addition to the natural release of endorphins by your body, there are many methods aimed at relieving labor pain. Again, their effectiveness may vary depending on each woman’s sensitivity. Choosing one method over another generally depends on your personal preferences and medical condition.

Medical approaches

Epidural analgesia is one of the most common options. It is a regional anesthesia that blocks pain in the lower part of the body while allowing you to stay conscious and mobile. This technique is particularly effective in relieving uterine contractions and lower back pressure. A low-dose epidural may be considered to preserve some mobility.

In case of complications, such as during a cesarean or postpartum hemorrhage, other forms of anesthesia may be needed. That’s one of the reasons why the consultation with the anesthesiologist in the last trimester of pregnancy is mandatory.

Natural techniques

There are also more natural methods to help you manage the pain. Hypnosis, for example, has become increasingly popular for its ability to induce a deep state of relaxation and thus reduce pain. Acupuncture is another option: studies show it can help reduce pain intensity during labor.

Other methods like breathing-based relaxation, yoga or sophrology are increasingly used. These techniques promote a mind-body connection and can help manage the pain by shifting focus. Massages, pressure techniques, or warm baths are also recommended to relax the body and relieve muscle tension.

Note: to help enhance relaxation and the effectiveness of methods like hypnosis or sophrology, some facilities may offer a blend of oxygen and nitrous oxide. This “laughing gas” won’t make you laugh, but it will help you reach a deeper state of relaxation and release.

Choosing your healthcare providers

Beyond the techniques we’ve mentioned, the choice of your healthcare providers can significantly impact how you experience the pain during childbirth.

Women who give birth with providers they trust and feel safe with tend to have a better experience. That’s why it’s recommended to maintain open communication with those monitoring your pregnancy and to request a change of provider during prenatal care or upon arrival in the delivery room if you don’t feel comfortable.

Evolution of childbirth practices

In recent decades, childbirth practices have changed significantly, especially regarding pain management. Increasingly, more women are seeking to experience childbirth in a more natural way, with fewer medical interventions.

This change is partly attributed to a better understanding of the effects of naturally released hormones, like endorphins, that help reduce pain. Many women also choose to give birth without an epidural, opting instead for alternative methods such as hypnosis or meditation exercises to cope with contractions.

Childbirth preparation classes also play a key role in this shift. They provide mothers-to-be with tools to better understand their bodies and the natural birth process. These classes often include breathing techniques, positions to aid descent, and pain relief methods without anesthesia.

Support from midwives or birth partners is also increasingly valued. Emotional and physical support can help reduce the perception of pain and create a safe environment. Home births or birth centers, where women benefit from a more intimate, less medicalized setting, are also gaining popularity.

Labor pain is therefore difficult to compare because it varies greatly from one woman to another. The methods (whether medical or natural) for managing this pain have also evolved significantly. In any case, don’t hesitate to discuss all available options with your healthcare provider during prenatal visits and to outline your preferences in your birth plan.

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Photos : snegok1967 | DC_Studio | gpointstudio