A woman’s environment, body, and mind all contribute to her perception of pain and decisions about medication in childbirth. No woman can predict what sort of pain she’ll have during labor or how she’ll cope with it, while some will manage very well with breathing and relaxation techniques.

Labor pain start when you get regular contractions. Contractions increase in frequency and intensity throughout labor and can become painful in a similar way as you may experience pain in other muscles in your body when you do vigorous exercise. At the same time the opening into the uterus (the cervix) is stretching to eventually allow your baby to pass through into your birth canal.

If you’re like most women, the pain of labor and delivery is one of the things that worry you about having a baby. This is certainly understandable, because labor is painful for most women.

Pain during labor is caused primarily by uterine muscle contractions and somewhat by pressure on the cervix. This pain manifests itself as cramping in the abdomen, groin, and back, as well as a tired, achy feeling all over. Some women experience pain in their sides or thighs as well.