How painful is birth?

[JessKimble]

One of the things that worries me about having a child is birth. I am scared I will not be able to tolerate the pain. I don't want to get any kind of pain shot or injection because I have issues with those as well. I am a bit paranoid when it comes to using drugs of any kind. How painful was birth for you? Let's say, on a scale of 1 to 10.

[Jane R]

I have only had one child and I can tell you, the pain sucks but it is not unbearable. I have had worse pains in the form of kidney stones. I would rate that pain a 9/10 and birth a 7/10. I guess it depends on your mindset really. It helps to have a supportive partner.

[Faithful16]

My first was quite painful in the moment. I remember it feeling like I had a bad case of cramps mixed with a gas stomachache. It was hard to eat and drink during the process and I threw up a few times. My second was easier, was much less painful and it didn't last nearly as long. By my third, I didn't feel much pain, it was more or less just uncomfortable and he seemed to slide right out without issue. I think from the point of my water breaking until birth, it was only 2 hours whereas my first was 18 hours and my second was 10 hours.

[healingwaters]

It feels like bad cramps and stomach knots prior to pushing the baby out. When it comes to actually push the baby out, it can be tough. I had a lot of stinging and burning down there which was REALY uncomfortable. This is why I opted for a birthing tub the second time which almost completely eliminated the stinging and burning. Once the baby is born, you feel a lot better but very, very tired. I was like a zombie for 2 weeks after each birth.