What is the most painful part of labour?

[RainbowDrop_x]

For me the most painful part was the head crowning. Yes the contractions hurt but they were bearable.

I didn't have any pain relief whatsoever and trust me when I say that I am the biggest wimp you will ever meet. I cry if I get a stone in my shoe and I managed all right. You'll be just fine

 

[xemmax]

for me, the contractions were the worst pain, particularly just before pushing. they were unbelievably intense.

 

[RHR]

Hi hun, for me the most painful part was when my dd was crowning. It felt like really bad stinging, but it didn't last for very long.

At the moment I can't wait to do it again, but ask me near my due date and I may have a different answer, such as I'm more nervous as I know roughly know what to expect.

 

[Mummy2Asher]

I think it's different for each lady and each labour,
For my first I didn't feel the contractions that much, just back ache and one push and he came out but his head coming out was a killer!!! I did have a 3rd degree tear though.
Second son the contractions were painful but manageable, I still had no pain relief, but him coming out felt AMAZING! I would do that again in a heartbeat.

So different each time!

 

[beccybobeccy]

Contractions definitely. It was agony. All in my back and bum. Nothing in my bump.
I was induced so it may have been that.

I survived on G&A only so no idea about the epi. I was completely out of my face on the Gas that I can barely remember the pushing. I didn't really think about the pain. If it was bad I certainly don't recall it now!

 

[joannemc]

defientaly the contractions towards the end, very intense, the pressure in your bum is the worst, pushing part is a relief, but so worth it

 

[RinnaRoo]

Not being able to push when all your body can think about is pushing.

 

[08marchbean]

crowning....ouch, the ring of fire!!

edt: I only had Gas and air but it was taken away for pushing.

 

[Mrs Doddy]

The pushing - only had gas and air

 

[Annabel]

Contractions

Then, the ring of fire!!

Worth it all tho

 

[rockys-mumma]

Contractions for me definitely!! I didn't feel no ring of fire although that could be because she jabbed me with a local anethstetic down there about to cut me (without asking) she didn't cut after I screamed at her not to but hey, at least I didn't feel the head crowning

 

[Red Rose]

Contractions! From what I remember, the ones I had before G&A. The actual pushing and crowning stage didn't hurt as was so much more focused x

 

[SmileyShazza]

The contractions were definitely the worst part for me as hard as the crowning was after the initial bit I didn't really feel the pain anymore as I knew it meant our baby was almost here and that kind of got me past it.

I only had gas and air during labour - I did however use a TENs machine which wa absolutely fantastic and I don't think I would've managed to do it without extra pain relief if I'd hadn't have had that. I will definitely get one for my next baby (if we have one).

 

[louise1302]

transition was the most difficult for me, getting through that last half a cm before you can push, the pushing bit i found easy and strangely therapeutic, i actually had something i could physically do and control unlike dilation you can work with the pain to achieve something

i had an epi with number 1 which deadened everything from the boobs down, was wonderful until they let it wear off to push then it hurt like hell and another with number 3 which oinly partially worked but it took the edge off the oain and made for a very relaxed birth

 

[Faffalina]

Hmmm... Contractions and crowning are totally different types of pain (or were for me anyway). The crowning felt more shocking than anything else!

I went with the flow during my labour, if I had needed an epidural I would have had one. But actually coped ok without.

 

[KayBea]

My most painfull bit was having a wee after due to having a graze and no cuts so no stitches!!

X

 

[LankyDoodle]

Transition to 2nd stage. Also being fully dilated and knowing I needed to push but being told I was not fully dilated when the last time they'd examined me had been over an hour previously and I'd had an anterior lip. I had to scream at the MW to examine me and WDYK I was fully dilated and told I could push... only I was too out of it to realise (still had the gas and air - MW inexperienced so hadn't taken it away) and waited a further 10 minutes before I continued. Going against your body's every will and instinct, has to be THE most painful thing to happen, and I won't be allowing that to happen again.

 

[ILoveShoes]

Contractions! xx

 

[Lilly12]

Figured you ladies would be the best to ask, hope you don't mind!

1. What was the most painful part of labour for you? (eg contractions, head crowning, other?)

2. If you had an epidural, did it work? Did it completely block the pain or could you still feel it?

Thanks so much. I'm petrified about the labour and I think having a good idea what to expect will help loads!

Xx

1. Most painful was transition, getting from 8-10cm. Although that went the quickest, it was very painful, you get into this mental state where you don't know what to do with yourself anymore.. no position is comfortable anymore.. all you want is that kid out!
When the head crowns, it burns badly, but that's just a normal "pain" you already know.. burning.. nothing too bad.
Now contractions on the other hand, when they come back to back.. EEK! All I could do was lean over my kitchen counter for hours! while my DH rubbed/squeezed the throbbing muscle in my back where i was having my contractions mainly.
2. I had a natural labor without any pain relief, so couldn't tell you that.

 

[Windmills]

I think my least favourite part was when they messed up my IV. My fingers swelled up literally like sausages, and I couldn't move my hang. Oh, and I hit it on a door frame- I'm sort of clumsy
I had an epidural, I'd definitely recommend it for a long labour. I was induced over 4 days so it was a godsend, I hadn't slept for 4 days and then slept from 6-10am