on a scale of one to ten how much does it hurt?

Tara - posted on 03/23/2009

it hurts i just had one a year ago and well that was my first c section the one befor that was natural no drugs i do not recamend that, but even though there is some pain the moment you feel the shoulders pass its this amazing feeling, the life that you are about to hold the first time you see it, there is no greater feeling i did it 4 times but i am a mom of 6. and if i could i would of done it many times over

Brandi - posted on 03/23/2009

I really think you can listen to what others say, but it depends on your pain tolerance. I had an epidural with my first. And was in labor 2 1/2 hours. Not a whole lot of pain. With my son (my profile pic), he was born at home 5 weeks early. I had a little back pain that I thought I pulled a muscle. Then 45 minutes later he was in my bed with me. If you have faith, you can get through anything. Although, I do not recommend home birth unless you are prepared. Good Luck.

Beth - posted on 03/23/2009

I think it all depends on you! Your body; your pain tolerance; your make-up (and I'm not talking about the kind you wear!). For me, it was a piece of cake. Two kids-no meds at all and probably not ever over an 8. For others, it's the worst thing in the world. You do what you need to do cuz when its all over...it's all worth it and the pain is forgotten-maybe that's due to the extreme lack of sleep following, but nonetheless, forgotten! Good Luck!

Jill - posted on 03/23/2009

Even when I was dialated to a 5 with my first and second i thought it was a 20.... my youngest, i learned what real pain was, i had been induced at 10 hellish months, that is pain, no matter what you are ay you will think its more than 10.... the pain instantly goes away after that baby is born! its quite incerdible how fast pain goes away, seriously.... but my first i had just what they put in the iv, lasted up until time to push, my last 2 i had nothing for pain, still survived, and with my last one i had something to "relax" me inbetween contractions... bs, it doesnt work! lol.... waste of money... but looking back the pain wasnt THAT bad, and it goes away right as the baby is born.... dont stress!

Jo - posted on 03/23/2009

I was  in labour 12 hrs but had complications! would recommend gas & air but not the epadural as u will not no when to push & it gives u bad back for the rest of your life

Tanika - posted on 03/23/2009

10 and a half, but you will do fine sweetie!

Jennie - posted on 03/23/2009

I think I have most people beat.  I was in labour for 9 days and by the time he came, my son was 36 weeks.  I'd say the first 8 days of continuous contractions starting every 5 minutes to every 2 minutes I would rate a 6/10.  Once I started transitioning to every one minute lasting 30 seconds, it was more like a 7/10.  The actual pushing him out was about an 8/10...but it was so quick and the pain was gone pretty much once I was done.  I was up and walking a few hours later with no more than extra strength tylenol!  I did get an epidural...literally 3 minutes before my son was born!!  They weren't checking me due to risk of infection since I had laboured so long...but I swear, it did not have time to kick in.  They swiped an alcohol pad across my stomache and asked what I felt...I naturally said "cold" and they were like...are you sure?  I'm pregnant with #2 right now and I will with out a doubt do it au natural!!

Stacy - posted on 03/23/2009

11 with the first and 5 with the second cause you kno wats coming x

Donna - posted on 03/23/2009

10 10 10 for sure... but once u hear ur baby cry and u see their lil face... u so forget about the labour.

Iren - posted on 03/23/2009

I really do not think it is a question you can answer with a simple number. The tolerance for pain is different from person to person and the type of pain you feel is different from anything you will have felt before. It is how you handle the pain that makes the difference. If you want a natural birth I suggest you study up on alternative methods of pain relief, tell your support person what type of drugs you are willing and not willing to take and tell your doctor or midwife ahead of time. Hire a doula. She will be very helpful in the "prep" stage. Do labor at home for as long as you can and it is safe. The further along you are when you get to the hospital the better chance of no drugs. As far as the pain goes, keep your mind on your breathing and ALWAYAS remember that it is a pain that will go away! If it hurts, it works. Listen to your body.

Believe in yourself!!!

Lori - posted on 03/23/2009

11 but well worth it!

Trish - posted on 03/23/2009

its so doable! and yes it hurts but that is why god lets women have babies, we are stronger and know how to cope. besides you will forget it all when you see your baby for the first time.

Trish - posted on 03/23/2009

its so doable! and yes it hurts but that is why god lets women have babies, we are stronger and know how to cope. besides you will forget it all when you see your baby for the first time.

Hayley - posted on 03/23/2009

I don't think anything can prepare you fully and remember that each labour is different. Try to remain positive and listen to the help you're given by the midwives! My labour was incredibly difficult, I was induced 2 weeks early so I knew it was likely to be more painful. My epidural didn't work and I had to have a c-section by general anaesthetic as I had complications.

Even after that though, the best thing ever was waking up to see my gorgeous baby girl lay on my arm!! Seeing your baby for the first time is the most amazing and overwhelming experience - its worth it!!

Just remember to listen and take advice, I went in very open minded thinking if I need to have x,y, or z then so be it. If you need it, take it!! Good luck though!! You'll do great!

Hayley - posted on 03/23/2009

I don't think anything can prepare you fully and remember that each labour is different. Try to remain positive and listen to the help you're given by the midwives! My labour was incredibly difficult, I was induced 2 weeks early so I knew it was likely to be more painful. My epidural didn't work and I had to have a c-section by general anaesthetic as I had complications.

Even after that though, the best thing ever was waking up to see my gorgeous baby girl lay on my arm!! Seeing your baby for the first time is the most amazing and overwhelming experience - its worth it!!

Just remember to listen and take advice, I went in very open minded thinking if I need to have x,y, or z then so be it. If you need it, take it!! Good luck though!! You'll do great!

Aaryn - posted on 03/23/2009

Honey, all these Mom's are right. It hurts, but you have lots of choices. You can choose to have your baby with or without meds. Either works, and the end result is the same...you get a baby. I was induced with one, and not with the other, I didn't notice a difference in the amount or type of pain.

Every pregnancy and delivery is different and fear of the unknown is the worst part. Just know that your doctor or midwife have the same goals, healthy mom and healthy baby.

On last thing, when your pushing you shouldn't be making noise...no screaming, or any of that. If your able to make those kinds of noises your not pushing right. And pushing should feel like your going number 2. Not pretty, but true. Best of luck to you and remember it ends with your beautiful blessing!

Michelle - posted on 03/23/2009

10 but worth it x

Tara - posted on 03/23/2009

honestly I can say ti wasn't that bad with my first I had a drug free labor but ended up with an emergency c-section when I was 10cm and pushing due to the cord beign around his forehead. The pain after the c-section I found to be worse! With my second it hurt like hell!!! I went 19 hours with no drugs then got the epi but it wore off when I started pushing the contractions my second time around deffinatly hurt more then the first.

Maureen - posted on 03/23/2009

hi it does hurt but it is worth every bit of it, i have done it 6 times and i am in the process of doing it for someone else you soon forget the pain

Jennie - posted on 03/23/2009

I think I have most people beat.  I was in labour for 9 days and by the time he came, my son was 36 weeks.  I'd say the first 8 days of continuous contractions starting every 5 minutes to every 2 minutes I would rate a 6/10.  Once I started transitioning to every one minute lasting 30 seconds, it was more like a 7/10.  The actual pushing him out was about an 8/10...but it was so quick and the pain was gone pretty much once I was done.  I was up and walking a few hours later with no more than extra strength tylenol!  I did get an epidural...literally 3 minutes before my son was born!!  They weren't checking me due to risk of infection since I had laboured so long...but I swear, it did not have time to kick in.  They swiped an alcohol pad across my stomache and asked what I felt...I naturally said "cold" and they were like...are you sure?  I'm pregnant with #2 right now and I will with out a doubt do it au natural!!

Demetria - posted on 03/23/2009

To be honest it was painful but I think it's a little exaggerated, I would say 7.5.  I was at my daughters grandma's house when I started the real pain. And I didnt get the epidural until 8 centimeters, the contractions hurted but it was bareable. But I got the epidural because I was scared of everyone elses experiences, they made it seem like almost death.  But my daughter slid rite out, I pushed her out in less than 5 minutes. II didn't cry or scream, once again they tend to exaggerate.

But after i got the epidural I was shaking like a leaf and throwing up, it was really scary. 

Michelle - posted on 03/23/2009

I had daughter #1 at 20, natural and so fast the doctor barely had time to catch her! No crying or yelling, plenty of stitches. Daughter #2 I had at 24, about half an hour since i was dialating but no contractions, again natural but was induced and wasnt happy about the contraction pain but nothing real bad. Daughter #3, I had when I was 37! Our lil surprise, premature and almost a repeat of my first birth also natural.

How much did it hurt..... a 5. Why so easy? I exercised the whole 9 months and mentally prepared myself to be strong. I pretty much brain washed myself over the 9 months. Even though I gained soooo much weight one doctor said I would have to have a C-section. I ate right but put on a lot of weight with all 3. I proved him wrong!

Amanda - posted on 03/23/2009

I was in labor for 12 hours and did not know it.  However, once I started pushing more than anything you have ever felt or imagined in your life.  I would say at least a 13

Katie - posted on 03/23/2009

12...I had both of my children naturally, my oldest wasn't too bad, she was little at 7lbs11oz with a small head. Now with my boy I was the mother delivering in the next room that you didn't want to be by, he was 10lbs, 16 inch circumference on his head, 27 stitches and a vaginal reconstuction later he was still worth it! It all depends on you, your body and baby size. Get a epideral and have a joyous birth. Or do it naturally and have one good story to tell.

Kathleen - posted on 03/23/2009

I have heard stories from some of the women at work, that you forget about the delivery pain after the baby is born. I didn't forget. I remember basically everything, but it was well worth it. I would rate labour pains 4-10, or more. I look at it this way, the labour isn't long like the pregnancy. If you do have to be enduced, ask if you could get a gel, it softens the cervix. I got that and about six hours later my water broke, or else I would of been induced the next morning at 7:30, But instead my water broke at 12:54am, Got the Epidural at 5:47, and my daughter Mikayla Rayne was born at 10:13am. After she was born I asked my husband when do you want to have the next. The doctor looked at me kinda surprised. Best of luck to you.

Melanie - posted on 03/23/2009

It will be the hardest job you will EVER do, but soooo worth it in the end!!! I had a 14 hour labour and naturally delivered a 9 lbs 9.5 oz baby girl (of course the epidural is a dream!!). Took me 7 months to heal, got pregnant almost 6 months after I healed, LOL!!! Not looking forward to birthing a big baby again (apparently they get bigger, eek!!). I so want to do it naturally again, but will maybe have to get induced early since i'm not birthing an almost 10 lbs baby again...

Marisol - posted on 03/23/2009

i had an epidural the first time and it was my wonder drug...the second was c-section no problem, but recovery time was horrible...if you can do without a c-sect then do it naturally...

Ann - posted on 03/23/2009

11. Lol. You'll be fine. Does hurt though.

Anna - posted on 03/23/2009

I had a c-section and that sucked.  However, the no sleep after hurts more.... It is so worth it and it does get better... Just try to remind yourself of that.  I have 6 month old twins now and they both sleep through the night and I love them to bits!!!

Jennifer - posted on 03/23/2009

I would say a 20.  But totally worth it.  It's amazing what a woman's body can handle! 

Jennifer - posted on 03/23/2009

I would say a 20.  But totally worth it.  It's amazing what a woman's body can handle! 

Shelley - posted on 03/23/2009

I was in labour for 36 hours it hurt but didnt get really bad until the last 4 hours and by then it was too late 2 have an epidural. Take my advice an take the epidural when they offer it to you, even if u think u can handle the pain cuz it get worse. Im pregnant with my 2nd child and i definatly will be asking for 1 as soon as i get 2 the hospital. Scale from 1-10 ermm definatly 100 lol, sorry if  ive scared u but im not going 2 lie and say it was a breeze cuz it wasnt. Gd luck xx

Jennifer - posted on 03/23/2009

10. I've had 3 natural births, 2 without pain meds. It is painful, but it is true that once you deliver, the pain just dissipates. After a month or so, you completely forget how painful it was!! Good Luck!

Bryony - posted on 03/23/2009

Really it depends completely on the individual labour. How tired you are has a part to play for sure because most of us can handle pain better well-rested, and how the baby is positioned. I recommend not letting them break your water - it may take a little longer but hurts a LOT more without the extra cushion. My first was much longer and she was born in the middle of the night (a 10 for sure!) My last was much shorter and born in the afternoon so not too bad (maybe a 5-6) Relaxing and having distractions really helps too.

Kellie - posted on 03/23/2009

Not gonna lie it HURTS!~ But I would do it all over again..... So rewarding

Nicole - posted on 03/23/2009

I'd give it an 11 without an epidural...but I'd give it a zero with an epidural.

Dara - posted on 03/23/2009

Hi - I had my first (and only so far) baby with no medication, at a midwives outpatient birthing center.  The pain comes (and then goes), but it is what our bodies were designed to do.  My advice (as if you're lacking any) says try to relax, take a birthing class (so you know what's actually happening during labor), and give birth with people you trust.  Good luck and best wishes.

Monica - posted on 03/23/2009

I would say a 10...but it's worth it.  I did mine all natural and was in labor for 22 hours.  I was induced and was told that hurts more because of the intensity of the contractions...because they are forced and not natural.  My next one I'm hoping I don't need to get induced..I'll definitely go all natural again with no drugs.  It hurts real bad at the time but after it's all said and done....you're proud of yourself for making it through it and you have a sweet bundle of joy in your arms.  Epidurals are only meant to be used in extreme cases...that is what it was intended for in the first place...it gets overused.

Jennifer - posted on 03/23/2009

10! But I only found contractions the painful part. The baby coming out wasn't painful for me. I was expecting the other way around. But as soon as it was over I felt wonderful and would have done it all again!!

User - posted on 03/23/2009

I have four children & had them all naturally with no pain releif. Put it this way, it's the worst pain you'll ever feel but the adrenaline helps you to work with your body, & somehow you don't focus so much on the pain whilst you are in labour. Once you hold your baby though, u forget very quickly how painful it was. Just think to yourself, if the pain is too unbearable, you can always ask  for pain relief, this should ease your mind. You might find that you don't need it.

Cat - posted on 03/23/2009

Quoting Sarah:

Quoting Noelle:

fifteen...and contrary to popular beilef induction does not hurt worse, it just happens faster and you don't have time to get used to it...and epidurals don't take all the pain away...in fact, mine didn't take at all and i felt EVERYTHING!!!!...but like everyone says...the moment you see your beautiful baby's face, you forget the pain and want to do it again and again :)

Pitocin contractions are in fact worse, because unlike natural contractions which come on gradually and end gradually, pitocin brings contractions on out of nowhere, without any buildup.  Normal contractions are a bell-curve on the monitor, while pitocin contractions are spikes.  There's definitely a difference...with pitocin your body doesn't have time to prepare for the contraction, the contractions happen every minute, and are abnormally intense.

pain is pain. dont argue about it.

Kristina - posted on 03/22/2009

Honestly, active labor is extremely painful. On a scale of 1-10, it's a 12! Seriously! An epidural is your friend when it works. My body is wired a litlle differently, so my epidurals didn't kick in until the kids were crowning. by then it didn't matter much. once the child comes out there is no more pain. The pain ceases instantly.

Sharon - posted on 03/22/2009

Errr....500! But the old cliche is true: it's all worth it!

Rachael - posted on 03/22/2009

I think is better to prepare for the worst. I was Induced at 42 1/2 weeks and was quite unprepared it was definately horrific for me but in saying that i was overdue, induced and only dillated 3 cm in 3 days i ended up having the Epidural which was amazing and then had to have an emergency C-section. My advice would be to make sure your completely prepared for any way it could go. In may case C-section was my biggest fear. Totally worth it though

Jill - posted on 03/22/2009

It hurt to have a baby but you will soon forget as soon as you hold your baby.

Francine - posted on 03/22/2009

it hurts like all buggery, it's the most painful thinng iv ever experienced, but it cant be that bad i went back for a second shot, and i want more. the contractions hurt, but the crowing is the worst bit, it feels like ur bits are on fire, and the pressure like your going to explode.



But honsetly like a few days later your that wrapped up in your baby that you just forget all about it. and about a month later you have forgotten, you can remember that it hurt but you forget how much and what kind of pain it really is.



it is the best, i dont like it at the time, but later and once i've fiorgotten about it , i love giving birth

Kirsten - posted on 03/22/2009

It can hurt, but I feel if u do lots of walking it help tremendously.

Sarah-Anne - posted on 03/22/2009

just think that women go back again and again. we aren't stupid so it cant be that bad. My first labour was induced at 42 weeks and went for almost 8 hours. I ended up with an epidural for the last 4 hours and it was great. I had to be told when to push to help get me son out. I felt so disappointed afterwards at not being able to feel it. like i had been  ripped off. The first few hours were bearable but only just. i was stuck on a bed unable to move hooked up to machines and drips and it was horrible. my son weighed i at 8lb 4ozs. My 2nd labour began at 4am as i entered the 42 weeks mark. I was to be induced again that morning at 8am. my waters broke naturally at 4am. I got to the hospital at 5 am and walked around just being so quiet and thoughtful within myself. I spoke to the midwives and my obgyn at 5.45 and said i am ready to push. My daughter arrived at 5.50am with two pushes and not a sound was in the room or came from me. it was bliss. she weighed in at 9lb 5 and a half ozs. take it one contraction at a time and think that with each one you are getting closer to seeing your baby. it hurts in different ways for everyone. my advice is walk around be active and do what comes naturally to you, your body will show you the way. every bit is worth it, natural, with drugs or by c-section who cares how you do it, you are witnessing a miracle and you are part of it. what a blessing. may you have a successful birth

Melody - posted on 03/22/2009

Brittany I wish I could tell you how bad it hurts but the truth is that its undescribable I was in labor for 28 hours and after an hour and half of pushing I thought I would die and then I heard my little girl cry for the first time and my heart melted. The truth is the moment I saw her I forgot all my pain, it was like it didn't ever exist all that mattered was I gave birth to a healthy baby with 2 eyes, one nose, one mouth and 10 fingers and toes each. I wish I could help but its different for everybody hun. I wish you the best of luck though.

Nikki - posted on 03/22/2009

Think of it as good pain. There is pain but there is something good that will come out if it!! As soon as the baby is born, you instantly forget all about it. Remember the epidural is your friend!! It wasn't invented not to be used!!!