During pregnancy, women have concerns about labor pain and how they will cope with early labor when the time comes to give birth. While many first-time mothers especially have concerns about early labor pain, it is important to note that contractions are different from other types of physical pain. This is because, unlike other forms of pain, labor does not have to involve suffering, and working through uterine contractions can give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Coping with contractions can be easier because it is different from other types of pain. This is because labor pain:
- Is not a result of illness or injury. While physical pain is usually an indication something is wrong, labor pain is a sign your body is progressing and working towards delivering your new baby.
- Does not last for weeks or months. For most women, labor does not take more than 24 hours.
- Gets more intense gradually. In most cases, early labor pain starts off mild and then grows stronger as time passes. This allows your body the opportunity to adapt to the increasing physical strain.
- Is predicable. Most contractions only last for about a minute and move through a regular pattern. The pain will subside in between contractions.
There are many ways to work with early labor and active labor contractions to make them more comfortable, starting with continuous support from your birth team.