Know Your Body: Can labour pain be as excruciating as broken bones?

“Some aspects of labour pain are temporary while others continue for a period of time after giving birth," says Dr Radhika Raturi, consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, G R Hospital, Dehradun.

Here's what to know about labour pain (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

The more we learn about it, the human body only continues to fascinate us. Have you ever wondered why motherhood is seen as a life-changing moment? What is it and how does it feel to be in labour and to give birth to a new human (or humans!) What happens to the human body when it is about to give birth? Experts suggest labour pain can be as excruciating as broken bones.

Don’t believe us? Here’s what gynaecologists have to say.

Every person’s experience with birth is different. While pain is subjective and can vary greatly – for some, it may be as troublesome as the pain of broken bones – there is no set standard.

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Dr Radhika Raturi, consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, G R Hospital, Dehradun, says pain during labour is caused by “contractions of the muscles of the uterus and by pressure on the cervix. This pain can be felt as strong cramping in the abdomen, groin and back, as well as an achy feeling. Some women experience pain in their sides or thighs as well.”

Dr Pratima Thamke, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, says it is often compared to extreme menstrual cramps, bad back pain or a broken bone.

“Labour pain is often severe and that is why women fear it and it is one of the reasons women do not go for natural delivery and tend to prefer a C-section. Early labour contractions will usually cause the abdomen to feel tight to the touch. One may also experience a dull backache which can steal one’s peace of mind. It is an extremely painful experience,” adds Dr Thamke.

Do check with your doctor (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

According to Dr Raturi, pain is not necessarily consistent during the labour process. “You’ll probably experience breaks from it between contractions or while pushing, although you may notice that it increases after your water breaks or as labour picks up. Some elements of the pain are temporary while others continue for a period of time after giving birth,” says Dr Raturi.

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Dr Suruchi Desai, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, points out that there is scientific data which suggests that labour pain is the most painful condition a woman goes through.

“After that, on a scale of 10, they have seen that labour pain is rated as 10. Fractures of bones, the pain of fracture and kidney stones come lower down. So yes, it is the most painful condition and there is no other pain which can be compared to labour pain, especially the active part of labour with contractions that last 60 to 90 seconds and come pretty frequently. That is the most painful part,” Dr Desai explains.

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