Why is labor painful?


Labor and contractions are painful and there are several reasons for it. First it's the fear and anxiety felt about delivery - this releases stress hormones into the system in excess which causes labor pain to be more pronounced and last longer. Theoretically speaking, during each contraction the oxygen supply to the uterus muscles becomes restricted; when the intervals between contractions are short, the supply of oxygen reduces even further causing oxygen supply deprivation. So much of stretching takes place. Supporting ligaments of the uterus and pelvic joints stretch during contractions and when the baby descends. The cervix when it effaces and dilates gets stretched and this is painful. This is compounded by the stretching of the pelvic floor muscles and vaginal tissues. Weight of baby on nerves in and around the cervix and vagina, on the urethra, bladder and rectum causes great discomfort and are not easy to deal with. With all these changes going on with your body, pain is but natural.