Is labor pains and childbirth without the use of drugs that bad?

Question

i mean seriously, is it like really really really bad? is it not bearable at all?

what does it feel like?

has anyone ever died of the pains of labor? or while giving birth because of the pain?

Answer 1

I have had four with no pain medication.  However, I used the Bradley method which helps prevent uterine cramps.  My uterus contracted, but did not cramp.  I have had arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, and even hunger pains that were worse than labor.

Answer 2

No one has died from the pain - women have been going through it for thousands of years without pain relief and it's no different now.

It's not to say that epidurals are wrong - I think there are times when they are a very good thing. I chose not to use them. I had midwives and 3 homebirths. I had back labor (which is as bad as it gets) and I got through it. You just don't allow yourself to be scared and you take one contraction at a time. When it's over, it's over. If you have an induced labor (much more painful) or a 36 hour labor or something and you're really tired, an epidural is a good idea.  

Answer 3

no one has ever died from being in pain from labor that i know of.  I have given birth to 3 children and am expecting my 4th.  My 2nd child i went drug free and yes i was in a lot of pain it was not a walk in the park, i lived thru it and am glad i had that experience.  that said, my first child i was terrified of the pain and got the epi, felt horrible after, my 3rd child again the epi since i was alone with the dad for labor and delivery and he was no help(divorced now) and again felt horrible after physically, the one birth i used no epi or drugs i felt great after and was up an hour later taking a shower, eating and walking down the hall to a new room the hospital staff wanted to move me to a post partum room.

good luck with your decision, and you will live thru it.

Answer 4

ive given birth 3 times and not had pain relive gas and air made me feel sick and there was no time for anything else as they were all in a rush 2 get out ive never known any woman 2 die in pain even tho some feel like they r i felt all my children come into the world and it was best best thing ever

Answer 5

No-one has ever died from labor pain.  Until about 150 years ago ALL labors were unmedicated, and while women died in childbirth for a variety of reasons, 'too much pain' was never one of them. (Well.. I suppose there may have been some women with very weak hearts/generally very poor health for whom the stress of pain was too much, but that wouldn't have been common.)

If you have to bear it, it's bearable.  

Answer 6

No, it is not that bad. If you don't take the drugs, your body will provide hormones that relieve pain and help you to feel good. Some moms report that childbirth is the best "drug-free high" in the world. No one has ever died from childbirth pain. What happens in automatic labor is you have a contraction, feel pain for a minute and then there is nothing. The pain is very similar to cramping with your periods except it comes and goes, giving you a chance to catch your breath. Study the hypnobirthing trend if you are going drug-free. The look on these women's faces as they go through even the most intense contractions near the end is amazing. You can tell these women are experiencing something different than pain during the contractions. In the link below you will find many things you can do to naturally deal with pain during labor, most work better than pain drugs offered during birth and cause no stress to baby.

Make sure you do not agree to induce the birth of your baby as this will make your labor longer, more painful and cause more stress to your baby. By skipping the induction and epidural drugs you will also greatly reduce the chances of c-section. Drug free babies are easier to feed, care for, bond and attach with. Congrats and Best wishes, G