What causes childbirth to be painful?

Please do not worry. If you are afraid of pain, there are many good pain relief options that are available to women in labour. The contraction forces in labour can be very intense. Some mums are able to manage this well without pain relief with breathing techniques and keeping calm during labour. Some other pain relief options that my patients use include walking around, water immersion or shower or massage, and working with a birth support person (doulas).