The pain of giving birth is severe, but its memory tends to diminish over time. Labour pain has two distinct components:
Types of Labour Pain
- Visceral Pain: This type of pain occurs during the early first stage and the second stage of childbirth. It's caused by contractions of the uterus and the dilation of the cervix.
- Somatic Pain: This type of pain appears during the late first stage and the second stage. It's a result of the stretching and pressure on the perineum and pelvic floor as the baby moves down the birth canal.
Understanding the Intensity
| Pain Component | Timing | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Visceral Pain | Early first and second stage | Caused by uterine contractions and cervical dilation. |
| Somatic Pain | Late first and second stage | Arises from stretching and pressure on the pelvic floor and perineum. |
Key Points About Labour Pain
- Severe Nature: The pain experienced during childbirth is considered intense.
- Time-Diminishing Memory: While the pain is severe, the memory of it tends to fade over time. This is often attributed to a combination of hormonal factors and the focus on the newborn.
- Two-Phased Experience: Labour pain isn't a single type of discomfort but rather has two key phases, visceral and somatic, each with its own cause and intensity.
Example Scenarios
- Early Labour: In the early phase, the visceral pain from uterine contractions is dominant.
- Active Labour: As labour progresses, both visceral and somatic pain become more intense, particularly as the baby moves down the birth canal.
- Pushing: During the second stage, the pain is often a mix of both visceral and somatic pain, with a strong somatic component as the baby is being delivered.
