Question: why a woman experience pain when giving birth

Jacinta Nzilani answered on 22 Jul 2025:

Hey there!

🔍 Why Does a Woman Experience Pain During Childbirth?

1. Uterine Muscle Contractions 💪

The uterus is a strong muscle that contracts powerfully to push the baby out. These contractions squeeze blood vessels, reducing oxygen supply to surrounding tissues, and this causes intense pain, especially during active labor.

2. Cervix Dilation 🩸
To let the baby pass, the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) must stretch from about 0 to 10 cm. This stretching involves nerve endings, pressure, and tearing of tiny tissues, all of which cause pain.

3. Pressure on Surrounding Organs 🧻
As the baby moves down, it presses on the bladder, rectum, lower back, and pelvic bones, which adds even more discomfort.

4. Hormonal Sensitivity 🧪
During labor, levels of prostaglandins and oxytocin rise. These help trigger contractions but also increase pain sensitivity in the uterus and nearby tissues.