Most women describe labour as the most painful thing they have ever experienced, but a few say that though the sensations are powerful and uncomfortable they are not painful. Between the contractions there is usually no pain at all, which gives you the chance to rest, to talk to your carers and to shift position.

Usually, the pain gradually increases in intensity and pace. This means you learn to cope through the early milder contractions, which in turn helps you deal with the more forceful ones of advanced labour. If labour proves to be very painful there are several pain relief options to consider.