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Are period pains equivalent to giving birth?

Where to begin? I’ll start with a summary of my perspective (which I think could really help you out if you’re concerned about labour), then I’ll delve into it from a couple of angles Period pains are worse than labour. More accurately, period pains are worse than the pain of surges (that’s contractions, if you’re new round here). Here’s 3 reasons why

Duration, I dunno about you, obvs, but my period pains begin the day before it arrives. They begin as a low level rumble, building up for the main event. On day 1, they can be overwhelming. I almost always pop a couple of paracetamol (paratroopers as they are affectionately known in my fam). And they are there ALL. THE. TIME. They start to ease off after about 24 hours on a good cycle. In labour, even if it goes on for 24 hours, most of the time you’re not having surges. During that time, you might be entirely pain free (this was true for me for lots of both my labours). Even if surges are really challenging, between them there is rest and recovery. Not so with the period pain. Purpose. I mean, yes, periods have a purpose, but it ain’t so profound as moving the human you grew out of your body. There’s massive benefit to keeping our eyes on the prize when our bodies are up against it- think about how anyone running a marathon may struggle, but find capacity to cope. Would they find the same resilience if it was an unmeasured, untimed, unrecorded solo run round where they live that no one would know about? Doubt it. Context is important. Focus, When you’re in labour, no one expects you to be doing anything else. It’s unique in that sense- the rest of life is on pause, and you’re able to employ any and all coping tools available to you. We teach couples 3 breathing techniques, massage styles, movement tactics, optimal postures for comfort, environmental cues for pain reliving hormone activation etc. When you have your period, life just goes on and you’ve gotta function as a mother, an employee, a business owner, wife, friend, whatever. You’re not helping yourself in the way you can in labour.

Hang on. I’m a hypnobirthing teacher, and I’ve used the P word (pain, I mean, not period- that’s not as taboo) loads of times. What’s the crack here? Aren’t we meant to avoid speaking about it? Yes. And no. I do firmly believe that we should avoid talking about pain whilst IN labour- I don’t think there is any benefit to framing our experience of the surges with the p word.

1. Instead, I suggest to our clients they think of the intensity of the sensations or the strength of the surges- more neutral, less scary, agreed? But in the run up, I am honest with the women I work with- I don’t believe that all women can eliminate pain in labour.
2. Yes- we can all reduce it SIGNIFICANTLY.

I mean, SO MUCH that if we all understood this, our birth culture would be transformed within a generation. But eliminate? I don’t think so. The pain we equip women to wave off is the created pain- that which exists as a result of fear and tension, suboptimal postures and crappy environments (in terms of all the senses, the people in it, etc).

1. That’s a HUGE chunk.
2. But what’s left? The fact that you’re getting that human you made out of your body.
3. BUT YOU WERE MADE FOR IT!!”, cry the purists! Yep.
4. But you weren’t made to sit down slouched for most of your waking life, to consume the type of food that’s available to us, to be so poorly hydrated, to be exposed to so many other unnatural substances.

We can’t be living thoroughly modern lifestyles for decades, then turn up for birth like, “BUT I’M AN ANIMAL!” and expect pain free. Periods can be painful. (Interestingly my crunchy friends who don’t use conventional sanitary products report less pain).

Sex can be painful (notice that fine line there though between pleasure and pain). Exercise can be painful (same again). I’m not going back on my advice to avoid the P word in labour. I’m not scaremongering you about the discomfort levels. I’m saying we should think about this absolutely logically and intelligently- not just choose the parts of the picture that suit us.

Because if you expect hypnobirthing techniques to give you the same absolute relief as an epidural, and that’s not what you get- then what? You begin to feel confused, concerned, to blame yourself even- for not doing it right or trying harder. Ugh. Our number one assertion is that ANYONE WHO IS GIVING BIRTH SHOULD ONLY KNOW HER POWER.

• No matter how it goes, you should be genuinely perplexed as to why no one is queuing up to kiss your feet, not second guessing your own worthiness because you didn’t live up to some unicorn-esque expectation.
• Even if there is (probably some) residual pain, if you are prepared, you can perceive it in an entirely different way than you imagine.

You can learn to own the sensations rather than them owning you- to be inspired and encouraged by your own capacity and strength, and to welcome what you feel. When I think back to when Rory was born what I remember is certainly my power. I know, intellectually, that there was pain, but it was a tiny part of a much bigger, and very profound experience.

I never once considered asking for the gas and air- not because I’d set myself any kind of challenge to do it without drugs, but because I’d cultivated a perspective where I didn’t want to eliminate the sensations- there were other ways to handle them. Saying that, there are all sorts of reasons why you might opt for other forms of pain relief, and we support that, without judgement (because who the F are we to judge anyone for anything?).

All we care about is informed choice. To be frank, if I could get a 24 hour epidural on day 1 each month, without having to consider the impact on a labour or a baby, I’d probs go for it. Someone make that a thing. If you’d like to know more about working with us, you can see our courses section here,

What is more painful than giving birth?

Bladder Infections and Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) Severe UTIs and those that involve infections of the bladder and/or kidneys are very painful, and sometimes women also get these infections during pregnancy.

Why do periods hurt so much?

For many women, it’s the first sign that their period is coming—or has arrived. The unmistakable feeling of menstrual cramps. Ugh. Grab the blankets and hot tea. Here we go again. More than half of women who menstruate have some pain for a day or two each month.1 Although the pain is usually mild, some women experience severe pain that keeps them from doing their normal daily activities for several days a month.1 That severe pain can bring along some unwelcome friends, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.1 So, period pain can bewell, a major pain.

• Many of us have just come to accept it.
• But should we? And why are we in pain anyway? Let’s dig a little deeper.
• There are two types of period pain The technical term for period pain is dysmenorrhea (dis-men-uh-REE-uh).
• And there are two types: primary and secondary.
• Primary dysmenorrhea is the name for common menstrual cramps that rear their ugly heads every month.

This pain comes before or during your period and is caused by natural chemicals called prostaglandins that are made in the lining of the uterus.1 Prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract, which is what helps the uterine lining to leave the body.

On the first day of a period, the level of prostaglandins is high. But as the lining of the uterus is shed during your period, the level goes down. This is why your pain tends to decrease as your period progresses.1 Pain may range from mild to severe and you may feel it most in your lower abdomen, back, or thighs.2 You might also have other symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea.2 For most women, this type of period pain gets less painful as we get older.3 Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain caused by a disorder in the reproductive organs.1 Pain from secondary dysmenorrhea usually begins earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than common menstrual cramps.2 For example, the pain may begin a few days before your period starts, get worse as your period continues, and not go away after it ends.

You usually don’t have nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or diarrhea.2 Some of the conditions that can cause secondary dysmenorrhea include:

• Fibroids —Fibroids are growths that form on the outside, on the inside, or in the walls of the uterus. Small fibroids usually don’t cause pain, but fibroids located in the wall of the uterus can be very painful.1-3
• Endometriosis—Tissue that lines the uterus (the endometrium) grows in areas outside of the uterus. This tissue breaks down and bleeds during your period and can cause pain.1-3
• Adenomyosis—Tissue that normally lines the uterus grows into the muscle of the uterus, which can cause the uterus to increase in size and cause abnormal bleeding and pain.1,2
• Ovarian cysts—Cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary. Most ovarian cysts don’t cause any symptoms, but some can cause pain during your period or at ovulation.3

Secondary dysmenorrhea pain can also result from defects in the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other reproductive organs and from certain medical conditions that can flare up during a period, like Crohn’s disease and urinary disorders.1 How to relieve the pain A good idea is to start simple.

Although your urge may be to curl up into a ball in a dark room, getting out and moving around is a better plan. Even a walk may help improve how you feel. Next, over-the-counter medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can help relieve menstrual pain.

It’s also a good idea to track your periods, including symptoms and pain, in a diary or app. That way, if your pain worsens or your symptoms change, you have a history you can share with your doctor or nurse. When to talk to a doctor First, don’t ever think your pain isn’t worth mentioning to your doctor.

Sure, menstrual pain is common, but your doctor can help determine if the pain you’re experiencing is typical or if it could be indicative of other issues. Talk to your doctor or nurse if over-the-counter pain medicines aren’t helping or if the pain is getting in the way of your daily life. Your doctor will ask you questions and do some tests, including possibly a physical exam, to help determine if your pain could be caused by primary or secondary dysmenorrhea and if treatment is necessary.

Take a look at our Doctor Discussion Guide to help you prepare for your next visit. Treatment for the pain Treatment depends on what is causing your pain. Your doctor may recommend hormonal medications in the form of a pill, intrauterine device, or injection to help with the pain.

• Another option could be medical procedures such as intrauterine tissue removal procedures and laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation, both of which require little to no incisions and are treatment options for women experiencing the disruptive symptoms of fibroids.
• The bottom line is although period pain is common, it can also be a sign of underlying issues.

Your doctor can help you determine the best way to move forward. Take a quiz to learn more about what your period pain might be trying to tell you. References:

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dysmenorrhea: painful periods. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods, Accessed April 15, 2022.
2. Cleveland Clinic. Dysmenorrhea. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea, Accessed April 15, 2022.
3. US Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health. Period problem: menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea). https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/period-problems, Accessed April 15, 2022.

Are period cramps similar to pregnancy cramps?

Cramping – Cramping is common in both PMS and early pregnancy. Early pregnancy cramps are similar to menstrual cramps, but they can occur lower down in the stomach. These cramps may persist for weeks or months during pregnancy, as the embryo implants and the uterus stretches.

How deep is the cervix during period?

How Hormones Change Throughout Your Cycle – The position and texture of your cervix will change during your cycle. Here’s what to keep track of during each phase: During menstrual bleeding, the cervix is normally low and hard, and slightly open to allow the blood to flow out.

It feels like the tip of your nose. After your period stops,  the cervix remains low and hard and the opening to the uterus (uterine is) remains closed. As you approach ovulation, the cervix rises up to the top of the vagina and becomes softer and moister. At the height of ovulation, your cervical position makes the most fertile.

The cervix feels more like your lips than your nose, and the uterine is open to allow sperm to enter. Sometimes the cervix seems to disappear, which just means it has become so soft that it blends in with the vaginal walls and rises so high that the finger cannot touch it.

1. This is known as SHOW: soft, high, open, and wet.
2. This is the,
3. Once ovulation occurs, the cervix drops lower and becomes more firm, once again feeling like the tip of your nose.
4. The opening to the uterus will become tightly closed.
5. This can happen immediately after ovulation, or may take several hours to several days.

When pregnancy occurs, the cervix will rise up and become soft, yet the uterine is will remain tightly closed. This occurs at different times for different people– as early as 12 days after ovulation or well after the pregnancy has been confirmed by a home pregnancy test or doctor.

1. Dr. Alan Copperman is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist with a long history of success in treating infertility and applying fertility preservation technologies.
2. He serves as Medical Director of Progyny, a leading fertility benefits management company, and co-founded and serves as Medical Director of RMA of New York, one of the largest and most prestigious IVF centers in the country.

Dr. Copperman is also the Vice Chairman and Director of Infertility for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Chief Medical Officer of Sema4, a health information company. Dr. Copperman has been named to New York magazine’s list of Best Doctors 17 years in a row.

He has been recognized by his peers and patient advocacy organizations for his commitment to patient-focused and data-driven care. He has published more than 100 original manuscripts and book chapters on reproductive medicine and has co-authored over 300 scientific abstracts on infertility, in vitro fertilization, egg freezing, ovum donation, and reproductive genetics.

: What Your Cervical Position Tells You About Your Fertility

Should I shave pubic hair before delivery?

SLIDESHOW – Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See Slideshow Medically Reviewed on 4/14/2022 References SOURCES: Center for Young Women’s Health: “Removing Pubic Hair.” Cochrane database of systematic reviews: “Routine perineal shaving on admission in labor.” New York University: “Should you shave your pubic hair before giving birth?” National Library of Medicine: “Randomised controlled trial of perineal shaving versus hair cutting in parturients on admission in labor.” Queensway Carleton Hospital: “Shaving Before Birth.” The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center: “Having a C-section? What pregnant women should know.” MedlinePlus: “Vacuum-Assisted Delivery.” American Family Physician: “Vacuum-Assisted Vaginal Delivery.” UpToDate: “Procedure for Vacuum-Assisted Vaginal Delivery.”

What is more painful C section or natural birth?

Even though labor and vaginal birth can be hard work, they are generally easier on a woman’s body than a cesarean. Recovery after vaginal birth is usually shorter and less painful than after a C-section, and allows the woman to spend more time with her baby.

Why is childbirth so difficult for humans?

– Human infants are also almost always born with assistance from other humans because of the way that the pelvis is shaped. Since the pelvis and opening of birth canal face backwards, humans have difficulty giving birth themselves because they cannot guide the baby out of the canal.

Non-human primates seek seclusion when giving birth because they do not need any help due to the pelvis and opening being more forward. Human infants depend on their parents much more and for much longer than other primates. Humans spend a lot of their time caring for their children as they develop whereas other species stand on their own from when they are born.

The faster an infant develops, the higher the reproductive output of a female can be. So in humans, the cost of slow development of their infants is that humans reproduce relatively slowly. This phenomenon is also known as cooperative breeding,