WHAT CAUSES PAIN IN LABOUR ?
Labour begins when your uterus (womb) begins to contract. In the days before labour starts, you may experience tightening of the uterus which cause discomfort rather than pain. Labour is said to start when you get regular contractions. Contractions increase in frequency and intensity throughout labour and can become painful in a similar way as you may experience pain in other muscles in your body when you do vigorous exercise. At the same time the opening into the uterus (the cervix) is stretching to eventually allow your baby to pass through into your birth canal. When the opening to the cervix is fully open (dilated) you begin what is known as the second stage of labour, when your baby is born. The baby passes through your birth canal and is born by a combination of the continuing contractions of your uterus and your conscious effort to push your baby out by using the muscles of your lower abdomen. During your pregnancy changes happen in your body to prepare for these events. The lig
