Just from reading the entries above it is clear to see that every labour is different and all of us have different pain thresholds, so it is really tricky to say exactly how painful it will be.

I always thought that I would feel painful contractions around my belly, but when the regular contractions came the pain was all centred around my hips and lower back.

The pain of the contractions certainly increased from mildly uncomfortable to really really bad. I couldn't lie down.......it was just too uncomfortable, so I stayed standing up/rocking whilst leaning over a bar fridge!

I used the shower a lot.....leaning forward with my head in my arms against the corner of the shower recess, with the hot water aimed at my back......this really distracted me/alleviated the pain.

When I had the urge to push I rocked on a fit ball as they were getting the delivery suite ready, and again, this rocking momentum helped alleviate the pain.

The crowning hurt like hell.......a really bad burning sensation, but it was quick.

The final pushes were more of an immense effort rather than painful.

When I had Olivia in my arms all of the pain literally disappeared: hormones are an amazing thing!

There are loads of pain relief options available, so make sure you arm yourslef with the knowledge of these before hand, and then you can ask for them in plenty of time!

(I didn't have any drugs or pain relief as I got to 9cm dilated without anyone really knowing, then I asked for pain relief by which stage it was too late!)