Ive never had either. But my sister has two LO and has recently gone in to see if she has kidney stones (not confirmed yet), she says the kidney stones are HEAPS more painful than either birth.

For me, my contractions felt like really really bad stomach pains, like when you've had some really dodgy food and feel painfully queasy.

But like they say, each labour/birth is different, and is totally worth it.

I think that your mind set about the pain when giving birth (compared to other pain) is what makes the difference, knowing your baby is coming is a driving force, and for me, made the pain bearable. DS birth was completely drug free, I actually birthed him at home after being sent home in 'early labour', lol.