Hello!

I was induced and had a 10 hour labour. The contractions were the most painful thing I'd ever experienced - a similar kind of grating pain as period pain, but much more intense. I remember seeing one lady on TV describing the pain as "like a tough gym workout". Well, obviously I don't work nearly as hard as I should in the gym, as my pain was nothing like that! Having said that, they do say induced labours are more painful, so maybe a natural labour would be less full on. Also, I managed to get through the labour without anything except gas & air (and that actually made me feel worse, so I didn't use it much), so it was manageable pain. The most valuable thing for me was getting in "the zone" - accepting the pain, and trying to focus on not tensing up. The bath was a lifesaver as well. And once I got to the pushing stage, I found it so much easier - I think because I had something to do (push!), and because I knew the end was in sight.

All the best - you'll be just fine.