My first labour I don't remember so well, but my second was short and SO Intense. It was such a shock to me as I didn't remember it being like that. THe pain was very intense, but it did go away in between contractions and gave me time to breath, reposition, have a break etc. I also knew that because it was a different kind of pain, I'd be ok (as in not an injury pain) so that got me through. You know it will end so it's more bearable.
Hope that was some help xox