I have regular acupuncture and find that it's painful when I am tense or agitated about something (even if I have just had an argument with my DH before the appointment) but otherwise it's not painful at all... the therapist says that's common. But you will still benefit from the allignment of energies. I also agree, reading lots of birth stories will help too... even the ones that were challenging... your brain will register that in every case the person got through to the other side, usually feeling triumphant I think the thing with labour is that whilst it was the hardest thing I have ever done it's BECAUSE of that I that felt soooo totally thrilled by what i had achieved. Please know that on the other side you will feel totally amazing darl... on top of the world... and this confidence will most likely stay with you for the rest of your life