Labour hurts! I focused on the fact that with that pain my baby was moving closer to being born. With my first I had pethidine which didn't really help except I was stoned afterwards. My second birth was quick but just as painful and I didn't have any pain relief. I loved the shower. I must say I recovered much faster from my second birth.

If you think you need pain relief ask for it. If you would like a birth without pain relief makes sure everybody knows it. Everyone is different and you shouldn't feel pressured to have the 'perfect birth'. What you want now as a pain free person many change once you have established labour!

My only advice is don't be afraid of labour because you will do it!