The baby passes through your birth canal and is born by a combination of the continuing contractions of your uterus and your conscious effort to push your baby out by using the muscles of your lower abdomen. During your pregnancy changes happen in your body to prepare for these events. The ligaments of your pelvis loosen to permit your pelvis to relax and allow your baby to come out. Other changes occur to adapt your body to accommodate childbirth. Unfortunately, despite these changes it is likely you will feel pain.
First labours are probably more painful than subsequent ones.
Sometimes when it is necessary to start off labour, or stimulate it if progress is slow, your labour may be more painful. Every person's appreciation of pain is different, and what one person can accept another may find extremely painful. You can do a lot to help. Preparing for childbirth during your pregnancy can improve these natural changes. At parentcraft classes you will be advised on exercises to make you fitter.