Your brain believes that pain is dangerous, which can be a challenge during childbirth.
Contractions hurt because the body is working to pull up the cervix, open the cervical os, and cooperate with the baby, who wants to make its way down through the pelvis and out. It is quite natural and completely harmless. But… your brain doesn't understand that. Your brain perceives pain as a threat. Try placing something warm against your belly or uterus and relaxing, which can help alleviate the pain.
When contractions become really painful, many people react by tensing their entire body because the brain thinks something is wrong. The problem is that when you tense your whole body so intensely, the body uses an enormous amount of energy.
Relaxation can be practiced and trained before childbirth. When you have practiced relaxation exercises multiple times, your body learns that this is your new reaction to pain. But of course, it requires that you take the time to practice this. Relaxation is the key to endurance during childbirth.
Source: Maria Greve, Fødegejst
