How do labor pains compare to having a miscarriage?

Question

I had a miscarriage a few years ago and it was a very painful experience. Is labor pain on a similar level phyisically?

Answer 1

I've had three miscarriages and one baby. Each of the miscarriages was very different so without having gone through your miscarriage, I don't think anyone can make the comparison. Only one of mine was really physically bad and with that one I finished up in the emergency department. People also have very different experiences of labor.

For me, the labor pain was definitely much stronger but not so constant. You have breaks in between contractions. The labor pain was more concentrated in my lower back which was bad. But, in labor the level of pain increases more gradually, so your body produces endorphins, the body's own pain relief, to cope with it.

The thing is, miscarriage and labor are not purely physical experiences. Your emotions influence how you perceive and cope with the pain. When you are in labor you know that it's 'good' pain and it means your body is doing the right thing and the baby will be there soon. There's no escaping that labor will hurt, but it's not something you need to be afraid of.

Anyway, you can always ask for an epidural ;-)

Answer 2

Miscarriage Pains

Answer 3

I've had two miscarriages which I passed naturally at home (no D&C) and three babies, two of which I had with no pain medication whatsoever.

From my own experience, would say the miscarriage was worse, there was a lot of bleeding, no one to take care of me, and it was very sad. The gnawing pain and bleeding was constant, whereas labor was not very painful in the beginning and there were breaks between the contractions.

However, even when labor was very painful (such as during transition from 7/8-10 cm) the contractions were much different. The miscarriage was more familiar like horrible gnawing really really painful menstrual cramps and transition was more like a whole body spasm contortion of pain where you feel like you're trying to hold onto a bucking bronco or a boat being tossed about on the sea. At least for me anyway.

Answer 4

I have had one child, 2 miscarriages , and I have one they way. So, no labor to me was very different, because you get the joy of holding your baby, and a miscarriage is like someone kidnapping your baby after it's two day's old. Miscarriages leave you feeling empty inside and heartbroke. It's one of most awful things a women can go through. The only real physical pain you feel during a miscarriage is your uterus contracting really hard. Labor pain you will feel all the way around your abdominal area almost like lightning, which can be painful for some. Also, with labor your stomach muscles will tighten and most likely you will feel the urge to push.

Answer 5

I have 6 kids and over the years had 3 miscarriages. Although labor hurts, because I had them all natural with no epidurals, I would have to say that a miscarriage is more painful. I really thought i was dying when I had the first one.

Answer 6

I have had a very painfull miscarriage as well as delivered 2 children. I would say the labor is 100% more painfull, however in the end you are holding a baby & you forget the pain

Answer 7

I chip in my agrement with most of the answers. The pain is greater in a childbirth but you are on an emotional high before and after the birth which softens the blow.

Answer 8

k, I've never had a miscarriage, but I have had a child. Labour pains are more like menstrual cramps heightened like 20times.

Answer 9

You will DEFINATELY know when you have a labor pain.

Answer 10

it is not rather you miscarry or deliver a baby it is how far along you are. the bigger the baby is you pass (dead or alive) will determine the pain level.