Translation guide
The physical sensations of childbirth, from early contractions to the final stages of delivery.
Referring to the pains of childbirth in a medical or general context.
The standard medical and everyday term for labour pains or contractions.
Focusing on the rhythmic tightening and relaxing of the uterus.
陣痛 can refer to both the overall labour pains and the individual contractions.
Using 'labour pains' figuratively to describe the difficult process leading to something new.
陣痛が始まった。
Labour pains have started.
The intervals between contractions are getting shorter.
Literally 'the pain of giving birth'. A more literary or emotional expression, often used metaphorically as well.
She endured the pains of childbirth.
Contractions are coming every 10 minutes.
Literally 'tightening of the belly'. A common, softer way to describe contractions, especially in early labour or among laypeople.
I feel my belly tightening.
Commonly used metaphorically for the struggles before a creation or new beginning.
Introducing the new system was a painful process (like labour pains).
Occasionally used metaphorically, but less common than 産みの苦しみ for this sense.
Endure the birth pangs of reform.