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.
Using 'labour pains' figuratively to describe the difficult process leading to something new.
陣痛が始まった。
Labour pains have started.
陣痛の間隔が短くなってきた。
The intervals between contractions are getting shorter.
Literally 'the pain of giving birth'. A more literary or emotional expression, often used metaphorically as well.
彼女は産みの苦しみに耐えた。
She endured the pains of childbirth.
陣痛 can refer to both the overall labour pains and the individual contractions.
陣痛が10分おきに来ている。
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.
お腹の張りを感じる。
I feel my belly tightening.
Commonly used metaphorically for the struggles before a creation or new beginning.
新しいシステムの導入は産みの苦しみだった。
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.
改革の陣痛に耐える。
Endure the birth pangs of reform.