labor pains

[ley-ber peynz]

plural noun

1. pain experienced as a result of uterine contractions during childbirth.

2. difficulties, problems, or setbacks encountered during the initial phase of a business or project.

Word History and Origins

Origin of labor pains¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

Another co-defendant accosted a woman who was having labor pains, preventing her from getting off a floor and entering the clinic, prosecutors said.

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That care might include snacks, massages or warm compresses but also more substantive assistance, like suggesting movements to ease labor pains or help with breastfeeding.

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Nobody noticed until it was too late that Josie’s mother was gasping in distress, not just labor pains.

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At first, her vocals are operatic and pretty, but soon she shrieks and moans like a woman suffering labor pains or nightmares.

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At first, she brushed it off as Braxton Hicks, false labor pains not uncommon in the late stages of pregnancy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times