labor pains

American  

[ley-ber peynz] / ˈleɪ bər ˌpeɪnz /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of labor pains

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

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.

From New York Times

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

From Literature

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

From New York Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

On the bus behind her, set to arrive the next day, sat a pregnant woman who had been experiencing labor pains and a teenager with a disability that had left him unable to walk.

From Washington Post