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

The announcement is given just as labor pains announce the imminent birth of her next child.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2023

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 • Apr. 15, 2023

As first reported by The State, the woman sought medical care associated with labor pains in October 2021, according to the police report, which was obtained and posted online by Jezebel.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2023

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

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix