Beta-Endorphins and Their Affects on Pain Perception in Labor

I have come across the most fascinating graph dealing with beta-endorphin levels at different times in a woman's life. I want to share it with you.

This made me think back to the "Is Labor About How Tough You Are?" post I wrote several weeks ago. Interestingly, we all agreed that labor is NOT about how tough you are.

I have previously mentioned that the body produces endorphins in labor -- when drugs do not interfere with the natural process -- to help a laboring woman "deal with" the intensity of labor. When an epidural is introduced, those endorphins are squelched. It used to be advised that women let the epidural wear off when it's time to push, but most women found this too difficult. (I was one of them with my epidural birth.) A big part of the problem is that her body is not producing those endorphins at an increasing rate to coincide with her labor. Being flat on her back is a pain-inducing position to a woman about to push her baby out, so it is a double-whammy!

Beta-Endorphin Changes During Pregnancy and Labor:

Non-pregnant: 58
First trimester: 58
Second trimester: 33 +/- 1.9
Third trimester: 49 +/- 2.7
Early labor (cx < 4 cm.): 202 +/- 32
Advanced labor (cx > 4 cm.): 389 +/- 78
Postpartum: 177 +/- 22
Awaiting cesarean birth (not in labor): 151 +/- 23

This, to me, is proof that our body knows what to do. "Pain tolerance" is a moot point when looking at these numbers.