Christian Childbirth - Are We Cursed to Feel Pain In Childbirth?

Are women cursed by the fall of Eve to feel pain in childbirth? The short answer, no.

Rethinking the 'Curse of Eve'​

As a birth doula and Catholic woman, I often hear expecting mothers ask: “Am I supposed to suffer in childbirth because of Eve’s sin?” This question touches on a deep theological and emotional concern that many Christian women carry into labor. Birth, though it may involve pain, is not a punishment—but a path to holiness, healing, and even joy. Let’s explore what Scripture, tradition, and faith-filled wisdom say about pain in childbirth—and whether it’s truly a curse.​

The Origin of the “Curse”

In Genesis 3:16, after the fall, God tells Eve:​

“To the woman he said, ‘I will greatly multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children…’” (Genesis 3:16)

This is not a curse in the sense of divine punishment, but a description of what life in a fallen world would be like—a world where sin entered through disobedience, bringing disorder to what was once perfect. As Mary Haseltine writes in Made for This: The Catholic Mom’s Guide to Birth:

“God didn’t curse women—He described what would now happen because of sin. Labor is hard, but it is also holy.”

From Eve to Mary: God’s Redemption of Womanhood

Where Eve disobeyed, Mary obeyed. Her fiat (“let it be done”) began the redemption of humanity—and it started in her womb. She became the new Eve, not through ease and comfort, but through surrender and faith.Your body, like hers, was made for this. And God does not abandon you in labor—He enters into it with you.

“When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth... she no longer remembers the pain.” (John 16:21)

Pain with Purpose

Mary Haseltine, in her book Made for This: The Catholic Mom’s Guide to Birth, emphasizes that while pain in childbirth exists, it doesn't have to be meaningless suffering. She writes:​

“The pain of birth can be redemptive, a participation in Christ’s suffering, offering it up for the sanctification of our families and the world.”​

This view transforms the experience of childbirth from one of mere endurance to one of spiritual significance.​

Pain in childbirth is real. But it doesn’t define you. And it certainly doesn’t mean you are cursed. Pain is a part of life for all people—not just women. Christ Himself, perfect and sinless, endured immense pain on the Cross. And what did He do? He transformed suffering into redemption. Likewise, the suffering of childbirth can become a means of grace, offered in love, received with trust.

As Mary Haseltine writes:

“Your labor is not a punishment. It is a participation. You get to bring life into the world. That’s not a curse—that’s a calling.”

Embracing Faith Over Fear

Fear often amplifies pain. By approaching childbirth with faith and trust in God's design, women can experience a more peaceful labor. Fear increases pain. Science confirms what Scripture has long taught—when we are afraid, our bodies tighten, our stress hormones rise, and pain intensifies. But when we lean into trust, surrender, and love, labor becomes smoother, more bearable—even joyful.

“Perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18)

We are not alone in labor. Christ, who came through the womb of a woman, honors and elevates birth. He is present in every breath, every contraction, every push.

As Haseltine suggests,​

“When we trust in God’s plan for our bodies, we can surrender to the process of birth with confidence and peace.”​

This surrender doesn't eliminate pain but reframes it within the context of faith and trust.​

Practical Steps for a Faith-Filled Birth

1. Prayer and Meditation: Engage in regular prayer, focusing on Scriptures that emphasize trust and strength.​

2. Birth Preparation: Educate yourself about the birthing process to reduce fear and anxiety.​

3. Support System: Surround yourself with individuals who respect and support your faith-based approach to childbirth.​

4. Sacramental Life: Participate in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, to strengthen your spiritual resilience.​

5. Create a Prayerful Birth Space: with Scripture affirmations, candles, music and/or the Made For This Birth app

6. Hire a doula who shares or affirms your values: Like me!

A Prayer for Expectant Mothers

Heavenly Father, as I prepare to bring new life into the world, grant me strength and peace. Help me to trust in Your design and embrace the journey ahead with faith. May this experience draw me closer to You and reflect Your love to those around me. Amen.​

A Final Encouragement

You were not cursed in the garden. You were called—to bring life, to love boldly, and to reflect Christ’s sacrificial love in a deeply feminine way.

“Through the very experience of motherhood, every woman discovers in herself a new depth of her femininity.” — Pope Saint John Paul II

Let birth remind you not of Eve’s fall, but of Mary’s yes. In your laboring body, Christ’s love is revealed again.

In conclusion, while pain in childbirth is a reality, it is not a punishment but an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. By embracing a faith-filled perspective, women can transform their birthing experience into a profound journey of trust, surrender, and love.​

References:

• Haseltine, M. (2018). Made for This: The Catholic Mom’s Guide to Birth.

• The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (RSV-CE)

• Pope John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem, 1988

• Simkin, P., et al. (2017). Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide.

• Uvnas-Moberg, K. (2003). The Oxytocin Factor