My labours have mostly started with period type pains which gradually get stronger.You think for a while I'm in pain,yes childbirth hurts but this isn't so bad.Then labour starts for real and you remember what it's really like.It's a strange pain cos it comes and goes.One minute you're in intense pain and then it's gone,you barely have time to say "wow that was a strong one" and they start again.There's a point though when labour takes over and it all becomes nature,I'd agree Amy,animalistic,and the outside world seems to fade out.I can remember with my 5th,she was at home,and it was just my husband and a midwife and they were asking questions,the midwife wanted to examine me but baby's head was just there and I found myself telling the midwife to go get the gas and air NOW and no way could I lay flat on my back and be examined.I couldn't manage talking,or I'm sure I'd have been more polite. I could half hear what was going on,but I was in my own little world at that moment and I just knew what was happening and what I needed to do.Afterwards I was so embarassed for being so rude,but I suppose the midwife has had worse than bossy Mumsabouttobe telling them what to do.But I was actually right.
The head crowning definately feels like a Chinese burn.Although the contractions .My last two babies had to be assisted.I had a midwife with the last who insisted although I was 7cm dilated I should be able to push the baby out.Of course she was wrong which she half admitted hours later and I had a section.
The thing I always remember about labour is how you're in so much pain and you want the baby out so bad and the moment they're out the pain is gone and they're there on your belly looking all confused.