Childbirth Is Not a Curse: A Faith-Based Perspective
For generations, women have been told that childbirth is a curse—but scripture, science, and others experiences tell a very different story.
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What Does It Mean to Be a Woman Today?
In my short life, the word woman has had many different meanings. Growing up, it meant power. Women could do anything—but it was also seen as a burden, because we gave birth. Then, as an adult, woman seemed to be reduced to anything. Men, dogs, cats—anything could be a woman. Now, I feel like we may be returning to women are women, though I don’t watch much news or television anymore, so I can’t be sure.
But one thing has been attacked for years: women giving birth.
Was Childbirth Ever a Curse in the Bible?
Let’s start at the beginning:
“Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children.”
—Genesis 3:16
Or:
“Unto the woman, I, the Lord God, said: I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children.”
—Moses 4:22
This is a curse, right? God cursed Adam to work and Eve to have babies.
But I want us to read these verses fully. Read Genesis 3:16–19 and Moses 4:22–25. The only thing God curses is the ground, for Adam’s sake. Not once does God curse Adam or Eve themselves. He multiplies Eve’s sorrow so that she may bring forth children, and He appoints Adam to labor for his food—but this is not a curse.
It is a gift.
What God Actually Cursed in Genesis
Scripture is clear. The curse was placed upon the earth, not upon mankind. Adam and Eve were given responsibility, labor, and sorrow—not as punishment, but as part of God’s divine plan for growth and joy.
Why Pain and Labor Are Part of God’s Design
How is this a gift? Why would God gift us with sorrow and hard work?
Let’s ask a deeper question: What is the purpose of this life? To learn, to grow, and to become more like Christ. By living the way Christ lived, we obtain the joy Christ had—by doing what the Father asked Him to do. Christ suffered… a lot.
As Lehi taught:
“But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”
God wants us to feel joy. He wants us to be happy. The added sorrow and labor He gave Eve was an opportunity to feel His love and joy more deeply. If we never experienced sorrow or tribulation, would we truly understand joy?
As Eve herself explained:
“Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption.”
—Moses 5:11
Faith and Science Agree on Childbirth
Let’s talk science for a moment. I believe that true science and true religion will always agree.
When we are physically working hard, our bodies release endorphins—chemicals in the brain that create feelings of happiness and euphoria. Physical exertion also increases dopamine and serotonin, which improve mood and create joy. These chemical responses also help build confidence and self-esteem.
The Hormones of Labor and Joy
During labor, these hormones—along with oxytocin—help the uterus contract and help lessen pain. Once the baby is born, there is a powerful surge of these hormones, creating one of the greatest emotional and spiritual moments of joy on this earth.
Why Pain Is Not the Enemy
In today’s world, pain is often viewed as something terrible—something to be avoided at all costs, and something we must help our children avoid. The world encourages us to numb pain and take the easy road. But sometimes pain is necessary.
The pain of life—and the pain of labor—can bring us closer to God and open the door to deep, lasting joy.
Experiencing God’s Presence During Labor
Many women experience an intense closeness to God during labor. They feel His presence, His strength, and His help. Because of this closeness, the pain is often softened—not removed, but made bearable.
The Moment Birth Changes Everything
If you have ever watched or experienced a natural birth, you know this moment well. The anguish reaches its peak—and then the baby comes. The atmosphere in the room completely changes. The mother’s demeanor shifts to overwhelming joy, as if the labor had never happened. The room fills with peace and the Spirit.
It is one of the most sacred experiences on this earth.
Where is the curse in that?
There isn’t one—because there never was.
Voices of Real Women
Many women have shared similar experiences of strength, joy, and closeness to God during childbirth. These moments stand as quiet testimonies that birth is not something to fear, but something sacred.
Savannah
In the Spanish translation of the Bible, Genesis 3:16 says, “A la mujer dijo: Multiplicaré en gran manera tus dolores en tus embarazos; con dolor darás a luz los hijos…” In English, that would be: “He told the woman: I will greatly multiply your pain in your pregnancies, with pain you will give birth to your children.”
I find this translation interesting, because the words “curse” and “sorrow” are never used. But thousands of women can attest to the fact that childbirth is painful. It’s possible that childbirth, labor, and delivery will look and feel different in the eternities. It’s possible that having pain in delivery is just a part of living in a fallen world.
But just like Jesus Christ helps us overcome the other effects of the fall, (death and sin) He can and will help us in our mortal labors.
“And he shall go forth, suffering pains … of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains … of his people.”-Alma 7:11
A Personal Testimony of Christ’s Help
I testify that Jesus Christ can and will take your pain upon Himself, because I experienced it myself.
I went into active labor at 41 weeks, following many days and weeks of prodromal labor. There wasn’t much of a buildup, my contractions started out pretty intense. I remember when it started out so intense thinking, “I really don’t want to do this.”
In hindsight, the parallel to the Savior’s suffering in Gethsemane is striking: “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” -Luke 22:42 I believe that a part of why childbirth is such a powerful, transformative, faith-building experience is because it is a type of the Savior’s suffering to deliver us.
Learning to Rely Fully on Jesus Christ
As labor progressed, I needed to rely more and more on Jesus Christ. In between contractions, I prayed incessantly to be enabled by Jesus Christ. For Him to take my pain. For Him to give me peace.
Then during a contraction, I would repeat in my mind: “I believe in Jesus Christ.” My experience following these prayers was profoundly life-changing and difficult to describe. I felt my physical load lighten as He strengthened me.
I knew then and I know now that Jesus Christ was literally taking my pain upon Himself. He let me carry the amount that I could, and He took the worst of it upon Himself.
Labor was strenuous hard work, both physically and mentally. But what I experienced was miraculous. An abiding sense of peace. A blanket of calm, strength beyond my own that carried me and knowing that I could do it.
There were unforeseen challenges and complications, but I was able to deliver my healthy, 9 pound 6 ounce, sunny-side up firstborn in a natural birth. The joy and relief that I experienced when I held her in my arms is truly indescribable.
Labor is a great challenge, but within that challenge lies a great opportunity. I believe that when we, as women, rely on the Savior in birth, we ourselves are being reborn as women, as mothers. Nothing strengthened my testimony of the unimaginable power and might of Jesus Christ more than partnering with Him in natural birth. What a gift.
An Invitation to Trust the Savior
For those considering a natural birth, I hope you know of the immediate, sustaining aid that
Jesus Christ will bring if you live for it and believe on it. His power is very real. May you have a life-changing, faith-building, miraculous birth. And may you know that childbirth is not a curse, it is an opportunity.
Michelle
I have 3 beautiful girls inside and out. I chose to have epidurals for my first two births. At the time that is what was right for me. I knew some things of birth and what to expect, but not enough to feel confident in my body. I was afraid. Unsure of the pain.
It was after my second experience I knew then that I wanted to try a natural birth.
When my third experience came I was ready to go natural. I educated myself better by finding an amazing teacher and doula.
A Shift in Mindset and Confidence
The difference with the natural for me was that, I felt empowered in my body. My mentality of giving a natural birth had shifted and I believed in myself. I was able to be okay with the natural feeling of pain and that I could use it to my advantage. Was I still nervous? Of course because anything could happen during labor. I was truly determined and wasn’t backing away from my choice.
It was beautiful, hard and worth it. I felt my strength. I felt the love from my husband, doula, my God, and ancestors. An experience I’ll never forget.
God’s Hand in Every Birth
I felt Gods hand in all my births. How could I not? I was able to bring my babies into the world. I felt immense peace and happiness. The love of my Heavenly Father was in every room each time. He is in everything.
No matter by epidural, c-section, or natural, God is there and joy (coupled with love) abounds. This is such a scared tender topic. Because I know of woman that tried to go natural and just couldn’t. No matter what classes or knowledge they had and their sweet dreams were chattered.
A Message to Women
Woman please know your bodies were created to bring your babies in to the world and whatever you choose that’s wonderful. Please know if you ever consider a natural that it is possible. The strength you draw from within feels pure, natural, and beautiful.
I’m blessed and so grateful all my labors went well and I am blessed to have my girls. I’m grateful for modern medicine that helps woman with their labors when difficulties arise and they save them and their babies.
God bless everyone’s choice to have a baby and I hope love is filled in their home.
Emily
The moment I found out I was pregnant, I felt wealthy. Not a wealth of money or jewels or hotel points, a wealth from God. I felt chosen, selected, entrusted. I also felt a sense of adventure. My body was doing something totally new. And my future was getting a complete remodel. My life was going to take a turn with which I had zero experience.
A Holy Adventure in the Making
Pregnancy was filled with a heaping dose of puking. Exhaustion. Puking. Thrill. Excitement. Delight. Wonder. And more puking. I loved it all. What a ride to watch as my body went through this! Growing a human!!
Left Alone, Yet Not Alone
My labor was text book. In fact, my husband was reading the textbook list of events for labor as I went through them. At the hospital, there were not enough nurses to attend to me. I was left alone to labor. I didn’t even get an IV. The waves of contractions were intense, full of pressure, and painful. As I went through transition, I wanted to give up. It was overpowering.
I was relieved when it was time to start pushing.
The Moment of Decision
Pushing brought on something new. Fear. This was it. The moment for which I had been waiting nine months. Nine months all for this moment. I held back, I hesitated, I wasn’t ready. My midwife encouraged me to push through the fear and pain. I could do this, she said. I think she meant I could deliver this baby. But I also felt courage to do THIS. The mother thing. I could hold him for hours, I could wake at night for feedings, I could deal with tantrums. I could sacrifice my hobbies and my dress shopping. I could potty train. And I all of it would be worth it.
I pushed. And felt powerful. I worked together with my uterus and he came! I felt his head. A pause. And then shoulders, knees, and toes. He let out a tiny yelp, and then snuggled into my chest.
A Glimpse of Christ’s Sacrifice
I did it. I had given up my body, my pleasures, my hobbies, my desires, my life… so that this little person, this soul, could have his life. And in that moment, while I was delivering the placenta, I felt it. I felt a pinch of the love required by Christ to let go of His life. His hobbies, His time, His body. His comfort. So that we could someday be alive through Him and have eternal joy in their home.
A Personal Reflection on My Own Birth Experience
I personally had an epidural after being threatened with Pitocin. Though my first experience saddens me at times, I am grateful for it. It taught me so much later about how God intended this experience to be. I pray that He will give me another opportunity to experience that closeness and joy.
Childbirth Has Always Been a Blessing
God did not curse us.
He gave us a gift—to draw nearer to Him. He gave us a way to experience joy through hard things. I am grateful for hard work and for childbearing. I am grateful for trials and tribulations, because without them, I would not have the joy I have now.
What we women have has always been a blessing.
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