Are Women Cursed to Feel Pain in Childbirth? Rethinking the "Curse of Eve"
If you’re immersed in Christian circles, you've probably heard it before: childbirth is painful because of the curse of Eve; because she sinned and was tempted by the devil to eat the forbidden fruit. It's a theological idea that gets passed around so casually, almost like accepted fact. But is it actually true? Are Christian women destined—even commanded—to suffer through labor because of what happened in the Garden of Eden? I don’t believe so.
This question matters deeply to me as both a birth professional and a woman of faith. And I've got to tell you, the more I've studied Scripture, physiology, and birth itself, the more I believe we've gotten this one wrong. Let's dig into what the Bible actually says and what it means for how we approach childbirth today. This is a vulnerable blog post for me to write, but I think it’s an important one, so let’s dive in!
What Genesis Actually Says
First, let's look at the actual text. In Genesis 3:16, after Eve eats from the forbidden tree, God says: "I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children." Notice what it doesn't say. It doesn't say God is creating pain in childbirth as punishment. It says He will multiply or increase it. This suggests that some level of intensity or sensation was already part of the original design. God is increasing what already existed, not inventing suffering from scratch.
The Hebrew word often translated as "pain" is itstsabon, which can also mean toil, labor, or hard work. Interestingly, the same word is used just a few verses later when God tells Adam that he'll work the ground "in toil" (itstsabon). We don't interpret Adam's curse to mean farming must be excruciating and torturous, we understand it as hard work that requires effort. So why do we assume Eve's experience must be defined by unbearable pain rather than intense, productive work?
The Difference Between Pain and Intensity
Here's something I wish every woman understood: intensity is not the same as pain, and labor doesn't have to equal suffering.
Yes, labor is intense. Your uterus is the strongest muscle in your body, working harder than it ever has to open and birth your baby. That work involves powerful sensations—pressure, stretching, tightening, burning, cramping, waves of energy moving through your body, etc. But when your body is working the way it was designed to, when you're supported and unafraid, those sensations aren't necessarily painful in the way we think of pain (like breaking a bone or getting burned).
Many women describe physiological labor as intense, overwhelming, even transformative, but not agonizing. The experience changes dramatically based on environment, support, fear levels, and whether medical interventions have altered the natural process that God designed. One of my favorite affirmations during both my labors has come from the Pain Free Birth Course: “there is no physiological function in the body that causes pain in the normal sense of health.” I felt that this was a powerful reminder that an undisturbed birth is not interpreted in the body as true pain, even though it can be intense.
Fear and the Pain Cycle
One of the biggest factors influencing pain in labor is fear. When we're afraid, our bodies produce stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which actually work against the labor hormones (like oxytocin) that help labor progress smoothly. Fear causes us to tense up, which makes contractions less effective and more painful. It's a vicious cycle. But here's the thing: God's design for birth doesn't include fear. Fear entered the picture after the Fall, along with shame, disconnection from our bodies, and distrust of the birth process. When women are educated, supported, and empowered to trust their bodies and the God who designed them, labor often unfolds with far less suffering. This is why birth education matters so much! (And why I'm so passionate about what I do—helping families approach birth with confidence instead of dread.)
Jesus Changes Everything
Even if you believe Genesis 3:16 prescribes pain as punishment, we have to remember what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Galatians 3:13 tells us that "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us."
If Christ bore our curses, why would Christian women still be bound by a curse in childbirth? Some theologians argue that the consequences of the Fall (like physical death, weeds in gardens, and yes, the realities of a fallen world) remain until Christ returns. But that's different from saying God requires us to suffer unnecessarily or that seeking comfort in labor is somehow unbiblical.
Throughout Scripture, we see Jesus healing, comforting, and relieving suffering. Nowhere do we see Him telling women, "Sorry, you need to suffer more because of Eve." That's just not the character of God.
The Gift of Mary: A New Eve
For my Catholic sisters (and really, for all of us who can appreciate the beauty of Marian theology), there's something profound to consider here: Mary is called the New Eve. Where Eve's disobedience brought the Fall, Mary's "yes" to God brought forth the Redeemer. The early Church Fathers wrote extensively about this parallel: Mary undoing what Eve had done, bringing life and hope instead of death and separation.
And here's what moves me: we have no scriptural account of Mary's labor with Jesus being filled with agony. In fact, Catholic tradition holds that Mary, as the Immaculate Conception (conceived without original sin), may have experienced childbirth differently than women affected by the Fall. Some theologians suggest her birth was painless or at least without the suffering that came from the supposed curse.
Now, whether or not you believe Mary's birth was miraculous in this way, consider what her "yes" means for all of us. Through Mary's willing participation in God's plan of redemption, she becomes our mother too; a mother who understands birth, who walked through it herself, and who intercedes for us. How beautiful is it that when we're laboring to bring our babies into the world, we can call on a mother who gets it?
Catholic teaching also emphasizes that suffering can be redemptive when united with Christ's suffering, but this doesn't mean we should seek out unnecessary suffering or believe God delights in our pain. Even the Church recognizes the moral legitimacy of pain relief in childbirth. The Catechism affirms the dignity of easing suffering, and Pope Pius XII explicitly stated that using pain relief in childbirth is morally acceptable.
Mary shows us that birth can be a sacred "yes" to God's creative work in our lives. Not a curse to endure, but a collaboration with the Divine.
What This Means for Your Birth
So where does this leave us practically? I believe it means:
You're not disobeying God by wanting a comfortable, peaceful birth. Seeking pain relief, whether through epidurals, natural comfort measures, hypnobirthing techniques, or supportive care isn't representative of a lack of faith. It's wisdom and stewardship of your body.
You can trust your body. God designed your body brilliantly for birth. Yes, we live in a fallen world where complications can happen, and modern medicine is a blessing when needed. But your body isn't broken or cursed, it's beautifully made. You just need to trust your body and your faith.
You can call on Mary for intercession. What a gift to have a mother in heaven who experienced labor and birth herself! Many Catholic women pray to Mary during pregnancy and labor, asking for her intercession and comfort. There's something deeply moving about calling on the Mother of God - a woman who said "yes" to the most consequential pregnancy in history - to walk with you through your own birth journey. Whether you pray the Rosary during labor, ask for Mary's protection, or simply hold her example of trust in your heart, she's there for you.
Birth can be empowering, even sacred. Many women describe their births as spiritual experiences, moments when they felt God's presence powerfully. I know I felt God’s presence in both of my births. Don't let bad theology rob you of the possibility of encountering God in your labor and delivery. Like Mary's “yes” to God, your birth can be an act of co-creation with the Divine.
Education and preparation matter. Understanding how your body works physiologically in labor, learning comfort techniques, building a supportive birth team, and addressing your fears can transform your experience. This isn't circumventing God's plan, it's partnering with the way He made you and trusting the process.
A Final Thought
The story of the "curse of Eve" has been used for centuries to make women feel like suffering is their spiritual duty, but when I read Scripture through the lens of God's character - His love, His redemption, His desire for our wholeness - I just don't see a God who delights in women's pain. I see a God who walks with us through hard things, who designed our bodies with wisdom beyond our understanding, and who invites us to approach birth (and all of life) with faith instead of fear. I see a God who gave us Mary; a woman who understands the sacred vulnerability of bringing a child into the world, who shows us what it looks like to trust completely in God's plan, and who continues to intercede for us as our spiritual mother. May we all aim to be more like Mary.
Your birth matters. Your experience matters. And you have every right to pursue the most peaceful, empowering, joyful birth possible, not in spite of your faith, but because of it. Whether you're praying the Rosary between contractions, calling on the Holy Spirit for strength, or simply resting in the knowledge that God is with you always, know that you're not walking this path alone. You have the whole communion of Saints cheering you on, and most especially, a Mother who knows exactly what you're going through. May God Bless your birth and your growing family. In Jesus’ loving name, Amen.
As always, this post is for educational and spiritual reflection purposes. For specific medical guidance about your pregnancy and birth, please consult with your healthcare provider. If you're looking for birth support in southern New Hampshire, I'd love to chat with you about how I can help you prepare for the birth you're hoping for!
Resources:
God’s Word - any Bible translation that resonates with you
https://www.gotquestions.org/pain-in-childbirth.html
https://feminismandreligion.com/2012/02/07/the-curse-of-eve-is-pain-our-punishment-part-i/
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/bible-really-says-eves-curse/
https://www.catholic.com/audio/sp/why-the-early-church-thought-mary-was-the-new-eve
https://ascensionpress.com/blogs/articles/mary-new-eve-spiritual-mother?srsltid=AfmBOoqg2PCaTkxqerFBCWG87iKMn5NdjW3NbjI83pkIk-RA2LDjG0s8
