Christian Childbirth – Are We Cursed to Feel Pain in Childbirth? Understanding the “Curse of Eve” and the Role of Fear and Pain
- Ashley Strengholt
- Aug 24
- 5 min read
For many Christian women, the idea of childbirth is shadowed by an ancient narrative – the “Curse of Eve.” In Genesis 3:16, after the fall in the Garden of Eden, God says to Eve:
“I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children…”
Some interpret this to mean that pain in childbirth is not just inevitable, but divinely mandated. But is that truly what the Scripture teaches? It is possible for Christian women to approach childbirth with a different perspective – one rooted in faith, peace, and the redemptive work of Christ?
Let’s dig into what the Bible says, what it means, and how fear and pain interact in childbirth.
1. The “Curse of Eve” – What Was It Really?
The account in Genesis 3 is often referred to as “the curse.” But interestingly, when you read closely, God curses the serpent (Genesis 3:14) and the ground (Genesis 3:17). Eve herself is never explicitly cursed. Instead, God speaks of the natural consequences of sin entering the world: sorrow, toil, and pain.
The Hebrew word for “pain” in Genesis 3:16 is ‘itstsabown’, which can also mean toil, labor, or hardship — not necessarily just sharp physical pain. In other words, God is describing a new reality in a broken world: bringing forth life would now involve challenge, vulnerability, and difficulty. But He doesn’t say it will be unredeemable.
2. Pain, Fear, and the Mind-Body Connection
Modern childbirth research reveals something fascinating: fear can actually intensify pain. When a woman is afraid during labor, her body releases adrenaline, which can slow down labor, tighten muscles, and make contractions feel more intense. This is known as the “Fear–Tension–Pain Cycle,” a concept popularized by Dr. Grantly Dick-Read in the early 20th century.
From a Biblical perspective, fear is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7). While we can acknowledge that childbirth in a fallen world may involve discomfort or pain, the way we approach birth mentally, emotionally, and spiritually matters greatly.
When fear is replaced with trust in God’s presence, peace can often replace panic — and the perception of pain can change dramatically.
3. The Redemptive Work of Christ – Does It Apply to Childbirth?
The New Testament is clear that Christ came to redeem us from the curse of sin (Galatians 3:13). While that doesn’t mean we never experience hardship, it does mean that the final word over our lives is no longer curse but blessing.
Romans 8:21 reminds us that creation itself will be set free from its bondage. This includes our bodies. Many Christian women have found comfort in believing that through prayer, preparation, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, childbirth can be a profoundly worshipful and even a joy-filled experience — not just an unavoidable punishment.
Some also reference 1 Timothy 2:15, which says women “will be saved through childbearing — if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.” While this verse is debated in meaning, many interpret it as reassurance that in Christ, the fear and hopelessness often associated with the Genesis account no longer have dominion over us.
4. Biblical Examples of God’s Presence in Birth
Throughout Scripture, birth is seen as a blessing and God’s handiwork (Psalm 139:13–16). The Hebrew midwives in Exodus 1, for instance, were blessed by God for protecting newborns. The imagery of a woman in labor is even used to describe God’s purposes coming to pass (Isaiah 66:9: “Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?”).
These passages remind us that God is intimately present in the process of bringing life into the world — not as a distant observer enforcing pain, but as a compassionate Creator walking alongside His daughters.
5. Practical Steps for Christian Women Preparing for Birth
If you’re pregnant or planning for birth, here are ways to approach labor in light of faith:
Renew Your Mind with Truth: Replace fear-filled narratives with Scriptures that speak peace, strength, and God’s presence.
Prepare Your Body & Mind: Consider childbirth education classes that integrate faith, relaxation techniques, and informed choices.
Pray Over Your Birth Space: Invite God’s Spirit into the place where you will labor, asking for His peace to reign.
Have a Supportive Team: Surround yourself with people (spouse, doula, midwife) who respect your spiritual convictions and will help you stay grounded in faith.
Worship Through Labor: Music, Scripture reading, and prayer during contractions can transform the atmosphere.
6. A New Narrative for Christian Birth
Instead of viewing birth as a sentence to be endured, Christian women can reclaim it as a sacred act — a participation with God in the creation of life. Yes, the world is fallen, and pain is a reality for many births, but fear does not have to rule. The “Curse of Eve” does not have to be the defining story for Christian mothers.
As daughters of God, we can step into labor not with dread, but with the assurance that the One who formed our babies is the same One who will never leave us in our hour of need.
Final Thought
The Genesis account explains why childbirth may involve hardship, but the gospel reframes how we face it. Pain in labor may be part of the human condition, but fear is not our inheritance. In Christ, we are free to embrace birth as an act of faith, courage, and worship — trusting that every contraction is held in the hands of the One who redeems all things.
Encouraging Bible Verses for Labor & Birth
· Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
· Psalm 46:5 – “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”
· John 16:21 – “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”
· Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
· Isaiah 66:9 – “Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the Lord.
References
Holy Bible, New International Version. Genesis 3, Isaiah 66, Romans 8, Galatians 3, 1 Timothy 2.
Dick-Read, G. (2004). Childbirth Without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth. Pinter & Martin.
Grantley, J., & Buckley, S. (2015). “Fear–Tension–Pain Cycle.” Journal of Prenatal Education, 24(2), 70–76.
Brown, A. (2019). “Faith and Fear in Childbirth: A Christian Perspective.” Christian Midwives International Journal, 15(3), 45–53.
Simkin, P., & Klein, M. C. (2017). “Non-Pharmacologic Management of Labor Pain: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 62(4), 503–516.
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