My labour was quite intense, I was in pain constantly from the moment my waters went at midnight, the pains would just increase in intensity. I could liken the pains to really really bad wind/constipation cramps that hit you in waves, but worse. I had gas and air and it really does help, it doesn't necessarily help with the pain, but it does stop you caring. Whilst on gas and air I had several people looking between my legs and as my sister describes a man doctors arm up my foof!! I don't really remember lol I can't comment on the pushing bit as I had a c section, but I do remember asking for an epidural, but I think that was because the contractions were one on top of the other, I didn't have chance to recover between contractions. I watch OBEM in envy when I see ladies talking happily between contractions cos I certainly didn't have that. xx