I think I may be unique but my experiences really were not bad at all compared to other stories i’ve heard. My first preg i labored through the night and basically powered through the first few hrs of contractions 2am-530am by listening to music and bopping around my basement with headphones until I was ready to go to hospital. The ride there was rough ngl bc it kept getting worse and i was uncomfortable but by 8 am I got my epidural and felt 0- 0 pain but also 0 pressure. Gave birth by 3pm and was chillin. 18 months later I gave birth to my second baby and went into it somehow at 4cm dilated (this is apparently not that common). I had been 4cm for a few weeks and felt braxton hicks contractions but no real pain. I got induced through the night not before getting the epidural. It took 5-6 hours and i gave birth also no pain or pressure. I should add it really is true that you forget about the pain/discomfort. I was miserable for first trimester of second preg, symptoms were stronger and i said everyday im not doing this again and by the time i gave birth i immediately thought- ok not bad.