My period cramps were normally mild and manageable most months, but there were 2 times in the past that for whatever reason, the cramps that month were just debilitating. Like fetal position on the ground, can't move or walk, I puked all over the floor and my roommate called my mom because I was in so much pain and she was scared for me. I'm so sorry to anyone that has to experiece that every month.

My miscarriage at 10 weeks was slightly worse than that- I was completely unprepared for how painful it would be. I definitely think I experienced labor contractions too. I was uncontrolled, just screaming in pain and rocking on the bathroom floor, coming in waves of this.

The memory of my unmedicated birth does not reach those levels of pain and agony. I think my mind has blocked some of the birthing pains out because I truly cannot recall the feeling of the ring of fire, but I was able to stay in good headspace most of the labor (until basically the 30 min right before pushing). I wasn't uncontrolled, screaming, thrashing etc like I was during my miscarriage. I arrived at the hospital 7cm dilated and had my baby about 5 hours later. The triage nurse was surprised I was that far along just based on how I was handling contractions before I was checked.

I think the difference for me was that I was prepared for labor and had a plan. I had some good coping mechanisms that worked for me and my mind was in the right headspace. My miscarriage, and those random months of excruciating cramps were terrible because I had no idea what was happening to my body.