What hurts worse, kidney stones or pregnancy? A comparison

September 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2017 study, 79% of women who have experienced both conditions considered the pain from a kidney stone more painful than or similar to giving birth. When comparing what hurts worse, kidney stones or pregnancy, the distinction often lies in the nature and purpose of the pain.

Quick Summary

Comparing the pain of kidney stones and childbirth is complex, as both can be intensely painful experiences for different reasons. While labor pain is purposeful and often ends with a positive outcome, the sharp, relentless pain of a kidney stone can feel aimless and endless, with many women who have experienced both reporting the pain of renal colic as being more severe.

Key Points

Relentless Pain: For many who have experienced both, kidney stone pain is ranked as more severe and relentless than childbirth pain.
Purposeful vs. Purposeless: Childbirth pain is a productive, purposeful pain leading to a positive outcome, while kidney stone pain is seen as random and without purpose.
Limited Pain Relief: Kidney stone patients often have fewer options for complete pain relief compared to the effective medication and epidurals available during childbirth.
Distinct Pain Nature: Kidney stones cause a sharp, stabbing, and excruciating pain caused by a blockage, whereas labor pain is a more widespread, rhythmic cramping.
Subjective Experience: The perception of pain is highly individual and depends on personal factors like pain tolerance, medical history, and emotional state.
Duration Varies: Childbirth pain, though intense, has a defined progression and end, while kidney stone pain can last for days or weeks until the stone passes.

Understanding the Pain of Kidney Stones

Kidney stone pain, known as renal colic, is often described as extremely painful. This sharp, stabbing pain often comes in waves without the relief typically found between labor contractions. The pain is caused by a stone moving into the narrow tubes called ureters.

Why Kidney Stones Hurt So Much

The pain is a result of a blockage where urine produced by the kidney cannot pass freely, causing pressure to build up. This pressure leads to intense pain that can extend from the back down to the groin.

Intensity: Can be severe and sudden.
Location: Typically on one side, in the back or lower abdomen.
Duration: May last for days or weeks until the stone passes or is removed.
Symptom flare: Often includes nausea and vomiting.

Understanding the Pain of Pregnancy and Childbirth

Pregnancy involves various discomforts, culminating in the intense pain of labor. Childbirth pain is a significant benchmark but differs from renal colic.

The Purpose of Labor Pain

Labor contractions are purposeful, facilitating cervical dilation and the baby's movement through the birth canal. Contractions are rhythmic with periods of rest and can be managed with options like epidurals.

Intensity: Increases over time, peaking during active labor.
Location: Felt across the abdomen, back, and pelvis.
Duration: Intermittent, with periods of relief.
Pain Management: Often managed with medical interventions.

Comparing Kidney Stone Pain to Pregnancy Pain

The comparison is subjective, as pain tolerance varies individually. However, for those who have experienced both, kidney stone pain is often perceived as more severe. A 2017 study found that a majority of women who had experienced both conditions considered renal colic more painful.

The Psychological Aspect of Pain

Pain with a purpose, such as childbirth, can be perceived differently than aimless pain like that from a kidney stone. Childbirth pain is associated with a positive outcome, while kidney stone pain lacks this reward.

Limited Effective Relief for Kidney Stones

Effective pain relief is common for childbirth, but options for severe kidney stone pain are more limited. Pain medication is given but may not fully alleviate the intense sensation, leaving individuals to endure the unpredictable duration with little relief.

A Detailed Comparison: Kidney Stone vs. Childbirth Pain


Feature	Kidney Stone Pain (Renal Colic)	Childbirth Pain (Labor Contractions)
Cause	Blockage of the ureter by a stone.	Uterine muscle contractions.
Nature	Sharp, stabbing, often considered 'worst ever' pain.	Intense cramping and pressure.
Pattern	Intermittent but often relentless waves.	Rhythmic, with defined periods of relief.
Location	Starts in the back and flank, radiating to the groin.	Lower abdomen, pelvis, back, and thighs.
Duration	Can last for hours, days, or weeks.	A predictable process with a clear end.
Accompanying Symptoms	Nausea, vomiting, restlessness.	Fatigue, pressure, and emotional shifts.
Pain Management	Medication may not fully eliminate pain.	Wide range of effective options, including epidurals.
Reward	None, just relief when stone passes.	Giving birth to a child.

Medical Interventions for Both Conditions

Kidney Stone Treatment

Small stones may pass on their own with supportive care. Larger stones may require medical procedures.

Medications: Pain relievers and alpha-blockers can help.
Lithotripsy: Uses shockwaves to break stones.
Ureteroscopy: A scope is used to remove or break up the stone.

Childbirth Pain Management

Various medical and non-medical options are available.

Epidural: Numbs the lower body.
Opioids: Provide partial pain relief via IV.
Non-Medical Options: Includes massage and breathing exercises.

Conclusion: Personal Perception and Medical Context

Comparing kidney stones and pregnancy reveals significant differences. While childbirth pain is intense but temporary and constructive, kidney stone pain is often seen as relentless and purposeless. Studies and anecdotal accounts suggest kidney stone pain is often considered worse. The experience is ultimately personal, but medical details explain why the sharp, unyielding pain of a kidney stone is often viewed as more challenging. For further information on kidney stones, consult the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at www.niddk.nih.gov.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Renal colic is the medical term for the intense, cramping pain caused by a kidney stone moving through the urinary tract, and is often cited as one of the most severe types of pain.

For many, kidney stone pain is relentless, unpredictable, and lacks the sense of purpose and reward associated with childbirth. Additionally, the options for complete pain relief are often more limited for kidney stones.

While men cannot experience childbirth, the anecdotal accounts and studies comparing pain levels show that for many women, the pain of renal colic from a kidney stone is comparable or worse. Therefore, kidney stone pain can be considered the closest male equivalent to the severity of childbirth pain.

The duration varies depending on the size and location of the stone. Pain may come and go for days or even weeks until the stone is passed or treated with a medical procedure.

Common pain management options for labor include epidurals, spinal blocks, and IV opioids. Non-medical options like massage and breathing techniques are also used.

Yes, there are several types, including calcium oxalate stones (the most common), uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones.

Larger stones generally cause more significant blockages and can result in more intense, persistent pain. Small stones may pass with less severe pain, but the experience is still often described as extremely painful.