1.
labor pains; contractions
The painful uterine contractions that occur during childbirth. Can also be used figuratively to describe the painful process of bringing something new into being.
Compound of 陣 (battle formation, camp) + 痛 (pain). The character 陣 here alludes to the waves of pain that come in surges, like successive battle charges.
Usage
A medical and everyday term used when discussing pregnancy and childbirth. Often appears with 間隔 (interval) since timing the frequency of contractions is important for determining when to go to the hospital. Occasionally used figuratively — 産みの陣痛 ("birth pains") can describe the painful early stages of creating something new, such as a reform or new system.
Common collocations
- 陣痛が始まる — contractions begin
- 陣痛の間隔 — interval between contractions
- 陣痛促進剤 — labor-inducing drug
- 陣痛に耐える — to endure labor pains