well… truthfully this probably wont put your mind at ease but yes it is as bad as people say it is. But it is different for every woman, we all have different bodies and some can handle pain better than others. It runs in my family to have huge babies and painful births with the first child, i dont know about yours. But you are right your baby is coming out wether you like it or not and this is just another experience in life. Millions and millions of women have gone through it so i know you can too!! : ) just think with every contraction you get the closer you are to meeting your baby. And once you hold your child in your arms for the first time the pain is forgotten… believe me that part is so TRUE!! i told myself while i was having those horrible contactions that i would never have a child ever again but now i want 4 more… you will see i am promising you that it will be the best and most rewarding experience of your life! good luck!