Childbirth is also described as perhaps one of the most intense painful experiences a woman can undergo in her lifetime. From cultural accounts to personal testimonials shared among girlfriends and families, pain during childbirth is almost considered a universal anticipation. But then again, is the pain one expects during child delivery something that has to be distributed equally among every woman? That is not actually the case as some women will sail through birth with little to no pain.

What distinguishes them? New studies have discovered genetic elements that could account for why some women feel less pain during childbirth than others, and the findings might have implications far beyond the obstetric ward.

Pain during labor is subjective and varies widely among women. While some women manage the process quite well, and even with an empowering attitude, others become intolerably painful and require the intervention of epidurals or any other form of anesthesia.

Scientists and health professionals alike have long been interested in understanding this difference. Researchers have postulated for a long time that it is likely due to several reasons, such as cultural factors, psychological preparedness, and condition of the physical body. However, a breakthrough study has now revealed that there may be a genetic explanation behind these differences in pain perception during childbirth.

How a Genetic Variant Increases Pain Threshold

A key study led by Dr. Ewan St. John Smith of the University of Cambridge has identified a rare genetic variant that may explain why some women feel less pain during childbirth. The study, conducted in collaboration with clinicians at Addenbrooke Hospital in Cambridge, focused on women who had experienced normal births but reported little to no pain, often opting out of pain relief interventions like epidurals.

The researchers found that these women were significantly more likely to have a variant of a specific gene, named **KV6.4**. The variant effects the nervous system response to pain signals: it seems that this gene is closely related to the processing of discomfort by the body in childbirth. To research it further, the scientists used laboratory mice-whose nervous systems, by the way, are impressively similar to humans-to find out what happens in those mice with KV6.4 variant.

They manipulated the nerves of the mice to express either the normal version of the gene or the variant found in the women who experienced less pain.

Results were quite illuminating. Those nerves that carried the KV6.4 variant were much less excitable, indicating that greater stimulation was required before the nerves could send electrical signals to the brain, signals that the brain interprets as pain. This thus meant that women carrying the KV6.4 gene variant may have a much higher pain threshold, making childbirth a less painful experience for them.

Genetic Evidence Supporting Less Need for Pain Relief in Childbirth

For validation of the hypothesis, the Cambridge team tested a group of women who gave birth without requesting any pain relief at their birth. The women were made to undergo a series of exercises that caused discomfort to them, which included applying heat and pressure on their arms and then telling them to plunge their hands in icy water. The women who had the KV6.4 gene variant were significantly more tolerant of pain than another group of women who needed to receive pain relief during childbirth. The results of these women were uniform in various types of pain, such as pressure pain and pain caused by cold exposure.

This finding indicates that the KV6.4 gene variant does not only affect pain perception in the context of labor but also could be responsible for a general increase in pain tolerance to different kinds of discomfort. According to Dr. St. John Smith, the gene almost acts like a "natural epidural," shielding these women from the full force of labor pain.

How Does this Impact Pain Management

The discovery of the KV6.4 gene variant opens new avenues for pain management, not only for women in labor but for chronic pain sufferers around the world. Chronic pain affects nearly half of the UK population, and many people living with pain report that current medications either do not work effectively or come with undesirable side effects. Knowing the manner in which the KV6.4 gene variant modulates pain signals might make it easier to develop better and more focused therapies for chronic pain.

In fact, the research conducted by the team from Cambridge is now considered to be a potential game-changer in pain management. The researchers are now focusing on pain sensitivity's genetic underpinnings, and hope to put forward with drugs that have the ability to mimic the effects of the KV6.4 variant, an area of new hope for those suffering with chronic pain conditions. According to Professor Frank Reimann, a co-author of the study, "We hope this may open avenues to the development of new drugs to manage pain."

Role of Genetics and Pain Sensitivity

This discovery also challenges the conventional understanding of pain and pain management. While earlier research has always focused on the external factors like psychological stress, previous trauma, and environmental influence on pain perception, this new genetic perspective puts a stamp of complexity on the biological nature through which we feel pain. This means that, for at least some women, the secret to less painful childbirth may not be in their mental or physical state but in their genes.

In addition, the study concurs with other research studies that were conducted on epidural use during labor. A study in 2018 showed that women who had epidurals during labor had a lower risk of postpartum depression. Epidurals are still a common intervention in managing labor pain, but the KV6.4 gene variant presents an exciting alternative that could change the way pain relief is approached in childbirth and beyond.

The discovery of the KV6.4 gene variant is a major breakthrough in understanding pain perception, especially in the context of childbirth. Not every woman may carry this rare gene variant, but those who do experience a substantially different level of pain during labor. This genetic knowledge does not only give a new view of the phenomenon of birth but also promises the development of better, more tailored pain management for a wide variety of conditions.

With continued research into pain genetics, the expectation is that these findings will eventually lead to new, more effective treatments for chronic pain sufferers, thus improving quality of life for millions of people worldwide. In the future, the KV6.4 gene and similar genetic factors may revolutionize the way we approach pain, offering more precise and targeted interventions for those in need. For now, however, women who give birth with little to no pain may have more than just mental fortitude on their side—they may have a genetic gift that could lead to new breakthroughs in the world of pain management.

Other Methods To Mange Pain During Childbirth

Pain management during childbirth is a deeply personal choice, influenced by individual preferences, cultural beliefs, and medical guidance. While some women may naturally experience less pain due to genetic factors, many rely on other methods to alleviate discomfort during labor. Here are some common approaches:

1. Epidural Anesthesia

One of the most widely used medical pain relief methods, an epidural involves injecting anesthetic near the spinal nerves, significantly reducing pain while allowing the mother to remain awake and alert.

2. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

A safe and effective option, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask, helping to reduce anxiety and dull the perception of pain without numbing the body.

3. Opioids

Administered intravenously or via injection, opioids provide short-term pain relief. However, their use is closely monitored due to potential side effects on both mother and baby.

4. Breathing Techniques and Lamaze

Focusing on controlled breathing patterns can help women remain calm and better manage contractions. Lamaze classes often teach these techniques, empowering women to cope with labor more effectively.

5. Water Birth or Hydrotherapy

Soaking in warm water during labor can ease muscle tension, provide buoyancy, and reduce the intensity of contractions, offering a natural way to manage pain.

6. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

This non-invasive technique involves placing electrodes on the back to deliver mild electrical pulses, which can interfere with pain signals and provide relief during early labor.

7. Acupuncture and Acupressure

Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, these methods involve stimulating specific points on the body to promote relaxation and alleviate pain during labor.

8. Movement and Positioning

Staying active and changing positions during labor can help reduce pain by encouraging the baby to move into an optimal position for birth and by relieving pressure on certain areas.

9. Hypnobirthing

This method focuses on relaxation, visualization, and self-hypnosis techniques to help women approach labor with a calm and positive mindset, reducing fear and pain.

10. Emotional Support

The presence of a supportive partner, doula, or trusted family member can make a significant difference in pain perception, providing comfort and reassurance throughout the birthing process.

These methods, used individually or in combination, empower women to tailor their childbirth experience to their unique needs and preferences.

Labor Analgesia as a Predictor for Reduced Postpartum Depression Scores: A Retrospective Observational Study. Anesth Analg. 2018

Human labour pain is influenced by the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv6.4 subunit. Cell Reports. 2020

The US is facing a long-term decline in the birth rates. As per experts, this raises a concern in terms of what this means for country's future, especially with regard to health of its population, economy, and caregiving systems.

A Slight Rise in 2024

As per the new data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 3.6 million babies were born in 2024. This is just a 1% increase from the previous year, which had been the lowest record in births. While this uptick may seem encouraging, it is not enough to reverse the troubling trend.

The US fertility rate remains around 1.6 births per woman. This is significantly below the 2.1 births that is required to sustain the population growth without immigration.

As per the demographers, this continuous drop began during the Great Recession in 2007. It has continued steadily since.

Shift In Teen Births

One of the biggest shifts is the steep decline in teen births. In 1991, about 62 of every 1,000 teenage girl had a child. This number has now fell to just under 13 by 2024. This is a historic low that reflects a positive shift, better education, access to contraception, and changing attitudes about early parenthood.

Similar trend is seen among women in their 20s, as the rates their too have dropped. In 2007, about 106 of every 1,000 women aged 20 to 24 gave birth. By 2024, the number has dropped to around 57. For women aged 25 to 29, the rate fell from 118 in every 1,000 women in 2007, to 91 in 2024.

Though there has been a slight rise in births among women in their 30s, experts say that it is not enough to offset the overall decline.

Are Births Being Delayed?

“One of the big questions is all these births that haven’t occurred—are they just being delayed?” asked Ken Johnson, a demographer at the University of New Hampshire. “Or are a lot of these births going to be forgone entirely?”

The answer has significant public health implications. A shrinking younger population could lead to fewer caregivers for an aging society, higher burdens on healthcare systems, and a smaller workforce contributing to national health programs like Medicare.

Why Are Fewer Americans Having Kids?

As per experts, while people still want children, there is a lingering financial burden and social barriers too that get in a way. High student loans, debt, and the rising coast of child care, unstable housing, along with limited access to paid parental leave are all major concerns.

“People don’t have kids when they don’t feel good about their own futures,” said Karen Benjamin Guzzo, a family demographer at the University of North Carolina.

Can Policies Help?

Some political leaders are proposing measures to encourage parenthood. Former President Trump, for instance, has suggested “baby bonuses” and scholarships for married couples or parents. However, Johnson believes that without stronger, systemic support, the U.S. birth rate is unlikely to bounce back to replacement level.

Immigration may help slow the effects of falling birth rates. Many immigrants move to the U.S. with plans to start families, Johnson noted. “They bring the potential for babies in the future.”

Not so long ago, childhood was seen as a joyful chapter of life rich with play, discovery, and endless imagination but now, a dangerous shift is underway. More and more number of children and teens are fighting severe emotional struggles that were once considered rare in youth. From depression and anxiety to more serious, more intricate mood disorders, the emotional well-being of the next generation is in shambles.

A study appearing recently in JAMA Pediatrics put a spotlight on a frightening trend: a sharp and consistent rise in mood disorders in children and teenagers over the last six years. Over 1 in 10 kids—10.6%—suffered from anxiety in 2022, compared to 7.1% in 2016. Depression also increased, hitting 4.6% of children in 2022, up from 3.2% in 2016. These statistics are not abstract; they reflect an escalating emotional crisis among our children, one that requires immediate and thoughtful action from parents, medical professionals, educators, and policymakers.

These aren't one-time occurrences. They're indicators of a broader crisis that is occurring in schools, homes, and communities—one which was fueled by the pandemic but was well under way before that. As the stressors of childhood change and escalate, so does the psychological load on our children.

But whereas scraped knees or the flu are tangible and obvious, mood disorders can be intangible, misunderstood, or dismissed altogether. And if left unidentified or unaddressed, the impact can trail a child into adolescence and adulthood, impacting everything from grades to relationships, self-worth, and health outcomes.

Not Just a Post-Pandemic Phenomenon

Although the COVID-19 pandemic shed international light on mental health conditions, scientists explain that the increased prevalence of mood disorders among adolescents is not exclusively a pandemic phenomenon. "Our results highlight the urgent need to address youth mental health, which continued to decline even as we exited the pandemic," says Marie Heffernan, assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

The research, conducted on the National Survey of Children's Health, shows a bittersweet pattern: although a few physical medical issues such as asthma and migraine are reducing in numbers, mental and emotional ailments are increasing. This contrast serves to emphasize that children's emotional health must command just as much clinical attention as does their bodily well-being.

What Are Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders, or affective disorders, are mental illnesses that encompass major depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia. They are marked by disturbances in an individual's emotional state that exceed the normal ups and downs of childhood or adolescence. The emotional changes are persistent, intense, and hard to control, and they tend to interfere with a child's functioning at home, school, and in social relationships.

Some of the most frequently diagnosed mood disorders in children and adolescents are:

Major Depressive Disorder: Ongoing sadness or irritability for two weeks or more.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Ongoing low-grade depression for one year or more.

Bipolar Disorder: Intermittent periods of elevated and depressed mood.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Intense irritability and persistent outbursts of temper.

Substance-Induced Mood Disorder: Mood disturbances due to medication, drugs, or toxins.

Mood Disorders Caused by Medical Illnesses: Mood shifts brought on by chronic disease or injury.

How to Identify the Warning Signs

In contrast to adults, children and adolescents tend to convey emotional distress through physical complaints or behavioral problems instead of talking about sadness or anxiety. This can make it more difficult to identify mood disorders. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia states that symptoms can be:

• Severe or persistent sadness, irritability, or anger
• Substantial changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
• Withdrawal from friends or family, or withdrawal from social events
• No interest or pleasure in activities that they used to enjoy
• Difficulty with schoolwork without an identifiable cause
• Excessive physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches

More often than not, these symptoms are confused with "phases" or attributed to stress or personality traits. That diagnostic delay can result in escalating symptoms or the emergence of comorbid conditions such as substance abuse or conduct disorders.

Why Are Today's Kids More Vulnerable Emotionally?

Experts cite several overlapping reasons for the explosion of mood disorders in young people:

Heightened Academic and Social Stress: Children today are under enormous pressure to succeed—academically, athletically, and socially—with little time left for emotional regulation.

Social Media and Online Exposure: Ongoing exposure to filtered realities, cyberbullying, and online validation cycles can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.

Family Life and Stress: Domestic instability, economic struggles, or family conflict can have a significant effect on a child's emotional resilience.

Deficiencies in Mental Health Infrastructure in Schools: Most schools do not have adequate psychological support staff or school programs emphasizing emotional well-being.

Stigma and Lack of Awareness: Mental health, in most communities, is still stigmatized, and its underreporting and underdiagnosis follow accordingly.

Managing Mood Disorders with Early Intervention

Mood disorders in children can be treated—if caught early. Treatments include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist in coping with detrimental thought patterns in children
• Medication, as needed and very closely monitored
• Family Therapy to treat systemic stressors
• School-Based Support Services, including counseling and emotional wellness programs

Experts have said that continued concern and resources are justified at a national level to explain and treat the array of possible reasons for increasing anxiety and depression.

What Can Parents and Schools Do?

The awareness is the beginning, parents need to notice not only the changes in behaviour, but also emotional and physical signals that indicate distress. Schools, in return, require improved mental health education for teachers and more accessible support systems for pupils.

Promoting open dialogue about mental health, safe emotional release, and decreasing stigma can help children get through their feelings. As has been proven through research, numerous children benefit immensely from early, long-term intervention—and go on to live strong, healthy lives.

The emotional well-being of our children is not a specialty concern—it's a global public health imperative. With anxiety and depression levels steadily increasing, the time to take action is now. Being able to provide children with the proper resources, attention, and support systems can influence not only their emotional well-being in the short term but their capacity to thrive in the future.

The Talk. If you are an adult, a parent, or in your early adulthood, you must have heard about "The Talk". This conversation, as important as it is to have, could also be anxiety inducing.

What Exactly Is "The Talk"?

The question that may loom over parents is when is it the right age to have "The Talk"? But, before we get to that, let us discuss what "The Talk" is?

By "The Talk", people mean to drop the bomb, or address the elephant in the room. This conversation involves talking to your kids about puberty that will bring about many changes in their bodies, their minds, how they fell, and much more.

"The Talk" is not just one conversation that can happen only once in your life. It is an on-going discourse. However, having "the Talk" at least once, sets the foundation for kids and tells them that they can reach out to their parents whenever they wish to.

As per the CS Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, about 41% of parents reported that they approached talking with their child about puberty only when prompted by child. Only 36% of parents think it is best to have this conversation before the age of 10. So, what is the right age?

If experts are to be believed, it is best to bring this conversation up before your child brings it to you.

However, it is an anxiety-inducing process. But why is this important to talk?

“It’s easy to assume a child is too young for conversations about puberty, but many parents are surprised to find their tween already showing signs,” said Sarah Clark, Mott Poll Co-Director.

Early discussions, she explains, allow parents to present the information in an age-appropriate way, easing confusion and anxiety. If parents don’t begin the conversation, kids may seek answers from classmates, social media, or television.

Different Approaches, Different Comfort Levels

The poll revealed a wide range of parental approaches:

Proactive Parents: About half said they start conversations before questions arise.

Reactive Approach: Two in five wait until their child brings it up.

Avoidance: Around 5% avoid the topic altogether.

Many parents feel uneasy: one in five worry about embarrassment, and one in six fear saying the wrong thing. Some children resist as well—25% of parents with 10- to 12-year-olds say their child doesn’t want to talk about puberty, and a third of parents with 7- to 9-year-olds feel their child is too young to understand.

Parental History Shapes Comfort

Parents' past experiences with “The Talk” also play a role. Fewer than one in three received adequate information from their own parents. More than a third never had the conversation at all.

“Whether they realize it or not, parents may bring their own childhood experiences into how they handle this now,” Clark noted.

Navigating Topics of Sex and Reproduction

Another common challenge: knowing whether to include discussions about sex and reproduction, and if so, how much to share. Clark advises starting with the basics—physical and emotional changes—then layering in more detail over time.

Confidence in spotting puberty varies. About half of parents say they can recognize signs of puberty, and 60% of parents with 10- to 12-year-olds say they’ve already seen them. Among parents of younger children (ages 7–9), 17% have noticed early signs, while nearly a third remain unsure what to look for.