The experience of labour pain is multifaceted and differs greatly between and within species. Labour pain in the human parturient is especially complex, being influenced by not only the degree of nociceptive input but by an individual’s psychological, emotional, cognitive, social, cultural and environmental circumstances, as well. In view of the limited evidence available exploring pain in the labouring animal, it is hoped that through examination of evidence and common practices in humans, some inferences may be drawn.