"To the woman he said:
'I will intensify the pangs of your childbearing;
in pain shall you bring forth children.'"
(Gn 3:16)

Pain in childbirth is a phenomenon experienced by fallen human nature. What causes this pain? First, we must realize that there are two kinds of pain, the pain that tells us something is wrong and second the normal stresses of giving birth. Apart from physical deformities, the pain suffered in childbirth is due to fear. "Pain-free labor, though not the norm, usually happens to those who are relaxed and calm and open to birth, and not fearful or controlling. Fear creates tension, which produces adrenaline, and decreases your body's natural ability to relieve pain on it's own." So apart from physical deformities, the pain in childbirth is primarily caused by disharmony in woman's nature.

Did Mary experience pain in giving birth to Jesus?

"From the 3rd century on, the general doctrine of the Fathers of the Church and the theologians was that the birth took place without pangs and without bodily lesions in Mary. But this cannot be regarded as a dogma." However, without specifying in detail, "It has been a constant teaching of the Church that she gave birth to Jesus without violation of her integrity and she remained ever virgin." (Encyclopedia of Theology, Edited by Karl Rahner, The Seabury Press, NY,1975, pp. 897-898)

I am of the opinion that Mary experienced the normal process of birth but there is here a mystery beyond nature. Mary was free from Original Sin which means that there was a peaceful harmony in the powers of her soul and body. Abandoned as she was to God's will, there certainly was no fear to cause a painful birth. Thomas Philippe, O.P. sees a profound relationship between Mary and the Child. He states: "God exploited the infinite capacity of pure matter in such a way as to unite them in supernatural love which embraces the entire being of each, body as well as soul, from conception onward, and related them to each other and to him." (Mystical Rose, p. 134) Birth did not break the profound relationship of love between Mother and Child. Not only is there no conflict between Mother and Child, but the Child as the Son of God loves his mother even from the womb. This combination made for a joyful birth without pain.

"The obedient submission of Mary gave to the world the Divine Redeemer.
Now, “The Word was made flesh.”
The Second Person of the Holy Trinity, God the Son, became man."
(Christmas Orthodox Prayer)

Mary's Mystical Suffering