The mention of pain in childbearing and giving birth, both concepts very closely related, is an example of a merism where the parts signify the whole. Throughout the child-bearing process, from conception to birth, the woman will experience great anguish and worry. The threat of death for her and her child will now be ever present.1 Even after birth, in the hard work of nurturing and raising children, the threat of death will still be there.
16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.”