2 Esdras 16:38

38 Just as a woman with child, in the ninth month, when the time of her delivery draws near, has great pains about her womb for two or three hours beforehand, and when the child comes forth from the womb, there will not be a moment's delay,

2 Esdras 16:38 In-Context

36 Behold the word of the Lord, receive it; do not disbelieve what the Lord says.
37 Behold, the calamities draw near, and are not delayed.
38 Just as a woman with child, in the ninth month, when the time of her delivery draws near, has great pains about her womb for two or three hours beforehand, and when the child comes forth from the womb, there will not be a moment's delay,
39 so the calamities will not delay in coming forth upon the earth, and the world will groan, and pains will seize it on every side.
40 "Hear my words, O my people; prepare for battle, and in the midst of the calamities be like strangers on the earth.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.