2 Esdras 16:39

39 A woman in the ninth month of pregnancy, when the hour for giving birth arrives, experiences great pains around her womb for two or three hours beforehand, but when the infant is ready to come forth from the womb she doesn't delay for a moment.

2 Esdras 16:39 In-Context

37 Here is the Lord's word. Accept it. Don't disbelieve the things that the Lord speaks about.

38 Look, the disasters are approaching and won't be delayed.

39 A woman in the ninth month of pregnancy, when the hour for giving birth arrives, experiences great pains around her womb for two or three hours beforehand, but when the infant is ready to come forth from the womb she doesn't delay for a moment.

40 In the same way, these disasters won't delay to come forth on the earth, but the world will groan and pangs will envelop it.

41 Hear the word, my people. Prepare yourselves for battle, and in the midst of disasters be like strangers on earth.