Does your back hurt when you're about to have a baby? Is this 'back labor'?

As you approach labor, do you experience severe, unbearable pain in your back in addition to your stomach pain? Some mothers experience severe back pain like this during labor. This is not just a normal backache. Today we are talking about a condition that many people don't talk about, but you should definitely know about, called 'Back Labor'.

Simply put, what is 'back labor'?

Back labor is the intense pain and discomfort you experience in your lower back during labor. This pain is most severe during contractions, and can sometimes persist even when there are no contractions .

This usually starts when your cervix is ​​about 6 centimeters dilated and your baby is starting to gradually dilate, which is called 'active labor.' But sometimes it can start earlier.

How does this pain feel?

Childbirth and pain are very different experiences for everyone. But the pain of 'back labor' is very different from a normal backache. The table below shows how people who have experienced it describe the pain.

What are the causes of 'back labor'?

Doctors believe the main reason is the baby's position in the womb . Simply put, the back of the baby's head is pressed against the lowest bones of your back (spine and sacrum). This is medically called the ``Occiput Posterior'' position. This means that even though the baby's head is facing down, his face is facing your stomach.

Generally, for an easier delivery, the baby should be in the ``Occiput Anterior'' position. This means that the baby's face is facing your back.

However, it has now been discovered that several other factors, in addition to the baby's position, can affect this.

• Short stature: If a short person has a larger than average baby in their womb, back pain may increase because the baby has less room to move around in the womb.
• Pelvis shape: Even small changes in the shape and size of your pelvic bones can increase back pain.
• Back problems: If you have a back problem like scoliosis, you are more likely to develop back pain.
• Posture: If you have poor sitting or standing posture, such as leaning forward or arching your back, that can also contribute to this pain.

Additionally, you are more likely to have 'back labor' if:

• If this is your first birth .
• If the baby's weight is above average.
• If you have back pain during menstruation .
• If you are overweight (Obesity) .
• If you are past 37 weeks and on your due date (this condition is less common in those who deliver early).

How can I get relief from this severe pain?

This is the most important thing. There is no single solution to back labor pain. But there are many ways to find relief. The main thing is to change your position in a way that helps the baby change position.

Ways to help change baby's position

All of these methods open your hips, balance your pelvis, and make room for the baby to rotate easily.

• If you are standing, hold onto something sturdy, like a chair or sofa, and lean forward. This will help gravity help the baby get into the correct position.
• Sit on a chair or toilet with your head on your hands and face away from you .
• Walk, do squats or lunges . Rotating your hips like you're spinning a hula hoop is also great.
• Sit on a birthing ball and jump on it. It also helps to rotate your hips back and forth on the ball.
• Use a scarf or a bandana. Take a long piece of cloth and place it under your belly (in a U shape), and have your partner pull it up from both sides.
• Tell your partner to press inward and upward on both sides of the hips .

Other ways to reduce pain

If changing positions doesn't relieve the pain, try these things.

• Place a warm or cool compress on your lower back (choose what feels comfortable for you). But never place it directly on the skin.
• Sit in a basin of warm water or let the water run down your back from under the shower.
• Counterpressure method: Place a water bottle or tennis ball on your back and press it. Or ask your partner to massage your lower back firmly with their hands or something like a rolling pin.
• If the pain is unbearable, you can get an epidural . Ask your doctor or midwife about this. Also ask them about other pain relief methods, such as TENS machines and sterile water injections.

Other questions about 'back labor'

Can 'back labor' be prevented?

It can't be completely prevented, but doing certain things right from the start of pregnancy can help the baby get into the right position.

• Stay active during pregnancy (walking, yoga).
• Do pelvic tilts (kneeling, placing your hands on the floor, lifting your back up like a cat, and returning to the normal position).
• Be mindful of your posture. Sit and stand straight without slouching.
• Keep your knees lower than your hips whenever you sit.

Will this harm the baby?

No. Although 'back labor' is very painful and uncomfortable for you, it does not harm the baby .

Can 'back labor' cause complications?

Back labor pain itself is not a major health risk. However, the position of the baby (sunny-side up position) that causes this pain can sometimes require certain things to be done during labor. For example, there is a slightly higher chance of having to undergo a cesarean section (C-section) , or having an episiotomy or vacuum-assisted birth .

When should I call the doctor or go to the hospital?

If you have any of the following symptoms along with back pain, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).

• If the storm comes every 5 minutes , lasts for about a minute at a time, and continues like that for an hour.
• If there is a discharge or bleeding from the vagina.
• If you feel like your water is leaking from your vagina suddenly or gradually (water breaking).
• If you suddenly have diarrhea .

Back labor, childbirth, pregnancy, back pain, backache, labor pain, epidural, pregnancy health, women's health