Are you experiencing severe back pain while you are about to have a baby? This is about 'Back Labor'!

If you are a loving mother who is expecting a baby, you must have heard a lot about 'labor pain', and you may even be a little scared about it. Usually, when we think of 'labor pain', we think of a stomach ache. But for some mothers, when they are close to having a baby, they experience unbearable back pain that is worse than stomach pain. Today, we are talking about this condition called 'back labor', which many people experience but are not exactly aware of.

What is 'back labor'? How does this pain feel?

Simply put, back labor is a severe pain in your lower back during the process of childbirth. This is not like a normal backache. Think about it, normal labor pains come in waves. They are intense for a while and then subside. But the pain felt during back labor is different.

• Many mothers describe this as an unbearable, sharp pain that comes from the lower back .
• The most important thing is that this pain does not subside between waves like normal pain. There is constant back pain . When that wave of 'labor pain' comes, this back pain becomes even worse.
• Sometimes this can be accompanied by pain that feels like the muscles in your back suddenly tightening (spasms).

This is not as rare as you might think. A significant number of expectant mothers have experienced this. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.

Why does my back hurt like this? Let's look at some of the reasons.

The main reason for ' back labor ' is the position of the baby inside your uterus. Usually, the baby's face is turned towards your back. But sometimes the baby's face turns towards your stomach. We medically call this the 'Occiput Posterior' position.

However, the baby's position is not always the cause of this. Other factors can also affect this.

Is this 'back labor' dangerous for the baby?

The first and most important thing to say is that this back pain alone won't directly harm you or your baby, so don't worry too much about it.

However, the problem is not the pain, but the baby's position that causes the pain. When the baby is in a position like 'Occiput Posterior', minor complications can sometimes occur as the baby moves down the birth canal. These include:

• Painkillers may be needed because the pain is unbearable.
• The mother feels extremely tired due to the prolonged labor.
• Forceps or vacuum devices may be used to remove the baby.
• An episiotomy may be necessary.
• Finally, having to resort to a cesarean delivery .

But the good news is that most of the time, babies will turn into the correct position on their own during labor . If not, your doctor or midwife may try to manually turn your baby into the correct position, depending on the stage of labor you are in.

How to know the baby's position?

The best way is to have an ultrasound scan . Also, an experienced doctor or midwife can feel your belly and get an idea of ​​the baby's position.

Is there a way to prevent this?

It's hard to guarantee that this can be prevented 100%. However, there are some things that can help to position the baby in a good position and reduce this risk. These are things that can be done from the time of pregnancy.

• Sit on an exercise ball for a while every day during pregnancy.
• Don't sink into deep sofas and recliners for too long.
• When sitting, try to sit so that your knees are lower than your hips .
• Avoid lying on your back during labor. If you have to lie down, turn onto your side .
• Sit on your back (backwards) on a chair or toilet seat during labor.
• Engage in exercises that help gravity bring the baby down, such as walking and doing squats.

How to get relief from back labor pain?

Okay, now let's see what ways you can get relief from this severe pain if it occurs. The most important thing is to change your posture without leaning forward. In addition, you can try these things.

• Place a hot or cold compress on your lower back.
• Counter pressure: Ask your partner or someone to help you apply firm pressure with the palm of your hand or a tennis ball to the area where your back is hurting.
• Hydrotherapy: Taking a hot bath or shower often provides pain relief.
• Massage: Massaging the lower back can provide great relief.
• Painkillers: If none of these provide relief, you can talk to your doctor about a medical painkiller, such as an epidural or spinal anesthesia .

It is very important to discuss all of this with your doctor before giving birth about the method that is best for you.

Back Labor, Back Pain, Having a Baby, Pregnancy, Occiput Posterior, Childbirth, Pain Management, Labor Pain, Women's Health