Back labor or kidney stone?

StacyBee79

I've had several bad nights in a row where I've been awake and in terrible pain for hours, but then by morning it stops. DS #1 was a scheduled c-section because he was breech, so I never went into labor and don't know what it feels like. So I don't know if the pain I've been having is labor or something else. Whatever it is, it's not consistent, and it's not measurable like contractions are supposed to be (or so I thought). I get terrible pain in my back right lower quadrant that lasts for hours and doesn't stop or start. My belly will tighten and sometimes get crampy, but that part isn't really painful - it's the back pain that's so agonizing. I've read that back labor can be like that, but it seems like if it was back labor it should have led to something by now.

I know none of you are doctors, I'm just wondering if anyone who has experiencing either back labor or kidney stones would like to chime in and tell me what it felt like.

lenaerickson

I just experienced my first contractions last night and it felt like really bad menstural cramps. If that's what you felt, then you are on the right path!

chelsearosehicks

If the pain is so bad you vomit, it's a kidney stone. I've had several and the pain is absolutely unbearable and you would have gone to the emergency room already, I am sure. Also, if it felt like you had a UTI before the pain came, it's a kidney stone. They tend to make you feel like you have to pee all the time but nothing really comes out and the feeling never goes away after peeing. I hope this helps. I don't know what back labor feels like.

lildevil968

I had back labor with DD, and I do not remember it being anything like you described. It was like menstraul like cramps, but in my lower back, they where time able, and not constant like you are describing. When they get stronger, and stronger it feels like the LO is gonna come out your back.

Ciconrad

I've had kidney stones and the pain doesn't come and go like that.  You are pretty much in constant pain until the stone gets to your bladder.  I also have frequent urination with kidney stones, which you didn't mention.  I've never really experienced back labor, but I would bet it's that over kidney stones.

StacyBee79

Thanks to everyone who's responded. Sounds like it could go either way, huh? I do have frequent urination where not much seems to come out ("frequent" as in sometimes I have to go again as soon as I stand up from the toilet - it's ridiculous), but I thought that was just normal late 3rd tri stuff. And the pain was so bad last night that I had chills and nearly threw up. If I weren't a VBAC candidate trying to labor as long as possible at home (I'm "on the clock" as soon as I get to the hospital and I'm scared of stalling and ending in a c-section if I go in too soon), I probably would've gone in immediately because the pain was so intense. But it seems like if it were a kidney stone, I'd still be in pain and it wouldn't have stopped after a few hours. Unless maybe I did pass it last night? Anyway, I've left a message with the doctor, so we'll see what she has to say. Thanks!