Sciatica vs. Back Labor

JackieDallas

I know this may be a popular question. I have been having constant back pain since yesterday evening. I was able to make it into work today but I literally hobble as I walk. Has anyone experienced back labor and can tell me how it felt? Is the pain Are constant or do the increase in pain? TIA

kaiteedidit

If your questioning it, it isn't back labor. Seriously, you will know if your having back labor, it is awful.

InLovewSB

When I had back labor with G, I still was having contractions, but the pain in my lower back was intense. For me, though, it was still a noticeable, time-able contraction.

Hopin4aBaby

kaiteedidit:

If your questioning it, it isn't back labor. Seriously, you will know if your having back labor, it is awful.

Exactly this!  It sounds like your Sciatic Nerve.  That's how I get every night when I get up off the couch.  It sucks.

joeandmarsha

If you are having contraction even BH your belly will get hard not to mention that the pain would be able to time it. I find my sciatica is mostly on one side (left side) Your LO could also be resting on a nerve. Ask your doc about things you can do to help feel better.

Ivana_Stolichnaya

I had back labor and it didn't start until I was in active labor...no days leading up to.  It basically felt like I was being slammed in the lower back with a sledge hammer.  It was a radiating pain that happened with every contraction.  I went in feeling like I could go pain free, that went right out the window.

JackieDallas

Thanks. I thought it might be just back pain. But is it just me or has there been an increase of people getting "surprise your 10 cm dilated"? Or maybe I'm just a little paranoid.

haleybeth81

Ditto pp if you have back labor you just want drugs or the world to end.  Back labor is just like regular labor in that it comes and goes.  You are probably having back pain from the weight of the baby.  Sciatica is a sharp, nerve pain that usually starts around your butt and either goes up your back or down your leg and it can come and go based on where the baby is sitting (no timeable but like you lay on your side and suddenly are pain free).  constant back ache is usually just the curve of your back combined with baby's weight putting too much strain on your back.  Also if tylenol helps at all or heat, then it's definitely not back labor.

brookemarie1025

So I have had sciatica and it's miserable in your butt/lower back/one leg. Yesterday I had middle back pain for about 6 hours straight that got worse if I'd lay down. My mom thought it might be contractions...but she always says that about everything. I asked my doc about it today and she said it was probably more of a posture thing than anything. If it gets worse, spreads toward the front, comes and goes, etc. then I would call. Hope you feel better!

baconandpancake

I agree with the first post.  You will know when it's back labor.

When I was in labor with my first, I got up to go to the bathroom and collapsed to the floor because it felt like someone was twisting my back muscles and wouldn't let go.  The pain is sharp, shooting, and literally will take your breath away.

Parrot_momma

I have had sciatica since about 12 weeks. It goes from my hip, through my left butt cheek and down that leg. OUCH. And it has only gotten worse. I dont feel it much in my back though.