Back Labor

AMcClell · May 2015

I searched and didn't find a thread that addressed back labor, so I'm starting this one. Anyways, I've been hearing a lot about back labor lately as I've been dealing with back pain, like many others. I've tried all of the at home remedies to ease the back pain and have been taking 1000mg of Tylenol every 6 hours per doctors orders. However, the back pain never subsides. Yesterday my back pain was so bad I passed out. I called the doctor and they tell me the usual, rest, ice, heat compress, warm bath, and hot shower.

Has anyone on here experienced back labor? How did it start? Did your water break? Was the back pain accompanied by contractions?

R87 · May 2015

I had back labor with my first. I felt my contractions in my lower back. Once my contractions became 6 mins apart my water broke. They first started to feel like tightening in my lower back once my water broke the contractions felt like a burning in my back.

angiekay84 · May 2015

I had back labor because of a sunny side up baby (the position of baby can cause the pain) and for me it was almost like a constant pain in my lower back, center. Like spinal area. It was more painful then any other part of labor, for me. I was on pitocin though, so not sure how that may have changed things. The absolute only thing that made me feel better (other than an epidural) was DH rubbing a tennis ball HARD on the lower spine for counter pressure. Counter pressure is a wonderful thing! Have DH run your back HARD in the one spot to see if it can give you relief.

beckyk9109 · May 2015

I actually went into preterm labor on Sunday (was only 34+3) and had major back labor. I've been having back pain for a while, but what I experienced on Sunday was definitely something else! The pain highly intensified with every contraction. I would feel my back tense up more, and then it would continue into my stomach. Thankfully my water didn't break so they were able to give me meds to stop the contractions but I wouldn't wish that pain on anyone!

lindsladle15 · May 2015

No back labor, but had back pain!
Have you tried a chiropractor?

britneythebridexo · May 2015

I had back labor. I still do btw. I had contractions all day and what a lot of people don't understand like (MIL & DH) is that with contractions for me they don't feel any different that one large backache and my back hurts all the time so it's extremely difficult for me to time contractions. When I went into labor with my first my water did break but I don't think that was due to back labor. I was 100% effaced and 3cm and just had my membrane sweep at the doctor (which I recommend) . But labor wise it felt like one giant awful backache and it was awful but I made it through with no drugs. If you think you can handle one giant awful backache in pulses then I think you can handle labor very well. Walking helped me a ton!!!

MrsCaliRN · May 2015

FTM here but I've supported laboring moms with terrible back labor before. Counter pressure and positioning (e.g. going on your hands and knees) are some med-free ways that may help with the discomfort, but don't expect to have it be a walk in the park. It's called labor for a reason

janat1717 · May 2015

My midwife had advised no reclined positions going forward to keep baby from deciding to settle back there. I'm willing to play it safe!!

AlyLynn07 · May 2015

I had back labor with our first. Labor started with menstrual-like cramping in the lower abdomen. They progressed to worsening cramps with intense low back pain. I agree that counter pressure from DH pressing on my back helped, as well as changing positions often. I was encouraged to keep moving around so baby would turn around and he did! My water did not break and my OB had to break it when I was 10cm dilated and feeling the urge to push. He was born naturally and it wasn't fun, but I also have no other experience to compare it to. Can't imagine labor being all that much easier even without back labor.

klkonwi · May 2015

Ok I'm going to give you some medical advice. And feel free to check my facts. It's great that your doc tells you to take 1,000 mg Tylenol every 6 hrs but be careful not to overdose on Tylenol. You are only allowed per your liver 4,000 mg in 24 hours. So watch your Tylenol intake. Your liver will not like you if you don't! So your taking the max......

AMcClell · May 2015

Thanks for the advice. I've been trying to get through the day without it, because I don't love taking over the counter meds if it's not necessary, and I don't want to hurt my liver. I've been taking 1-2 doses a day just so I can get through work...Teaching 1st grade with this much back pain is nearly impossible!

klkonwi · May 2015

@AMcClell I also hope you do not have actual back labor! My patients seem so miserable with it.... So I am praying you don't have it girl when the real action kicks in!

henrytviii · May 2015

I had a sunny side up baby my first and terrible back labor. But terrible might describe all labor. Contractions stacked so they were almost continuous. The nurses were great and tries everything including trying to turn him. I labored the last 12 hours on my hands and knees because anything else was hell. But I got through it and it felt amazing when the pain was gone and I was holding my baby. Said I'd never do it again but looks like I will be sometime in the next 1 to 5 weeks!

I didn't have much back pain during pregnancy so perhaps you wont have back labor. I hope not anyway. Look online and you can find some suggestions to try to get a sunny side up baby to turn. Mine seems to scramble to try to get back to his favorite position when I try these! Kicks so hard its painful.

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