I'm 38weeks and 4days pregnant. My mom said she had back labor with me (although that was 23 yrs ago so she doesn't exactly remember - she just knows she didn't feel a thing in her tummy or abdomen)...I'm trying to decide if what I'm feeling warrants a trip to the hospital or just a nice hot shower and a nap. (yes I know better safe than sorry - but I'm serious this is a borderline call here - for any of those who have been pregnant you know what I'm talking about...)
Currently my back hurts so much worse than it his throughout the pregnancy. The bulk of the pain is focused just above my tailbone. The pain can sometime radiate into my hips and thighs but not always or regularly. Sitting makes it ok, lying down makes it worse. Kneeling sometimes helps, sometimes doesn't. I have the occasional tightening of my tummy but it isn't regular nor painful. Baby is still moving occasionally. No abnormal leakage. Could this be back labor?
2007-09-24 13:09:02 · 5 answers · asked by bubb1e_gir1 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
This doesn't sound like back labor (or early labor in general). It's rare for a woman not to feel anything at all in the abdomen during labor, even if she is having "back labor" so I would say your mom is very lucky. Contractions occur in the uterus so almost every woman is going to feel SOMETHING in her abdomen during labor - not just in the back.
The term "back labor" just basically means that because of the way your baby is positioned (more toward the back) you are going to feel a lot of pain back there along with each contraction (and maybe sometimes in between).
Also, just because your mother had back labor does not mean you will. Again, it depends on the baby's position and NOT on genes or heredity.
Since the pains you are feeling right now are not regular and can be somewhat relieved by changing positions, I would say you are not in labor, but that your baby is in a position that is causing some extra pain and discomfort. Or possibly you are experiencing sciatic which is nerve pain that can radiate from the lower back and buttocks to the backs of the legs.
Either way, now is a good time to practice "pain coping" techniques that will serve you well in labor - counterpressure to the back, massage, hot compresses and warm baths.
If your back pain at any time seems to worsen, or the tightening starts becoming regularly, definitely call your doctor or midwife.
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
2007-09-24 13:18:34 · answer #1 · answered by Veritas 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you say that the pain shifts, this leads me to think its your nerves. If pain persisted in your lower abdomen while the pain in your armpit comes and goes, then that would be a different story. Now there isn't a major nerve going from your abdomen to your armpit. So the problem probably isn't a pinched nerve. Instead, the nerves extend from the spine like ladder rungs. So I'd have to guess it might be a more general inflammation, either along the spine or along the left side of your body. As you move, breathe, digest food, etc., pressure can be relieved in one location and subsequently added in another location. As for the cause of the inflammation, it's hard to speculate. Some possibilities are wearing a heavy backpack only on one side, performing a repetitive activity such as shoveling, or even stress induced muscle tension. When these muscles become inflamed, they squeeze on the nerves causing pain in whatever area the nerve services. If this sounds probable, then potential solutions could be some gentle stretches to relieve some of the pressure on the nerves, taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, and refraining from the offending activity. As with any diagnosis you seek here, you should ultimately speak with your doctor for a more conclusive answer.
2016-05-17 22:24:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't sound like it - sounds like sciatic nerve pain, which happens depending on your position, and it radiates down into the hips and legs. Or just generic back pain related to the baby moving down into the pelvis.
Just because your mom had back labor doesn't mean you will. And contrary to popular belief, sometimes even regular labor is felt in the back even when it isn't true "back labor" which is caused by a sunny-side up baby. Everyone feels contractions differently.
But I do still recommend you call your doctor's office just in case. Tell them what you're feeling, and they can decide whether you need to be seen or not.
2007-09-24 13:18:42 · answer #3 · answered by Take A Test! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normally you only have back labor if your baby is in the posterior position (facing your back). My baby was in the posterior position last week and I had a lot of lower back pain. Then she finally turned around and it got better. There are some things you can do to help her turn if she's in the posterior positon. Don't sleep or lay on your back. Sleep on your side. Try to sit up straight, too. Being on your hands and knees also helps (not that this is very comfortable to do).
It's most likely not back labor if changing positions can make it feel better. If it was back labor it would hurt no matter what position you were in.
Hang in there! My due date is next week. We're almost there!
2007-09-24 13:18:51 · answer #4 · answered by milelj79 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're at 38 weeks, it's entirely possible, especially with what your mother told you, that it may be a start. I did that too at 36 weeks and nearly freaked out because I ignored it, it quickly spread all around and felt like a vise grip.
Just to be sure, if it persists to where you can't take it, please go.
2007-09-24 13:15:46 · answer #5 · answered by Yankee Micmac 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋