How can I tell if its back labor or back pain?. It’s been very consistent and feels really tight. A lot of pressure on my uterus
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Back Pain: Is It Labor?
Back Pain: Is It Labor?
As you approach your due date, you might experience various physical sensations, including back pain. Understanding the difference between regular pregnancy back pain and labor-related back pain can help you determine your next steps.
Key Facts
Back pain is a common symptom during pregnancy due to the extra weight and changes in posture.
However, as labor approaches, some women experience a specific type of back pain associated with labor contractions.
What, Why, How?
- What is Labor-Related Back Pain? It's often referred to as "back labor," characterized by a significant, continuous ache in the lower back, sometimes accompanied by other labor signs.
- Why Does it Happen? Back labor can occur due to the baby's position, particularly if the baby is facing the mother's abdomen (known as the "sunny side up" or occiput posterior position).
- How to Distinguish It: Unlike regular back pain, back labor is typically rhythmic and can become more intense and consistent as labor progresses. It often accompanies regular uterine contractions.
The Significance of Back Pain in Labor
Back pain during labor, or back labor, is significant because it might indicate the onset of labor contractions or a specific baby position that could affect your labor experience.
What to Do Next
If you're experiencing back pain late in your pregnancy:
- Assess the Pain: Note the intensity, duration, and any rhythmic pattern associated with the pain.
- Monitor Other Symptoms: Look out for other signs of labor, such as the bloody show, contractions, or water breaking.
- Try Comfort Measures: Use heat packs, massage, or positioning strategies to alleviate pain.
- Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Especially if the back pain is severe, rhythmic, or accompanied by other signs of labor.
Q&As
- How can I tell if my back pain is just a pregnancy discomfort or a sign of labor?
- What can I do to relieve back labor pain?
- Does everyone experience back labor?
- Can back labor be prevented?
- When should I contact my healthcare provider about back pain?
Stay attuned to your body, try comfort measures for relief, and keep open communication with your healthcare team.
You're nearing an exciting moment, and being informed is a powerful step toward a positive birth experience!
Dig Deeper
Early Labor Indicators: What to Watch For
2 min read
Spotting the 'Bloody Show
3 min read
Understanding Water Breaking: The Basics
3 min read
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K
21 Nov 2023
Hi, 33 weeks and I’ve been having back pain persistently since yesterday when I’m up but not laying down… is this a sign of labor?
Summer
Could be, baby could also be laying or pushing on a nerve that’s causing the back pain
27 Mar 2024
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Meghan
Could be the way the baby is positioned and the pressure on a certain nerve.
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Alyssa
8 Nov 2023
I’m 36 weeks pregnant and having frequent contractions, no pain except for a dull pelvic pain and dull back pain that comes and goes. Is this a sign of early labor?
Jessica
It’s possible. If it gets worse you could go in to get checked just in case
27 Mar 2024
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Sheila
10 Sep 2023
Extremely painful Lightning crotch that is non stop with back pain. Am I in labor or is just baby being a pain? #labor
Amber
Are they radiating in your back? U might want go er just get checked luv
27 Mar 2024
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Adrianna
I'm going threw the same thing I can barely walk are get out of bed I'm almost 36 weeks and I'm in labor but only dilated to 1 .
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Amanda
22 Apr 2023
Can anyone tell me what back labor pain could be because I'm having lower back pain
Kelly
I had back labor with my last. It started off super mild and then got much worse. That was my first pregnancy so I wasn’t really sure what was going on. But you will know in the next few hours if it’s labor or just regular pain for sure
27 Mar 2024
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Amanda
did it hurt if you were walking
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Taylor
14 Dec 2022
Up alll night with terrible back pain and cramps, a few contractions here and there but nothing compared to the cramps and back pain. Does this mean that labor is soon? Or even early labor??
Briana
That’s how it started with me. I went in labor yesterday and the night before I was crampy with back pain up until the morning time. I was 8.5 cm by the time I made it to my dr. Good luck.
27 Mar 2024
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Taylor
Thank you!
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Kobi
9 Dec 2022
I’m in so much pain (my back & pelvis) and I’m extremely nauseated but I still don’t know if it’s labor 😭😭😭 I can’t take this
🌸🦋🍀Olivia🍀🦋🌼
Do you think you should go to the hospital just to make sure everything ok
27 Mar 2024
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Kobi
I just left and they say it could be early labor but they’re not admitting me yet
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rosa🪸
2 Dec 2022
having bad back/butt pain like a cramping sensation + loosened stool but no contractions or water breaking; how do i know if labor is starting? 🥲
🍂✨🌱Mikaela🌙🪷🧿
same here! 😭😭
27 Mar 2024
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Brittany
20 Oct 2022
How do you get through early labor period cramps and back pain? Only 1cm dilated. So nothing is happening at the moment just the pain.
Laura
Back pain, mostly. Then you will feel your muscles contract in the front
27 Mar 2024
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Alycia
Breathing techniques!
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Alexis
19 Sep 2022
So im almost 4 weeks pp and i have really bad pain in my back like it hurts when i bend my back it hurts from the center to the top i had some back problems in labor is this normal like its sever pain im wearing a back brace but is this normal or should i be concerned
Domonique
I could a doctor and get seen.
27 Mar 2024
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Domonique
would
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