Can i get contractions in my back

Most laboring people will experience some type of discomfort in their back during the labor and delivery process.

This pain may be mild and may exhibit itself as soreness or slight cramps. But, in some people—those in back labor—the pain is very intense, occurring during the contractions of active labor and also present between contractions. Causes of back labor may include:. Back labor can refer to several scenarios during labor, including back pain that is:.

Some of the back pain a person feels at full term may not be related to back labor. Rather, it could be the result of general aches and pains, which commonly occur from excess weight of the pregnancy straining the back muscles.

Back labor usually involves symptoms such as:. In general, you should contact your healthcare provider anytime you notice new symptoms during your pregnancy. Experiencing back pain for hours at full term can be an indication that labor is about to begin. Here are signs that labor may have started and indications that your healthcare provider should be notified:. Note, if you are having regular, painful contractions, accompanied by back pain, you will likely have back labor.

Having back labor is not known to cause any serious complications for the baby or the pregnant person, but there are some risks. This is due to the position of the baby. This position can increase the risk of:. Prevention strategies for back labor include:. A spinal block epidural may be considered for pain control in people with back labor, particularly when the baby is in the OP position.

When the baby is not in the optimal birthing position, known as left occiput anterior LOA , it is more difficult for the baby to descend through the birth canal, causing an increase in the need for pain medication for the pregnant person. Other medical treatments for back labor include sterile water injections. This can be an alternative to getting drugs for the pain.

One study showed that people with severe pain from back labor exhibited lower pain scores approximately 30 minutes after the injection. This may be not commonly available or used. Back labor feels like very strong pain and pressure in the lower back that worsens as labor progresses. There may be continuous lower back pain that doesn't subside between contractions. There are several preventive measures believed to help prevent back labor such as doing pelvic tilt exercises and bouncing on an exercise ball.

Back labor can last a few hours or throughout the entire labor process. Back labor is not easy to endure. The best way to prepare yourself for labor and its complications is to arm yourself with information beforehand. Show references Frequently asked questions. Labor, delivery and postpartum care FAQ Medications for pain relief during labor and delivery.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Accessed Feb. Month 6. Washington, D. Martensson LB, et al. Sterile water injections for childbirth pain: An evidence based guide to practice.

Women and Birth. In press. However, although lower back pain during labor is likely to last between contractions, it will typically get more intense during them. Learn more about different types of contractions here. If a person experiencing intense back pain thinks that they might be going into labor, the ACOG recommend paying attention to the following signs:. A person who experiences back pain during labor can ask for pain medication.

People who want limited or no medication may find relief from adopting different positions that support their back. Doctors generally suggest analgesics, which reduce pain without affecting movement or muscle control, or anesthetics, which block pain and touch sensations. The medical community does not consider certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, to be safe during pregnancy.

A person should always consult their doctor before taking any medication when pregnant. Doctors at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center suggest the following methods to ease pain during labor:. In most cases, back pain during pregnancy and labor is unavoidable. However, a person can take steps to try to lessen the discomfort.

Some methods that could reduce back pain during labor include leaning over sturdy objects while standing and avoiding crossed legs while sitting. A person should talk with their obstetric care provider if they have any questions or concerns about their pregnancy, no matter what stage of pregnancy they have reached.

Attending prenatal appointments and regular checkups will help ensure that the pregnancy is progressing healthily. If a person experiences unexpected bleeding, severe pain, or other symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency, they should go to the emergency room.

Other signs of labor include the water breaking, regular contractions, and the loss of the mucus plug. A person should call their obstetric care provider if they think that they are in labor or have concerns about their pregnancy.

Back pain affects around two-thirds of women during pregnancy. In this article, we look at the causes of back pain in the first, second, and third…. Signs of labor are different for every woman and depend on the stage of labor.