Labor contractions are painful regardless
of duration and location, although
its gravity differs from woman to
woman. For some women, lower back
pain gets real intense during labor.
It feels like the contractions are
happening in the lower back when in
actual fact it's the uterine contractions
that are bothering the mother at the
back portion more than anywhere else.
Reasons
behind Backlabor..
• Backlabor simply means that
the baby is lying in the posterior
position; to be more specific the
back of baby's head is resting on
the bony part of the mother's spine
with the baby facing up toward the
pubic bone.
• Babies normally take the posterior
position at the start of labor. Many
babies change positions to anterior
though some remain at posterior right
up to delivery. Whether the baby changes
its position or not, it should not
be a cause for concern as apart from
the discomfort it causes.
• Backlabor can also mean the
pain is concentrated in the back
• The other reason is the dilation
of cervix which causes the cervix
to stretch and therefore the pain.
• Whatever the case, the contractions
are intensely felt at the back and
hence the term.
• With that said if the baby
remains in the posterior position,
expect labor to last longer.
In instances where the baby does make
a 180 degrees turn, delivery can commence
normally from there. If the baby remains
in the posterior position then:
1. the need for medication like Pitocin
becomes a must and even increases
2. the possibility of delivering through
forceps increases
3. the possibility of delivery through
vacuum extraction rises
4. the probability of C-section increases
Relief
for the Discomfort..
•
Counterpressure:
The most effective way to relieve
the pressure is if you allow someone
to apply pressure with knuckles or
fist on the affected area
•
Change your position:
Try to stay upright instead of lying
on your back as pain is most intense
when baby's weight presses against
the spine and nerves. Try leaning
forward or rocking your pelvis as
alternatives. Lie on your side if
lying down is most comfortable
•
Heat application:
Use a heating pad or hot water bottle
against your lower back to provide
relief between contractions. Alternatively
you can point the hot shower on your
back.
•
Get on all fours:
This position decreases the pressure
of baby's head on the spine
•
Epidural:
Consider taking an epidural to provide
pain relief
