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
