What's Backlabor

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:

• the need for medication like Pitocin becomes a must and even increases
• the possibility of delivering through forceps increases
• the possibility of delivery through vacuum extraction rises
• 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