Back Labor Pains
Can you explain to me what are back labor pains?
Back labor pain occurs whenever a woman goes into labor, and the head of the baby begins to put pressure on her spine. This pain is generally only felt whenever the expectant mother is having a contraction, but in some cases it can be felt between contractions.
The pain is felt in the lower back and this is a very distinct and intense feeling. It is because of this lower back pain, that many women can tell the difference between having a real contractions versus a fake contraction. Whenever a woman is having a Braxton Hicks contraction (fake contraction) she will not feel any pain in her lower back. In most cases the pain will only be felt in the lower abdomen. However, whenever a woman is in true labor and having real contractions, she will feel the pain both in her lower abdomen and her lower back.
Does The Baby’s Position Cause Back Labor?
It is thought that when the baby is facing up towards the mother’s pubic bone, that back labor occurs. When the baby is facing in this manner, the hardest part of his or her head will be putting pressure on the spine of the mother, leading to the intense pains that she is feeling. However, many experts believe that a woman who is delivering a baby facing down, may be just as prone to back labor as well.
Best Position For Giving Birth
The most optimal position for giving birth is known as the occiput anterior position, which is the way that a significant majority of all babies are born. In most cases a baby who is facing the wrong way, will eventually be turned into this position before being delivered. The baby can be moved into this position due to the activity of the mother before or during labor. Through the simple process of such things as walking or rocking back and forth, the baby may be turned into the right position. If the baby is not turned into this ideal position before delivery, he or she can be turned by the doctor if necessary.
If you are experiencing back labor you may want to try changing positions such as lying on your side or the more ideal position of getting on all fours, which helps to relieve the pressure being put on your pelvis. You may also want to ask your partner to help put counter pressure on your lower back, which is taught in most birthing and pain management classes.
Of course one way to significantly reduce the pain of back labor, is to get an epidural. This injection numbs the lower half of your body so that the birthing process is much easier on the mother. However, this is a personal choice and one that you should only make after educating yourself about the associated risks of having an epidural (which are generally very low).
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