What Causes Back Pain During Labour?
What Causes Back Pain During Labour?
Back pain during labour occurs when most of the pain and discomfort of labour is felt in the lower back. The baby’s position often is the cause. If the baby is in the occiput posterior (OP) position (with the face pointing toward the mother’s front), the back of the baby’s skull—which is much harder than the front—presses on the mother’s lower back.
Baby in the occiput posterior (OP) position
How Can I Relieve Back Pain During Labour?
Consult your healthcare professional before trying these comfort measures:
Take Pressure Off Your Back
Avoid lying on your back. If you are restricted to bed, lie on your side. Move around in the bed frequently. The more you move, the more opportunities the baby has to adjust to a better position for both of you.
If you are not restricted to bed, get up and move around. Walking is an excellent way to ease pressure on your back. Another good comfort measure is to get down on all fours and then slowly lean forward until you can rest your head on a pillow or yoga ball.
Getting down on all fours
and slowly leaning into a pillow can offer comfort.
Apply Counter Pressure
Having someone press on your back just above the tailbone can help relieve back pain during labour. You may find it helpful to direct the pressure higher or lower and to press with a hot or cold pack—whichever is most comfortable.
Help Your Baby Move
Back pain during labour usually subsides once the baby changes position; however, the pain may sometimes continue because the muscles may remain tense. Most babies move into the occiput anterior (OA) position by birth, although some will be born “sunny side up” (with the baby looking straight upward as he or she is born).
Baby in the occiput anterior (OA) position
Swaying back and forth, slow dancing, and even climbing stairs may help ease the pain and encourage your baby to change position. One method often used to relieve pain and encourage the baby to move is called pelvic tilt. While kneeling on all fours, use your pelvic muscles to tuck in your bottom, relax, and repeat.
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