Regular waves of backache - a sign that labour is approaching

[firstpregnancy]

Has anybody had anything similar to this in the lead up to labour, or at the beginning of labour?

Since this morning I have been getting fairly regular waves of back pain that have been very gradually getting worse, lasting for about 10-20 seconds at a time every 5 - 10 minutes (not been timing them). I am fine between times (like now).

I know that my baby was lying back to back, but mw couldn't be certain at my last appointment on wednesday.

I don't think I am in 'proper' labour just yet, as I'm sure I am not in enough pain for that yet, but each time happens, I wince and cannot find a comfortable position, either sitting or standing, and am finding it harder and harder to concentrate on anything. I'm reluctant to phone the labour ward at this stage, but not really sure what to do for the best. I have taken paracetamol and am hoping this may ease things a bit. Could this be early labour, or something else?

I have also posted this in the Childbirth section, as I wasn't sure which it came under.

Doh! I meant to put a question mark in the thread title!

Could well be, my baby was back to back but I didn't get that 'traditional' back pain... keep us posted! PS how many wks/days are you?

I am 40+4, so am expecting it any time! Quite surprised at the intensity of the backache though, mostly because I haven't had any throughout the pregnancy at all, despite back-to-back baby.

Sounds like early labour to me!

Not really worth calling the labour ward until they're regularly 3 or 4 minutes apart though.

If you can, go and have a nap now. I was at this stage for hours and hours, and once the contractions got really intense I couldn't sleep and was bloo9dy exhausted already.

I had a back to back labour and the early stages were very similar.
Do you have pressure right at the bottom of your back, almost feels like it's in your bottom? I had that too.
Best of luck!
Baths, I found to help ease the ache too.

Yes, it feels exactly like that prolific. Also, have just lost my mucus plug so hopefully not long to go now. Think may have bath & sleep whilst I can.

Take some paracetamol and have a rest...see how it's going when you wake up.

Best of luck, it does sound promising.

Sounds like it to me. Mine were all like that. With the first, I felt this odd backache and thought it was bizarre. Twas only when talking to my midwife that she said it was contractions!

Keep us informed!

Ooh any news firstpregnancy? glad you understood my post on second reading it sounds quite mad!

Wishing you lots of luck and best wishes!

Yes I had this the morning of the evening I went into full labour so it could start soon! Be prepared!