Backache and labour

[aliphil]

This might be an incredibly stupid question, but hey, I've never done this pregnancy thing before ...

I keep reading and being told that contractions can start off as backache, especially as my DC is posterior. So how will I know whether it's contractions or, well, just backache? Aches and pains aren't exactly uncommon just now (39 weeks)!

Hi, my DD was back to back. When I was in labour I had pain in my back every time I had a contraction rather than it being constant. I had a bath which stopped the backache but not the contraction pain.

My DD was back to back and i woke up at 2am in pain, but in my back, it was a constant ache. I went back to sleep finally and phoned my MW at 7.30 am, she said to have a bath and see what happened. I did and the back ache eased off. But then by 7pm that night, it was unbearable. Up to then, it was just a constant pain that i could deal with. I had a feeling before i spoke to her that it was signs of early labour, so i think you'll know if you get that. Good luck!

Mine felt like the most painful tummy upset imaginable :)

Literally, the same way that it cramps in your tummy and back, DS was back to back and that's the only way I can describe how it felt

Thanks everyone! Nothing yet apart from the odd irregular and non-painful contraction, so I hope I'll spot it when it changes to the real thing!