38 weeks pregnant and having constant lower back pain

[Nearlymummyof2]

Hi I'm 38 weeks tomorrow and have constant lower back pain this is my second child and for the life of me cannot remember if this is normal? Could it be the start? Also I am now 4/5 palpable and wondered if this is how much the head is engaged or how much the midwife can still feel out of the pelvis? The reason I ask is that on a previous MW appointment I was 3/5, this says to me it's going further in? Anyone shed any light on this? Sorry if I'm been stupid :) thanks guys

I had constant back pain towards the end of pregnancy but it was my back suffering because of the heavy belly. When my time came my water broke and started contractions on the next day - no back pain. The 4/5 number is the stage how the baby's head is engaged so - howlow in pelvis it is. That means that you are getting there!

4/5 palpable means that she can still feel 4/5 of the baby's head outside your pelvis. So 3/5 is actually further engaged. My understanding is that with second children the head can go in and out of the pelvis right up until you go into labour, so not really anything to worry about. I think back pain can be the very early start of things but also can just be due to the strains of being heavily pregnant. I am getting back pain on and off at 37 weeks but it's mainly in the evenings. No other signs that labour is imminent though. Sorry not the most helpful of posts!

Thank you guys it is very helpful it's not even my first but every time is different I suppose and it has been nearly 5 years :) I have appointment with midwife on Tuesday so im sure she will tell me it's nothing!! I just want my little cherub here now last few weeks is always hardest. Pontouf I hope ur pregnancy is going well good luck and not long either :) xx

Have you tried a hot water bottle for your back ? I'm 38 weeks and been suffering with back pain past couple of weeks especially in the evening and that's the only thing that helps it x

Yeah iv tried hot water bottles, hot baths, heat pads nothing has worked so far :( I have had back pain since about 36 weeks but last few days have been worse and it's all day. Think it must be everything getting heavier though. xx :) also congrats to you too x

You poor thing u really feel for you it's just horrible and makes it so hard to do anything doesn't it ! Can't even sit and read / watch tv comfortably. Not too long to go for us now at least hopefully x

Nearlymummyof2 I dragged my partner to antenatal classes where we were told how to massage my back. I was sufferingfor long time before givin birth and couldnt even sit or lie down so this solution was lifesaving. Ur other half could try to massage and apply pressure against the painful area. Also i bought a birthing ball and was bouncing on it instead of sitting on sofa etc. It also took some pain away. Hope you find it useful.

That sounds like a good idea (the birthing ball) as I'm having difficulty sitting for too long. And my other half is trying bless he gives me them all the time it works whilst he is doing them but as soon as he stops its right back again. I have been diagnosed with SPD so this also makes things akward lol. Hopefully not long left in telling my self 4 weeks so I'm not disappointed if I go past due date :) thank you for you advice I think I'll defo try the ball xx

Also Iheartshoes Its sounds like ur in my boat lol I hope it doesn't go on much longer for you either n u get to cuddle ur little cherub soon :) xx

Hi i am suffering from back pain too and will be 38 weeks on Sunday. I have mild cramps too. Last night i thought th2 baby was coming as so much pressure down below. I went to mw yday and she said baby head down but not engaged xxx

Hi I'm 38+3 and crampy and constant braxtons all evening.

Unfortunately even if it's "the start" it could still be days or weeks to go - aches and pains are just normal at the end of pregnancy.

The only way you'll know for sure is if they progressively get more intense and get regular.

It is my first pregnancy so i dont know what to expect or anything.

Hopefully not long to go for both of us

Don't know about the back pain but my dc2 was all over the shop regarding being engaged or not until about 20mins before he emerged! I was examined on arrival at hospital, 4cm but baby needed to move further down. He was born within 40 minutes

I've had back pain on and off during pregnancy but I have had excruciating back pain for the last few days. Can't turn over in bed without screaming. 40+2 and also fed up.