Back labour - ADVICE NEEDED

[JES12]

Hi all, I have had a number of shows and pretty intense back pain for 24hours now, but no contractions (other than the odd Braxton Hicks). I have also had what I can only describe as a stinging sensation in my lower pelvis that comes and goes (again pretty intense).

I went up to the hospital to be told that I’m 0cm dilated.

Is this labour / early labour or just me being a wimp?

Sounds like baby is back to back. No big deal but can cause longer lead into labour with contractions around your back rather than bump.

Take panadol, bath, walk whatever you can to stay comfortable and try to rest as much as you can.

You're not a wimp at all. But you do have a long way to go so try to adjust your expectations. If you are still able to think 'wow this really hurts, should I go to hospital' then it's unlikely you need to yet.

Google "Spinning Babies" and follow the advice on there for encouraging baby to change position.

I don't know whether you were planning to ask for an epidural, but if baby is still back to back when labour kicks off properly, I suggest you ask for one.

My friend had back-to-back labour and didn't want an epidural but had one in the end and said she regretting not having it sooner.

My contractions were all in my back. The baby had turned partially... I had a really long labour (46 hours) so yes it very well could be. Have you got a tens machine? It helped me a lot. I later on had 2 injections and an epidural after over 24 hours. The epidural worked really well and I delivered naturally and was able to get into various positions.

Thanks so much for the speedy reply. Baby isn’t back to back, he / she is back to bump on my left side (the midwife checked that one).

That's interesting op. Are you sure you're contracting? Could it be a tweaked muscle in your back?

Possibly but being so overdue I’m praying it’s a sign of labour. No, no I really don’t think I am contracting but have no clue why the back pain is so bad. 😩😩

Hang in there! It won't be long now regardless.

Following with interest... I lost my mucus plug on Sunday night, which was bloody - midwife is sure it was a show - and I’ve had constant back ache since late Sunday night, with quite a lot of Braxton Hicks. Baby is back to back though.

We currently aren’t sure if I’m in early labour or it’s just another pregnancy symptom (last time I was induced so never had any of this) so it’s just a waiting game.

I had back pains on and off for a few days and DD kept headbutting me in the pelvis, the pain!. I was waddling everywhere, popping paracetamol and bouncing on my ball. Started losing my mucus plug one afternoon and woke up next morning 6am with back pains again, nothing contract-y. Took two paracetamol but within two hours the pains were so bad and so often I couldn't stand! I didn't know if my waters had gone, midwife said to put a pad on and see what came out, but then told me to come in when there was meconium.

Got to hospital at 9:30 still with only back pains but turned out I was 9cm and wanted to push. DD was here by 10:43!

Fingers crossed for you!

@urglewurgle - this doesn’t sound dissimilar to me. The front and back pain is turning from something which has been consistent pain to more intense pain coming and going. I too thought about what you said if baby was hitting my pelvis. You have gave me hope that I’m not going crazy because I’m not having what you would typically describe as contractions.

Fingers crossed for you tootsieglitterballs and thanks to everyone for your comments. Xx

I'm wondering if baby might have moved, they could possibly be back to back now even if they weren't before?

Anyway hope things progress well for you, best of luck!

Fingers crossed!

They didn't discover DD was back to back until I went to the hospital.
Quick labour. 10 hours from first twinge until she came out. Just has and air. First labour so nothing to compare it to.
Tens machine was a life saver until I got to hospital. Felt first contractions at 3:30am was 5cm by 7:30.
Don't worry if baby has turned. Labour can be longer but not always.

@urgleeurgle and @tootsglitterballs did you go into labour?

I did! Little bundle of joy arrived on Weds! So chuffed I trusted my body, not one stomach contraction until very late on, everything was in my lower back.

Thanks to all for your advice xx

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

@JES12 congratulations!!

No change here... in fact a lot less symptoms now, I’m constipated now (was the other way before) , tightenings have lessened but back ache and waves are still there. Lots even more mucus plug, and definitely had a show.... I have a feeling I’m in for the long haul with this one...

Forgot to say actually.... went into hospital earlier in the week as we thought it could be .... doc examined me, confirmed I’d had a show was cervix was still closed. Her words were ‘I might see you in a few of hours, a few days or a couple of weeks!’ So who knows!

@jes12 congratulations!

DD is 5 weeks now. Xx

But yes, nothing seemed to 'contract' until I was 9cm and pushing! All back pain.