Going into labour with a pre-existing bad back?

[Sabee]

Hi!

I just wanted to ask if anyone has been in my position.

My back is very temperamental.

I already get back pain with constipation (been going on and off for the last year or so) and it even sometimes flares up just with a bowel movement.

And last week, it 'went' - basically, back spasms, couldn't walk properly for a few days, hobbled about thereafter...I am much better today (usually takes a week to settle).

But together with these issues, I developed sciatica in my first/second trimester, which has gone, but I still feel the same muscles acting up (not like when I got it in the beginning, that pain was worse than labour!) and i also have an inkling that I have slight spd (which I have had in one of my previous pregnancies, but not that much in my current pregnancy).

I was just wondering how labour/labour pains will be with a weak back?

I would really appreciate anyone who has experienced the same and can share how their labour was, just having anxiety on how I will be able to cope with the pains.

Thank you

I have Ankylosing spondylitis and now sciatica so this thread will be helpful for me - hope you don't mind me joining! Hope you're not struggling too much

My back wasn't too bad in labour, I had a water birth so I felt supported by the water. When I had contractions I didn't feel any in my back at all, my main problem was finding a general position I was comfortable in. Before i got in the pool I spent a lot of time kneeling while leaning heavily on a birth ball and I had a tens machine on my back. Once I got in the pool, again I was kneeling and leaning on the side of the pool.

This time round I'm feeling Braxton Hicks in my back so I'm worried I'll get more contraction pain in my back when I go into labour.

I think it's important to be open minded. If you are struggling with back pain during your labour, speak to the midwife or drs and get some additional pain relief. Or they may at least be able to help you find a more comfortable position to labour in

andersonx3 - hop on board!

I don't know much about your first issue, but sciatica I am familiar with - how are you doing in your pregnancy so far?

I'm just kind of facing things day to day, some days are better than others... the pregnancy hormones have really affected my joints this time round, making the issues a bit worse...

I did a brief google on your first issue - sounds challenging

jollitwiglet

Thank you for your reply! I can only labour while kneeling on something (chair/bed/ball) so I know what positions work for me (coincidently, the position which is easier on the back) but I never had any back issues in my other pregnancies (my current issues have been going on for over a year; undiagnosed as they came to a head in my pregnancy and couldn't be looked into)

I guess I just feel I hope I have enough mental strength to deal with things in labour - already feel drained dealing with daily issues, and wondering if it will become worse in labour.

@Sabee I'm doing okay thank you! Same as you - each day at a time! My work are very supportive which helps as on my really bad days I don't have to force myself to drive to work, I drive a lowered car and getting in and out can be a real struggle! I hope you're managing okay!