Worth a call or nothing to worry about?

[Moominmiss]

Hi, I’m 36+3 with baby number 4.

Pregnancy has been pretty straightforward besides developing GD at 28 weeks which I’m now managing with insulin.

My 3 previous pregnancies were all c sections and therefore I’m booked in for a c section with this baby next week at 37+4 (the reason for it being early is due to the GD).

My other pregnancies were all a while ago, my youngest is now 7.

The only pregnancy I went into labour with was my first, and it was very obvious as my waters broke and contractions started immediately. It ended with an emcs due to failure to progress.

The subsequent 2 pregnancies were elective sections.

Basically I don’t know whether it’s worth a call to the hospital or not.

For the past hour I have had the most painful backache, so much so I’ve taken paracetamol, which I’ve avoided all pregnancy so far.
But it’s so painful it’s making me feel sick.
Ive been to the toilet twice (for a number 2) and sorry for tmi but it was completely loose. I hoped that might be the cause of the back pain but it’s not eased at all.

I have had lots of braxton hicks this pregnancy but none today. No tightenings at all so I’m reluctant to think it’s labour or anything like that.

But I’ve tried sitting up dead straight, standing, lying on either side, rocking on all fours and I cannot find a position to be in that eases the pain even a little.

Is this just back pain that I need to man up and deal with? I’ve had back ache at various times where baby has been pushing up into my ribs etc, but it isn’t usually constant. I don’t know if back ache alone is even worth a call. I feel like with no cramping or tightenings there’s really nothing to be checked. I’ve not lost any plug or anything that I’ve noticed.

I just have no idea what to do to try and ease the pain. I’m currently sat in the bath hoping that would have helped but nope, nothing at all.

Any advice welcome! 😩

Oh poor you, that sounds terrible. I think it's worth a call yes, no harm at all in getting checked. The stage you are at I certainly would be calling.

I'd definitely call because if labour is approaching they'll want you in to monitor and schedule you into theatre. As you're early they'll probably give steroid injections etc. Call ASAP & get checked. Better a false alarm than an emergency.

Thank you both, I might give them a call then. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time, and my partner is working away at the moment so I’d need to drive myself in if they want to see me.

I am due to have steroid injections next Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of the section on Friday.

Do you know what checks they do to even see if it’s early labour or anything? Would it just be put on the monitor like they do for reduced movements?

I never had to go for back pain but went once for a small bleed about this point with dd2 and once with dd1 about this point as midwife wasn't happy with heartbeat.

They did BP check, monitor and a quick scan.

I'm sorry you're in all this pain.

It's not a waste of anyone's time to call about severe unexpected pain like this. Don't worry about that, call them and see what they say.

If you're ever unsure like this, you can always call 111 day or night and just ask. They're there for precisely this reason - to speak to people afraid to waste anyone's time but who may well need to call their doctor right away.

There is no harm in calling to ask for advice. Better to do that than be up all night worrying and in pain.