Back labor is a term used to describe pain or discomfort that occurs in the lower back, just above the tailbone, during childbirth. It is often noted to be intensely painful and may not completely abate between contractions. Back labor may occur when the baby is face up in the birth canal, and not face down, so that the back of the babys skull is pushed against the mothers sacrum. However, it can also occur when the baby is in a different position. Reports of how many mothers experience back labor vary, though estimates in the range of 15% to 32% are common.
Back labor is thought to be caused by the position of the baby within the pelvis. Pain develops when the back of the baby’s head presses against the mother’s lower spine and tailbone while she is in labor. This is technically called the occiput posterior position, which occurs when the baby is facing the mothers abdomen. Back labor can be continuous once labor begins, while regular labor pain happens during contractions.
There are several actions that have been suggested to ameliorate back labor, including physical activity, changing positions, back rubbing, water massage, application of hot or cold to the lower back, use of a birthing ball, medication including an epidural, and injecting sterile water into the lower back. However, there is no consensus that these methods actually help.
It is important to note that back labor can increase the chances for an assisted vaginal delivery (assisted with the use of forceps, vacuum extraction) and more vaginal tearing. Women can reduce the likelihood of experiencing back labor by performing activities throughout pregnancy that may help ensure the baby is in the right position when it’s time to deliver, such as walking, squatting, or performing lunges, doing pelvic tilts, using a hula-hoop, taking a shower or warm bath, or sitting in a birth pool, applying cold or hot compresses or a warm, rice-filled sock to the lower back, and applying rolling pressure to the lower back using a tennis ball, beverage can, water bottle, etc. .
