Backache labour
Occasionally, during labour a woman may feel the discomfort of uterine contractions mainly as low back pain. This is usually due to stretching of the cervix as it dilates.
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It may also happen if your baby lies in the posterior position with the back of his head up against your spine (this is not abnormal - one in ten babies lie this way). In this position, your baby's neck may not be properly flexed and a larger proportion of the head than normal presents, which may mean that labour takes longer. Usually, your baby will rotate the 180 degrees into the anterior position and labour will go ahead smoothly. If, as sometimes happens, the baby fails to turn, there's still no cause for alarm, although your doctor may deliver him using forceps or, more commonly, vacuum extraction. This kind of labour may start slowly and take a while, so it can be tiring. There are various ways in which you and your birth assistant can relieve your backache.
Counterpressure in your back
This is the most effective way of relieving backache. But if you find being touched by someone else irritating, for example during transition, you may like to use your own knuckles by placing a hand underneath each buttock.
Change in position during labour
When you're lying flat on your back, your baby is pressing down hardest on your spine and its nerves. Try to stay upright and walk around as much as you can. You can also relieve the pressure of your baby on your spine by sitting tailor- fashion, leaning forwards, or by rocking your pelvis. If you feel more comfortable lying down, lie on the side that your baby is turning towards (your midwife will be able to tell you which side that is).
Apply heat on your back
A heating pad or hot-water bottle placed against your lower back may help between contractions. A hot shower, directed on to your back, may also give some relief.
Posted 16.11.2010
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