Back labor: What is it?

The term "back labor" is often used to describe labor in which the woman feels the most discomfort in her lower back, just above her tailbone.

Often, back labor occurs when the baby is in an awkward position as it enters the birth canal — such as when the baby's head is pressing against the mother's tailbone (sacrum). But that isn't always the case. During labor and delivery, some women simply feel more tension in their backs than others do.

Many believe that back labor indicates that the baby is in the birth canal in a faceup instead of a facedown position. But this hasn't been proved.

Although you can't prevent back labor, you may be able to relieve it by:

• Changing positions
• Back rubs, using a tennis ball or other round objects
• Directing the warm-water spray of a shower onto the lower back
• Epidural or spinal anesthesia