riversideonline.comriversideonline.comThe Leader in Lifelong Health
Horizontal Nav: spacerHomeOur FacilitiesOur ServicesPatients and GuestsCareers and EmploymentHow You Can HelpAbout RiversideContact Usspacer
Health Reference
interact top
Apply for a Job
Register for Classes and Events
Find a Physician
Pre-register
Health eLink
interact bottom
Health eLink 






Back labor: What is it?

content provided by mayoclinic.com

Back labor: What is it?

Question

What is back labor?

Jennifer
Minnesota

Answer

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

Last Updated: 01/31/2006
© 1998-2006 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Terms and conditions of use

 

Bookmark and Share   E-Mail Page   Printer Friendly Version

Site Map  •   Privacy Statement  •   Contact Us   •   Directory  •   For Physicians  •   For Employees