Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy...

Updated on July 03, 2012
A.G. asks from Orem, UT
5 answers

The ONE night that everybody falls asleep early (including me!)...and I'm up at 2 am with horrible lower back pain :(. I'm 35 weeks pregnant. I have extremely frequent contractions - I'm probably already dilated to a 2 - I usually am at this point...but I get to a 4 and stall (for up to 4 weeks, or until my midwife or OB feels enough sympathy and does something about it). I don't know if it's the constant contractions...the nature of pregnancy...the way I'm sleeping (no different than any other night?)...or what. Either way...I can't sleep and it's driving me crazy! Any suggestions?

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So What Happened?

Thank you for the responses!

Yes, I'm generally against induction/augmentation...and it's better for the baby to be in as long as possible...but I have found it's much easier to say when I haven't been in labor for months :p. I almost literally have contractions every 3-5 minutes apart...for months. A break here and there...a few days where they are mild...but usually 3-4 days a week where they are too painful to sleep through, difficult to talk or walk through...etc. It gets really hard on my body...not to mention my emotions and sanity. I make it to a 4...5...6...and then totally stall....but the contractions don't. So, I know it's normal to dilate before going into real labor...but it's still exhausting...I try to do everything and anything to help me sleep better...otherwise I go into labor and delivery...not with the best state of mind! I've only had one that was born before 38 weeks (yes, she was induced, but that was because I got to the hospital at a 6 and they didn't want me to go home, go into active labor/transition, and not have time to get to the hospital...it was a good thing they did...once contractions were painful, she was out in 30 minutes or so...her first apgar score was a 9 and she has been developmentally very advanced since she was born). Same with our other 3 - as far as apgar scores anyway (although they were born at 38/39 weeks)...sometimes I wonder if I just cook 'em faster...lol.

I'll have to try the pressure points :) and I LOVE the pool...it's been a lifesaver!

I actually ended up going in to see my midwife this morning...after posting this the contractions and the backache got significantly worst...backpain started radiating to my hips and upper thighs...symptoms I don't normally have with all my contractions. Sure enough...I'm dilated to a 2, 60% effaced, baby's almost engaged, and my cervix is pretty low and up front. Contractions and back pain has stopped...but I'm so exhausted beyond belief!! Looking forward to a good nap and hopefully a good nights rest... :p.

More Answers

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K.H.

answers from Reno on

I'm 34 weeks and have the same problem if I lay in the same position too long. At this point I just resign myself to interrupted sleep or no sleep for the next year:). Seriously the only thing that works for me is exercise during the day and plenty of it(a pool is super helpful) and an hour before bed to pop a tylenol, take a warm bath(or if you are as big as I am-a shower), and then a unisom sleep tab(ok'd by doc of course) and maybe chamomile tea!

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T.F.

answers from Denver on

Hi. I'm 37 weeks preggo & have had back/hip pain & insomnia during this pregnancy that I didn't have with my 1st one. When I get dehydrated, I get contractions too. I've been instructed to gulp down a liter of water every time contractions start & that makes them go away. My midwives suggested I go to a trusted chiropractor who specializes in prenatal care for for my hip & back pain. I didn't start going until 35 weeks (I've never been to one ever before) & have had huge success in just 3 visits. Also practice optimal fetal positioning (opf) to help position baby into the right place. Best of luck to you & your growing family!

L.M.

answers from Dover on

It is normal to be dialated before going into realy labor. Unless you or the baby is in real distress, there is no reason to have the midwife or OB do anything...it's just part of the process. If you wait until the baby is ready and go into labor on your own, your baby will be at his or her healthiest. Besides, you really should be at least 38 weeks before delivery if at all possible. The baby does a lot of growing during these last few weeks (development, not just size).

As for the lower back pain, it could be how the baby is laying. My son was head down but face up and it meant his back was against my back and caused me back pains including back labor. Try different positions, rest when you can. Get hubby to rub your lower back and let the doctor know when you go for your next appointment.

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B.R.

answers from Springfield on

Try shiatsu (pressure points) or acupuncture. They helped my lower back pain a lot.

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T.A.

answers from Seattle on

Chiropractic. And a few massages!

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