What is a back labour?
This is where the discomfort of labour is concentrated on the lower back, into the bottom and sometimes even the tops of your legs. The discomfort is usually at its most intense during a contraction, but it is possible that it continues in between too.
It’s commonly believed that back labour is only caused by the position of baby, where the baby’s head and back are pressing up against your spine, however it can also be caused by other things. The position of your pelvis, the length of your torso and whether your ligaments are balanced, all play a pivotal role in your baby’s ability to get into the optimal position for their birth.
How do you know if you’re experiencing back labour?
- Contractions may be intermittent.
- Discomfort in the lower back will likely be at its more intense during the contraction.
- Active labour can be slow to progress as baby moves into position.
What can you do if you’re experiencing back labour?
- Use a hot water bottle on your lower back.
- Standing or being on all 4’s during labour will help to alleviate the pressure and give baby space to move.
- Moving your hips in circles or a figure of 8 can help to offer space.
- Use the birthing pool bath or shower. The warmth of the water will help to ease discomfort.
- Massage, counter pressure and hip squeezing can help.
- Remember, it is really important to be patient. It may well take time for your baby to move into the best position for their birth.
Is there anything that you can do to prevent back labour?
Yes, absolutely!
Ensuring that you have good posture and making sure that you balance your weight evenly over both sides of the body. When sitting and standing, making sure that your pelvis is well aligned are very important. Regularly seeing a Chiropractor or Osteopath can really help with this.
Sit on a birth ball rather than the sofa sitting with your knees higher than your hips.
Pregnancy yoga and other gentle exercise is beneficial to keeping your ligaments and muscles supple.
Massage in pregnancy is also fantastic for helping to release tension in tight muscles as your body and posture change.
For more top tips, visit JustExhale or Instagram: Hypnobirthing Pregnancy Yoga (@sallyjustexhale) • Instagram photos and videos
