Save now with Mommy Deals >

tools: Pregnancy Checklist | Baby Name Finder | Baby Websites | How Big is Baby?

log in | register Track your baby's growth

Your Avatar

Sign up to get FREE personalized newsletters about your baby each week.

Enter your due date or baby’s birth date:

more in Labor & Delivery

what's hot around the web

Find baby registries & websites

Find a couple's baby registry. Enter parents' name here.

Create your own baby registry here.

Lovey Ducky Gift Set

$135 set

$64.99 set

Buy Now

Girl's Musical Jewelry Box

$21.95 each

Buy Now

David Fussenegger Dot Blanket

$30 each

Buy Now

Piggy Bank

$13.95 each

Buy Now

Sponsored Links

you asked...

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

I'm 38 weeks, dilated to 1 1/2 cm and fully effaced. I have been uncomfortable, but haven't noticed anything real dramatic as far as excessive pain until last night. My lower back is absolutely killing me, to the point of it hurting to much to walk. Should I be prepared that labor will soon follow or just get rest and pay attention to the overall signs of labor as my body sends them?

Re: I'm 38 weeks, dilated to 1 1/2 cm and fully effaced. I have been uncomfortable, but haven't noticed anything real dramatic as far as excessive pain until last night. My lower back is absolutely killing me, to the point of it hurting to much to walk. Should I be prepared that labor will soon follow or just get rest and pay attention to the overall signs of labor as my body sends them?

The Bump Expert Everything you describe is completely normal for a term pregnancy (pregnancy after 37 weeks of gestation). Unfortunately, I can’t predict when labor is going to start. It could be tonight, or it could be weeks from now. The most important thing is to stay well-hydrated and to have a plan in place for when you do go into labor. Pack your bag for the hospital now, if you haven’t already done so. Talk to your doctor about when he/she wants you to call and come into the hospital. And, make sure you have a way to get in touch with your partner at all times.

Dr. Ashley Roman | July 09 , 2009 1:44 PM

re: Q: Back pain -- sign of labor?

is back pain and pain in lower ;edt pelvis normal in 2nd trimester im 22 weeks and have bad low bakc pain and some pain in lower left pelvic area is this ok??

CHAPPYWIFE | January 21 , 2009 4:38 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

My doctor said that if you are having bad lower back pain as I do the baby is usually face up. Which means the back of his head when you have a contraction or not rubs your backbone wrong causing pain.

pindera8706 | November 17 , 2009 4:13 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

i was 38 wks 6 days pregnant and had terrible back pains that lasted all day. I called my dr and she told me to stay home. the pain was so bad I made my husband take me to the hospital and i was already 8-9 cm dialated! i had my son 2 hours after arriving at the hospital!

Mrs_Springbride | March 20 , 2010 8:29 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

my nanna had 6 kids and my mother 3 and every single one was a back labour they got all there pains towards there back so yes it is absolutely a sign i had the same thing with my son but mine was caused by him being OP or in other words his back was against mine

daniellebodsworth | May 27 , 2010 9:18 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

I had some mild back pain before labor. I wish someone would have told me that labor felt like strong (eventually rhythmic) cramps and the urge to go to the bathroom (no.2) when you need to push. I only went to the hospital to get checked at my sister's insistence, and I dilated 2 more cm within the first hour I was there. When My midwife arrived she asked if I felt like I had to go to the bathroom, I said "for awhile now" and she was like, "Oh, well let's check you!" duh lol

msmrisk | June 16 , 2010 4:53 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

when my mom had my lil bro she said she was having horrible back pain and she basically was hunched over the bathroom counter for a couple of hours. my dad took her to the hospital and came back in 45 min!!!!!!!!! .... lil bro essentially popped out when she got to the hospital..doctors said she had done most of the labor in the bathroom!!!!

elfgirl11 | June 26 , 2010 8:46 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

i dont think i am dialated...i dont go back to the Dr. until july 7th i am 35 wks and i am having back pains to the point where i cant get out of bed and if i manage to get out of bed it kills me when i walk or turn when i am laying down....could that be back labor?

dbetancourt137 | July 01 , 2010 3:49 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

"back pain" is a very broad and general statement. i would call your dr and be as specific as possible as to what kind of pain and where on your back. It could be from anything... labor, baby positioned differently, wearing the wrong kind of shoes, sitting too much, standing too much... good luck

mziegenhein | July 15 , 2010 2:38 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

it's absolutely possible that it could be labor! there are a variety of things that could be causing it, but if it's coming in strong waves, at least call your practitioner. at 30 weeks, i had to have my mom drive me to a regular check-up. they had just started, but were pretty painful and when i got to my appointment, i was almost immediately admitted and had to stay for almost a week while they observed my contractions and kept them at bay. i ended up going full term after having an iv to stop the contractions, but if i hadn't been on my way to the doctor already, who knows what would have happened. it never hurts to call!

skaggersgirl | July 17 , 2010 3:39 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

I had terrible back pain the Friday night before I had my daughter. I laid on the couch Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday night with ice packs on my lower back. I thought it was because she was breech and was causing so much pressure. I was scheduled for a c-section that Wednesday. My dr gave me ambien to take each night starting Friday night to help me sleep until I had my c section. It was awesome! I slept so good and Monday morning my water broke at 4:15. It was back labor. I don't think they will do anything for you even if it is back labor. I didn't have any contractions until my water broke. I woke up to a cramping feeling in my stomach and then a GUSH of water that kept coming. I was still leaking an hour later when we got the hospital. When I arrived at the hospital it was an hour after my water broke and I was having contractions every 2 minutes that lasted about 30 seconds each. I was still only 2 cm. She was breech so I knew I was having a c section anyway. Good luck to you!

ReadyOrNotImOnMyWay | October 01 , 2010 9:53 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

I'm giving you this advice because I've always had back pain, but I am overweight and also experience much more back pain now that I'm 32weeks pregnant. You may want to try a low impact Yoga pose for a few minutes that could turn your baby...chances are the low back pain is due to the baby's position: http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/fitness/pregnancy-workout/ Otherwise, remember, your muscles are stretching and ribcage & spinal bones are being pushed out & apart by the baby's size. You're almost there! Just breathe deeply when you feel the pain coming. Try not to sit in bed too much, in other words, keep your vertebrae aligned by moving around and walking ; ) The best relief (without pain meds) that I do, is: sit on my knees, with a pillow, on the side or foot of the bed...I let my belly hang (this relieves the weight off your back) and take a few deep breaths. To stretch it out I arch my back ever so slightly and reach my arms upward (above my head) and this has always helped to relieve my low to mid back pain. This is my second pregnancy and if I had known anything about Yoga and breathing the first time...I probably would have had a much easier first childbirthing experience.

rhianda1 | December 07 , 2010 3:57 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

good article

xiang35 | January 11 , 2011 10:05 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

yes 38 is better then 32 weeks and I'm starting to have bad back pain where I can't sit or lay. They told me I need to make it to aleast 4 more weeks before she comes.

mcmillionjennifer1985 | January 14 , 2011 8:14 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

Back pain is a sign of labor. My back pain started in the early evening and got worse as the night went on. I did not know that I was in labor because the back pain I was having simply made me feel like I needed to poop. So that was what I kept trying to do. Finally at around 2:30am I started to spot so I called my doctor and she said to get to the hospital. When I got there I found out that the back pain was contractions and I was even 6cm dilated. I could not believe this and our daughter was born 2 hours after we arrived at the hospital. And I had no other signs of labor my water never broke, I never lost my mucus plug, my baby never dropped, and she never turned to be head down. My doctor told me that if I did not come to the hospital when I did I would have had her at home. So if the spotting never happened my husband would have been delivering his daughter.

cynth1 | February 27 , 2011 9:10 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

Im only 29 weeks and I have been experiencing back pain for a number of days now. It feels like its in my butt and I want to push. It hurts to sit, to stand, to move certain ways, to lift things, it just hurts sometimes it dull pain and then its sharp pain. I am also getting numb.. my hands and feet during the day and during sleep whatever side im sleeping on. I have an doctor appointment in two days. I am trying to wait til then to ask the doctor. I just keep saying to myself it cant be labor... its too early!!

smarks02 | March 01 , 2011 1:30 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

Back pain that comes and goes in waves can definitely be the start of back labor. That's the only place I felt my contractions the entire time. I didn't labor to feel that way at all.

MrsDuncan | March 29 , 2011 6:08 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

Call your caregiver and let them know! With my second baby I had back labor and it was the worse. The hospital I went to told me it was nothing however, by morning it was to late to stop my baby from coming to early. Always listen to your body. If you are in labor lying in bed to much will slow it down.... even if it don't feel the best I suggest walking... slowly.... pause when you need to... and have daddy or someone walk with you but unless there is an issue this will help!

chrissi77 | September 27 , 2011 12:12 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

Parents ought to remember that there are some signs to recognize in the days leading up to and following their due date. However, the biggest drawback is that possible labor signs can vary from mother to mother so reading a list of signs and trying to match them to what you are experiencing is not always the best gauge.-Any Lab Test Now Franchise

shantelle1109 | October 08 , 2011 8:16 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

I am currently suffering with lower cramps and some bad back pain, ive had the back pain before when i was twenty something weeks but it wasn't nearly this bad... I'll be 37 weeks friday and i am having trouble functioning :-( my dr told me a few weeks back that it was normal aches and pains but i am beggining to think this is my body telling me something

weddingplanner89 | October 26 , 2011 3:07 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

something happen like that happen to me once i was feeling so much pain out of now where and what i did was sit up straight and put two pillows behind my back i felt much better after i did that,but what u should do is talk to your doctor if u are having more trouble cause labor problems happens in so many ways but i wish u all the best. -Annessa.<3>

Annessa Lovely Knight | November 02 , 2011 9:14 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

well i'am 33 weeks pregnant, and what i do when i get lower back pains is take a hot shower and let the water run down my back. and let your partner gently rub ur lower back with baby oil or what ever u like to be rub with.it works for me.

vharisson | November 07 , 2011 8:04 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

very interesting... shampoo for oily hair sulfate free shampoo shellac nail polish cradle cap treatment

ginacarano | November 22 , 2011 7:30 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

very interesting... shampoo for oily hair sulfate free shampoo shellac nail polish cradle cap treatment

ginacarano | November 22 , 2011 7:36 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

in only 13 weeks and for the past month ive had lower back pain on and off.. sometimes it is really bad i cant get up from a seat, or walk without a bad limp. sometimes when i lay on my back it hurts too.. what does it mean when you get back pains so early?

DDBella20 | December 19 , 2011 10:30 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. local moving Sunbrite Outdoor LCD TV

kylestewart | January 15 , 2012 12:46 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

sometimes it is really bad i cant get up from a chair, or move without a bad lifeless. sometimes when i lay on my again it affects too..

what does it mean when you get again cramping so early?

harperbutt | February 04 , 2012 6:44 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

my dr told me a few weeks back that it was normal aches and pains but i am beggining to think this is my body telling me something

mahaalikhan | February 04 , 2012 9:25 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

i cant get out of bed and if i manage to get out of bed it kills me when i walk or turn when i am laying down....could that be back labor?

nabhajazz | February 04 , 2012 9:53 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

A back ache that seems to come and go may be a sign of labor. Usually this is really contractions that you're feeling in your back. If your back ache becomes constant or changes, you may be experiencing back labor, usually caused by the position of your baby. beat maker

bmsoftb | February 23 , 2012 11:41 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

It is very interesting but the signs may vary from one individual to another so It is always best to check with your doctor or health care provider first Kitchen Renovation Ideas | Bathroom Renovation Ideas | Home Remodeling

tompank | March 19 , 2012 2:35 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

I started to have back pain the morning of my due date! I had my weekly appt that morning and found out that i was 5cm dilated! I was sent up to L & D and had my son 4 hours later!

Laurabeth235 | April 06 , 2012 8:26 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

I really appreciate your professional approach. I would like to thank you for the efforts you made in writing this post. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. healthy skin

kylestewart | April 12 , 2012 11:54 AM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

In many cases it is but it's important not to freak out as soon as your back starts giving you some pain. It's not a definite signal, just a sign / rakiety do squasha początkujący

ZacharyNewt | April 12 , 2012 5:03 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

I had really bad back pain with my first. I had gotten back pain and 45 minutes later my water broke so then I went into the hospital still not feeling any contractions, only the back pain, and was told that my contractions were already 2-3 minutes apart. My son was born about 6 hours later.

seepstei | April 19 , 2012 1:30 PM

Q&A: Is back pain a sign of labor?

I went into labor in my back. I had an old back injury and I was practicing bad breathing technique (breathing in my chest and shoulders and now my tummy). I could tell something was different though, that it was labor and not just back pain. It started at 9pm and I tried to sleep some before going to the hospital but the pain was too uncomfortable to sleep. I left for the hospital around 2am and had the baby at 3pm the next day.

madnham | April 25 , 2012 9:15 AM

popular questions

recently added questions