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Contractions or rupture of the membranes are two signs that Moms are about to give birth. However, what about back pain that is a sign that you are about to give birth?
While it’s true that back pain can be a sign of impending labor, don’t mistake it for everyday back pain. Not all back pain indicates imminent labor.
Signs of childbirth
Before discussing further about back pain as a sign that you are about to give birth, do you know the general signs that women experience before giving birth?
The process leading up to childbirth is not instant. This process can start several hours or even weeks before the baby is actually born.
The following are signs that Moms are about to give birth, from the earliest experienced.
- The baby descends into the pelvis : The baby’s position is closer to the birth canal, and this can happen a few weeks or a few hours before delivery.
- Mucus and blood : As labor approaches, the cervix will also open as the birth canal. This is called opening . During opening, the mucus that has accumulated in the cervix during pregnancy will come out through the vagina. Mucus can look clear or look mixed with blood.
- Contractions : Contractions are the tightening of the uterine muscles. This causes pain and some pregnant women describe it as like menstrual cramps but with more severe pain.
Apart from those already mentioned, some other signs are rupture of membranes, diarrhea and back pain.
So it is true that pregnant women can experience back pain before giving birth. Why is it like that and how to differentiate it from ordinary back pain?
Back pain is a sign that you are about to give birth
Back pain, a sign that you are about to give birth, may occur because of the baby’s position. The closer to delivery, the more intense the pregnant woman will feel the contractions. Contractions will bring the baby further down into the pelvis.
Because the position of the baby is what causes pain in the waist. Where the baby’s head presses against the lower back. This occurs if the baby’s position in the pelvis is facing forward or backward.
However, several other health conditions can also cause back pain before delivery. For example, scoliosis and swayback or lordosis conditions. Lordosis is the medical term for a spinal curve that is too inward.
Another cause is having a small waist. The smaller a pregnant woman’s waist, the worse the low back pain before delivery. Because the space for the baby’s head is getting narrower.
That way, the baby’s head will put more pressure on the lower back.
How to distinguish back pain as a sign that you are about to give birth?
Actually, back pain is not only felt near the time of delivery. However, most women will experience back pain throughout their pregnancy.
According to Medical News Today , research shows that lower back or lower back pain will continue during pregnancy and will get worse closer to delivery. It affects about 33 percent of people.
Apart from that, back pain is a common complaint from pregnant women. Because it is very common throughout pregnancy. Caused by:
- Hormones : Several hormones prepare the pelvic ligaments for labor. This makes the pelvis unstable and causes pain in the waist.
- Increased weight : A pregnant woman’s weight will increase as the pregnancy progresses, and the extra weight will put more pressure on the spine when standing. This condition then causes pain.
- Enlarging uterus : The bigger the fetus, the bigger the space it needs. This makes the mother’s body adjust, creating more muscle tension around the back and ultimately causing back pain.
So, back pain doesn’t just happen before delivery. However, how do you know if it’s general back pain or a sign that you want to give birth?
As explained above, there are a number of signs that you are about to give birth. Therefore, to determine whether back pain is a sign of giving birth or not, you should pay attention to other signs that also appear.
If you experience other signs of labor, it means it’s time to go to the hospital and contact your obstetrician.
Managing back pain as a sign of giving birth
Back pain usually gets worse closer to the time of delivery. Moms can do several things to manage the pain, such as:
- Back massage
- Take a warm shower
- Sit on a birthing ball or squat
- Walk
- Practice breathing techniques
- Using essential oils or aromatherapy
- Using hypnotherapy techniques, meditation or music therapy
That is the explanation of back pain as a sign of giving birth and how to differentiate it from normal back pain in pregnant women.
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