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| |    Back Pain In Labor by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. Typically, when you are feeling the pain of contractions in your back, commonly referred to as back labor, the back of the baby's head is pushing against your spine. Although not dangerous for mother or child, the baby's position can cause intense discomfort for the mother. However, some simple techniques often provide welcome relief. What can you do about back labor? It is best to be able to move around while in labor. Walk if possible. Sit in a chair. Ask your practitioner if there is a position that might help the baby's head to rotate; many practitioners suggest that you get on all fours and sway your hips back and forth. Birthing balls (plastic balls large enough to support an adult while sitting) are often available in the labor-and-delivery unit of your hospital or at your birth center. Sitting on a birthing ball places you in the comfortable stance of squatting, which also takes pressure off your back. Many women move their hips back and forth, which will promote fetal rotation and also encourage the baby's head to come down. Assume the position in which you are most comfortable. If you need to be in bed, lay on your side in a fetal position, with your knees up by your chest, and round your back. If it helps, have your coach rub your back in the area that is causing you distress. Sometimes putting pressure on your lower back by rolling a tennis ball on that area helps. You can also apply a heating pad or hot water bottle (wrapped in a towel to avoid a burn) to help ease the discomfort. When the baby's position rotates during labor, or when the baby is born, the back pain miraculously disappears. Try to remember that labor pain always ends, and you get a baby as a wonderful reward for all of your efforts.
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