How To Survive Back Labor

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Going into labour is scary enough. The ordeal can be compounded if you have the misfortune of experiencing something known as back labour. Back labour occurs when the baby’s in a posterior position and the back of the baby’s head is pressing against your lower spine, leading to excruciating pain.

On a humourous note the condition is often labelled as ‘sunny side up’ by medical practitioners. Most women however don’t find the condition even remotely funny or cheerful.Imagine having to suffer severe abdominal contractions and searing back pain at the same time.

This could be any expectant mother’s worst nightmare. There are also chances that the pains will not diminish even after the baby is born. This is because the affected area now becomes a focus of tension.

The pain can be debilitating and the quickest way to find relief is by opting for an epidural. For the lucky few who can withstand the pain, there are some clear cut strategies to survive pain. Here are some worth trying.

Find The Best Position

Get into any position that minimizes discomfort. Taking a walk may help although this may not be possible once the contractions become stronger. Try getting onto your knees, squatting or lying side- ways.  Pray that any of these above positions might just coax your baby to change his position and give you some relief.

Use Heat Or Cold

You can alternately apply hot and cold compresses on your back to give some sort of relief. If warm compresses soothe, then use only heat to soothe the sore muscles.

Massage

Take the help of a nurse or your partner to give a light relaxing massage on your back. You can experiment with different ways of applying just the right amount of pressure to the affected areas or the areas surrounding it. Try direct pressure or circular motions.

Use your knuckles or just the palms to apply pressure. Whatever works best should be adopted. You can also use some topical ointment that is meant for pain and is safe to use during pregnancy. You can also go in for a hot oil massage or a warm body lotion.

Reflexology

A procedure called as reflexology is getting popular in giving relief from back pain. Here some pressure points are stimulated and pressed in the ball of your foot. These points help stimulate the affected nerves that are causing pain.

Alternative Therapy

If you are anticipating back labour, you can call in for an acupuncture expert who can give acupuncture therapy. You may also try some hydrotherapy or self-hypnosis to give yourself some relief.

Pain Medication

If the pain gets really excruciating, talk to your doctor for some pain mediaction. You may also ask for an epidural which will completely desensitize your lower body and give immediate relief from back labour.

The best thing about back labour is that it is short lived and normally should disappear soon after delivery. In the meantime it is best to try natural techniques to minimize and discomfort ensuing from back labour.