Period like pains in my back

[Ab202]

Hi ladies,

I'm 23+3 today, and I've had some pains in my lower back, almost the same as period pains when they go around to your back. However no pains in my tummy or anything. They're not agonising, but quite sore and came in waves for a few minutes and have since stopped, and my back is now just a bit uncomfortable.

Do braxton hicks present in this way? Or is there anything else that can cause it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[BettyHoop]

I had this at about your stage. I spoke to the midwife and she said it sounded like preterm contractions due to an ' irritated uterus'. She said they should go away and to relax in a warm bath. They did go and didn't really come back like that again. I've since mentioned it to a lot of friends who are or have been pregnant and they say it's just braxton hicks and that they can be a bit painful sometimes. I'd call your midwife or triage if they continue or get worse though. Hope this helps xx

 

[Ab202]

Thank you that's a massive help! Everywhere I've read says braxton hicks are only in your tummy and shouldn't be painful! It also says pain in your back is a sign of real labour, but the fact they didn't continue or follow a pattern reassured me that I'm not in labour! It's nice to hear others have been through the same thing and that it's normal. Will call my midwife today if it happens again, but hopefully it's just like you said, cos to be honest I did have a very busy day yesterday. Thank you so much x

 

[BettyHoop]

I was the same - the reason I ended up calling my midwife was that it didn't feel like the typical braxton hicks everyone talks about - painful back cramps that become regular rather than painless tightenings in my tummy. And the midwife didn't say they sounded like braxton hicks but preterm contractions, so it sounds like there is a difference but I still feel like it's a bit of a grey area! I was just told that if they carried on the way they were or got any worse that I would have to come into hospital. Thankfully I'm still fine and pregnant at 29 weeks I get the odd back cramp but nothing like that now. It did make me sort my hospital bag out early though just in case!! Xx

 

[Ab202]

Oh gosh! I hadn't thought of that!! I work in quite a physically demanding job too!! Suppose I best take it easy haha! They haven't continued but I do just feel generally uncomfortable (however this could also be wind... the joys of pregnancy!). Is it worth calling my midwife for advice anyway or just see how I go?

 

[BettyHoop]

These cramps happened for me a couple of weeks before I quit the physical side of my job, which was pretty extreme and fine when not pregnant! I do think it was my body telling me I needed to slow down. I'm a bit of a bull - past hobbies include cage fighting for example! So now I've slowed right down and I rest more than I ever have.

You know yourself and your body, but I really would recommend talking to your midwife even if just to ease your concern, there's definitely a benefit to relaxing and having concerns dispelled. Xx

 

[Ab202]

Wow! That makes my hobbies sound boring! Haha.

Thanks so much for your advice! I've got a midwife appt on Weds, so I'll ask them then if the pains don't come back beforehand! X

 

[kumber]

BH not being painful is complete bullshit. Every single one of mine across my two term pregnancies have been painful and quite a few took my breath away

 

[Ab202]

Everything I've read seems to be full of rubbish! Everywhere I've read says that pain in your back is labour... if I'd been in labour I'm sure I'd know about it! Glad I'm not the only one who's fed up of hearing it! Haha, thank you! I've been absolutely fine since so just going to discuss it with my mw tomorrow