Back labor is a term referring to sensations of pain or discomfort that occur in the lower back, just above the tailbone, to a mother during childbirth. Back labor may be noted when the baby is face up in the birth canal, and not face down, so that the back of the baby's skull is pushed against the mother's sacrum.

How do you know if it's back labor?

Signs of back labor

Severe pain in your lower back. Pain becomes excruciating during contractions. Pain often doesn't let up between contractions. Back contractions or back spasms.

What is back labor caused by?

Back labor is thought to be caused by the position of your baby within your pelvis. Pain develops when the back of your baby's head presses against your lower spine and tailbone while you're in labor. Technically, this is called the occiput posterior position.