Is back pain a symptom of labor?

Yes: Back pain can accompany labor. The nerves in the pelvis don't always cause the pain in the places one expects, so there is not always one-to-one correlation between site where the pain is felt and place of origin. There are other signs of labor including "bloody show" (blood-tinged cervical mucus), tightening of the abdomen, pain in the area of the uterus. When in doubt, a woman should consult ob.

Yes: Women at risk for preterm birth should always contact their OB physician if they suspect they are in labor or having any unusual discomfort or symptoms in the abdomen or back.

It can be: Back pain along the side (flank) can also occur when there is a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), and a woman with a history of bladder or kidney infections or back pain and fever should call her OB provider. Lower back pain can be caused by spinal or musculoskeletal problems or injury also. If pregnant, a woman should never hesitate to tell an OB provider or to call her labor & delivery unit.