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Home › Articles › Labor Preparation › Sometimes Labor Can Be a Pain in the Hip

Sometimes Labor Can Be a Pain in the Hip

A Certified Doula Explains Hip Pain and Positioning of the Baby

By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula

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Each labor is different, just as each pregnancy is different. Expectant parents often attend childbirth classes to find out more about what labor is like and to learn comfort measures for birthing. Because childbirth education offers general information, during labor parents may find themselves saying, "We didn't cover this in class." Sometimes a little more information can go a long way in helping mothers to have a gentle birth experience.

When birthing books and childbirth educators teach parents about what labor contractions are like, contractions are often described as beginning in the mother's back and wrapping around her body. They describe the warm-up contractions, called Braxton Hicks, as tightening in the abdomen only. Labor contractions, unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, may be accompanied by discomfort, similar to having strong menstrual cramps or a backache. As the body begins to labor, contractions will occur at regular intervals, forming a pattern. They will become longer, stronger and closer together.

This description is general – a rule of thumb. Depending upon what the baby is doing, labor patterns and the sensations of labor may vary. For instance, you may have heard that some women have "back labor," when the strongest sensations of labor are felt in the back. This is due to the position of the baby, which is called "posterior" or "sunny-side up."

Back Labor Contractions

During back labor, the contractions may become stronger, but sometimes they don't occur as regularly they should. If the contractions are timed or monitored, it may become apparent that the mother is having two contractions and then has a rest period when she should be getting the next contraction. This is not an effective labor pattern and it contributes to longer labors. The good news is that it can be improved. If the mother positions herself to be standing and leaning forward, or laboring on hands and knees, the baby will be encouraged to move into the proper position, away from her back.


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