Pregnancy Backache or Preterm Labor?

Pregnancy backache is a common symptom for women, especially as you gain weight, your hipbones spread to accommodate your growing baby and your posture changes. The bigger your belly gets, the more you'll need to lean back to make room for baby.

But there's a difference between "normal" pregnancy backache and the signs of pre-term labor, when you start going into the early stages of labor prior to 37 weeks. If you suddenly start to experience a low, dull backache that's different from the aches and pains you usually feel simply lugging your baby belly around, it might be a sign of pre-term labor.

Here are the signs to report to your doctor:

• Contractions Many women experience a sort of "tester" contraction called Braxton-Hicks contractions. They come and go without increasing intensity and are a normal part of pregnancy. But if your contractions prior to 37 weeks get increasingly more painful or intense, occurring every 10 minutes or more often, it could be a sign of pre-term labor.
• Pelvic pressure. If you have a full feeling in your pelvis, as though the baby might fall out of your uterus, you may be experiencing pre-term labor.
• Cramps. If you have intestinal cramping that feels like gas (with or without diarrhea) or menstrual-like cramps across your pelvic bone, call your doctor.
• Vaginal discharge. If you have an increase in vaginal discharge that's either bloody or watery and sweet-smelling, you should contactor your doctor.
• Pregnancy backache. If it's a low, dull pain that doesn't get better when you change positions, it could be a sign of pre-term labor. Call your doctor.