Mid-back pain - preterm labor ?

Welcome to the ehealthforum and I am really glad to help you out. Your concern is regarding the back pain that you are having in your last trimester of pregnancy. Well, back pain during pregnancy is a very common feature because of increase of hormones, additional weight, poor posture like excessive standing and bending over and little rest and more stress during this period. From the symptoms, this back pain is not related to labor. There are some signs of labor which you need to keep an eye on. First of all, there may be lightening or when your baby’s head drops down into the pelvic region. You may find it easier to breathe or you may sense heaviness in your lower abdomen. The other symptoms are increased contractions (come at regular intervals, do not decrease with change in posture and last about 30-70 seconds) and sometimes a bloody show due to passing of the cervical mucus plug.

You can apply warm compresses on the back, sleep on your left side and use a support pillow under your knees. Massage from a massage therapist also helps. If the symptoms persist then you may need anti inflammatory medicines for which I would suggest you to consult your gynecologist. If the pain is very severe then pregnancy-associated osteoporosis, vertebral osteoarthritis and septic arthritis have to be ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.