Lower Back Pain & Cramps in Pregnancy: When to Worry

Question
Hi I'm 36 wks pregnant and I'm having lower back pain and cramps in my lower stomach. Is this something that I should be concerned about? Should I call my OBGYN? Please help.


                               Thank you,
                                 Tia  

Answer
At 36 weeks gestation, it is common to start having "Braxton-Hicks" contractions. These are pains felt in your lower back and lower abdomen but only last less than 30 seconds and are not regular. (Usually walking will stop the cramps). When you get contractions every 3 minutes (from the start of one contraction to the start of the next contraction) at the level of your belly button,and each contraction lasts (remains hard) for at least 45 seconds, and this continues regularly every three minutes for a full hour, then you should call your doctor and get checked. If your cervix has dilated to more than 3cm, they will admit you to the hospital. Unless the cramps and back pain is regular and more than every 3 minutes, you need not be concerned.