A woman experiencing severe back pain during labor is likely in which labor stage?

The first stage of labor is characterized by the onset of contractions and the gradual dilation of the cervix. This stage is often associated with various forms of pain, particularly in the back, as the uterus contracts and engages the baby into the birth canal. During this stage, women commonly report significant discomfort and pain, which can radiate to the back due to the positioning of the fetus and the pressure exerted on the mother's pelvic structures.

In this context, severe back pain during labor is indicative of a woman being in the first stage. While the second stage of labor involves intense contractions as the baby is pushed out, and the third stage deals with the delivery of the placenta, it is the first stage where the severe back pain is most commonly experienced. The latent phase of labor refers to the early part of the first stage when contractions may begin but are typically less intense compared to later in the first stage.