Back Pain & Worried About Contractions

I have bad back pain.  This is something that I have had since 7 wks (I am now 23w).  It is not always as bad but right now seems worse.  The question I have is last night I noticed that in addition to the back pain I started having the feeling like you get when you have to have diarrhea (Sorry for tmi!)  This would come and last for like a minute and then go away.  Could this be the early signs of labor or is this just normal?  This started at about 8:00 and went on throughout the night.  I noticed it coming when I would wake up during the night (which is all time time since pregnant!!)  I have not really felt it this morning.  Any advice?

[anxiousmomtobe?]

Do you think you are having contractions?  If so you should go in to be checked.

If you move around do the pains go away?

[mkseym]

I don't know if they were contractions or not.  I have not had them again this morning...just last night.  They did not change if I moved.  So maybe not contractions since they stopped?  What do contractions feel like?  Does it ever feel like you have to go to the bathroom?

[anxiousmomtobe?]

Contractions feel like a huge hand is squeezing your insides.  Some folks will feel them more in their back.

I never felt like I had to go to the bathroom, but did have diarhea (diarrhea) during labour.

My guess is since they stopped you are fine.