Pregnancy & Sciatica Relief

As if morning sickness, weight gain, mood swings and swollen ankles aren't enough, some pregnant women have to contend with the painful affects of sciatica. According to the Mayo Clinic, "The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your spinal cord to your buttock and hip area, and down the back of each leg. The term 'sciatica' refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve."

  1. Causes

    • During pregnancy, the developing fetus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica. This condition is more prevalent in women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Sciatica in pregnancy can also be the result of damaged disks in the spine putting pressure on the sciatic nerve due to loosened ligaments and tendons that prepare the body for childbirth.

    Symptoms

    • Pregnancy-related sciatica causes shooting pains and burning sensations in the lower region of your body. Most of the time, the pain is felt along the path of the sciatic nerve starting from the lower back, down the back of the legs, all the way to the calves. Other symptoms of sciatica can include numbness of the nerve, and a tingling sensation that is often compared to tiny needles in the affected area. Sciatica pain can range from a mild nuisance to so severe that it interferes with your ability to carry out daily activities. The pain can come and go or last for prolonged periods of time.

    Pain Management

    • Pregnancy-related sciatica generally disappears after childbirth, but in the mean time, there are several things you can do to manage the pain. Apply heat and ice packs to calm nerve spasms. Rest on a firm mattress on the unaffected side of your body with a pillow between your legs to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. And wear flat shoes to relieve strain on the back. Weekly prenatal massages that are performed by a licensed prenatal massage therapist can also ease sciatica.

    Prevention

    • There is no way to prevent pregnancy-related sciatica, but eating right and exercising before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of damaged disks in the back by keeping your muscles toned, improving posture and supporting your frame. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise regimen while you're pregnant.

    Considerations

    • If sciatic pain in pregnancy is persistent and severe, despite your best efforts to manage it, contact your doctor immediately. Pain medications may be recommended as a last resort.

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