Sciatica Pregnancy Relief

It is a common belief that sciatica is a natural condition of pregnant women especially in the late second trimester or the third trimester of their pregnancy. It has been said that the size of the baby inside the womb may put pressure on the pelvic bone and on the sciatic nerve. However, this is not the case.

Most sciatic nerve pains experienced by pregnant women are due to the inflammation of tissues around the spinal discs. This then causes the sciatic nerve to be affected, although not directly. Due to the loosening of the tendons and ligaments at the lower back of the spinal column to accommodate the growth of the baby and prepare for its birth, posture can also be affected. The discs of the spinal column can be herniated with the adjustments and changes that the woman’s body may have to go through during pregnancy. This may include weight gain and posture among others.

For some expecting mothers, pain on the lower back and pelvic pain caused by different pressures not related with the sciatic nerve are mistaken for sciatica. Symptoms of sciatic pain in a pregnant woman are no different to that of a non-pregnant woman. However, the pain may be aggravated because of other discomforts that a pregnant woman may experience.

Symptoms include:
• Burning or shooting pain from the lower back down to the legs and sometimes down to the foot
• Numbing of some parts of the leg
• Pain on the legs and lower back when standing or sitting, especially for long hours
• Painful sudden movements especially in the pelvic area

Once you feel these symptoms, it is advisable to let your physician know, especially because this might affect your condition and make your pregnancy more difficult. Although the pain would usually alleviate itself eventually, this still depends on the status of your pregnancy, and how reducing the sciatic pain will make for an easier eventual delivery. For some, although the pain cannot be fully eliminated, it could at least be reduced. Unlike non-expecting mothers, pregnant women are more careful in the drugs that they take. Painkillers are then not always advisable since this may affect the development and growth of the baby.

Here are safer alternatives to pregnant women for relief:

• Applying heat pack or ice pack every after 15 minutes would help reduce the pain
• Keep a good posture when sitting, walking, standing and even sleeping. Having a good posture keeps the discs of the spines aligned and in good condition, however it loosens up during pregnancy.
• While in bed, have a pillow to support your belly and the back of your legs, especially the knees. This makes the nerves and muscles more relaxed while sleeping.
• Try to walk around for a few minutes a day. Sciatica is usually aggravated when there is no movement done by the muscles and nerves. This increases blood flow and oxygen to the affected capillaries and nerves.
• If you can, do yoga poses for pregnancy to increase your flexibility. This does not only help your sciatica, it also helps loosen the muscles during childbirth.

While pregnant, make sure to visit your doctor for check-up of your sciatic pain and overall condition. It is also best to observe your body’s reaction to the changes that are brought about by pregnancy. Let your physician know about this and ask for help if needed