An expectant mother will experience many changes to her body during the length of her pregnancy. Many changes are to be expected; some, however, are not. One of those changes many women experience during pregnancy is a pinched sciatic nerve which can cause pain and discomfort. Here are some tips for alleviating sciatica pain during pregnancy.
It wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that most people aren’t aware of the sciatic nerve, unless they have a problem with sciatica or know someone who does. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back into the backs of the legs and feet. When this nerve becomes inflamed, through injury or pressure in the back, the pain can be nearly unbearable. It can even cause the leg to be weak, numb, or to tingle.
While it is not uncommon for women to develop sciatica while pregnant, it isn’t a guaranteed problem that every expectant mom will have to face. Quite often, rather than the baby pressing on the nerve which causes the pain, the sciatic nerve is being pressed because of damage to a disc in the spine. Unfortunately, pregnant women often experience disc injury, so it’s not uncommon for people to expect the two to go together.
Symptoms for sciatica include:
- Feeling of pins and needles in the lower back, going down the leg, possibly the foot
- Burning or shooting pain along the back of the leg, buttocks, or lower back
- Lower back or back of the pelvis pain which may extend into the foot
- Numb feet or legs
What can you do if you develop sciatica during pregnancy? If you’re lucky, the pain or discomfort will subside on its own, which is often the case. Unfortunately, this may take up to six weeks to happen. A physical therapist may be able to help you by using manual therapy to alleviate the pressure and discomfort.
Your doctor or therapist may suggest specific exercises that will strengthen your abdominal muscles, back muscles, and pelvic floor muscles, which could aid in delivery. These muscles can also be used by women who have already delivered to help them maintain strength in these particular muscle groups.
Another option is to find a chiropractor that has experience with prenatal women. You may be able to find a chiropractor that specializes in prenatal chiropractic care, with special pillows or tables to make adjustments easier for them.
Try to be careful how you walk and sit while pregnant. If your posture is poor, learning to adjust your posture may help tremendously. Not only will you look better, you’ll likely feel better as well. Avoid staying in one position for long periods of time; exercise and stretch but not while you’re actually in pain.
Sciatic pain during pregnancy is not uncommon, but there are things you can do to lessen the effects. These are only tips for alleviating sciatic pain during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if you experience sciatica during pregnancy and follow their advice.
Tips for Alleviating Sciatica Pain during Pregnancy | Busy Momma ……
An expectant mother will experience many changes to her body during the length of her pregnancy. Many changes are to be expected; some, however, are not. One of those changes many women experience during pregnancy is a ……
[...] Tips for Alleviating Sciatica Pain during Pregnancy [...]
[...] admin posted a noteworthy aricle today onHere’s a small snippetIt wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that most people aren’t aware of the sciatic nerve, unless they have a problem with sciatica or know someone who does. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back into the backs of the legs and feet. … [...]
[...] JCWillow99@gmail.com..( Cassie) posted a noteworthy aricle today onHere’s a small snippetIt wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that most people aren’t aware of the sciatic nerve, unless they have a problem with bsciatica/b or know someone who does. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back into the backs of the legs and feet. b…/b [...]
[...] admin posted a noteworthy aricle today onHere’s a small snippetAnother option is to bfind a chiropractor/b that has experience with prenatal women. You may be able to bfind a chiropractor/b that specializes in prenatal bchiropractic/b care, with special pillows or tables to make adjustments easier for them. b…/b [...]
thanks for such good info loved the ab work video.
The only thing that helped me during my pregnancy with the sciatica was a couple of visits to the chiropractor. Well worth the $35 a visit.
Definately agree with the use of chiropractors for sciatic pain. You do not always need to see a primary care doctor first as commonly they are inexperienced with this type of problem and all too often refer patients to surgeons before attempting conservative chiropractic measures.
Good post! Thanks for sharing it.
We all know that mothers give birth to their children is a divine thing. However, few people know the painful experience that the pregnant women will go through.Luckily,this article has shown some useful informatin and advices.Hope all the pregnant women can have their babies smoothly.
I’ve never had sciatic pain during pregnancy but it’s good to know how to alleviate it if it happens. I’m currently pregnant with my 3rd and have already suffered things that I didn’t with my first two.
THIS IS MY THIRD PREGNANCY AFTER 18 YEARS AND I FEEL LIKE IT IS THE FIRST ONE SINCE I HAD ALREADY FORGOTTEN THE DETAILS OF PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS. I GUESS THAT’S HOW NATURE INTENDED IT TO EXTEND THE HUMAN RACE.
Keeping oneself physically active by following a set of appropriate ante natal exercises can be very effective in relieving the pain of sciatica. It is also important to take care of your back during this period. Although back pain is very common during pregnancy, it can be mitigated by the right approach to physical activity, posture and back care. Overall an very imformative post.
Chiropractic care before, during, and after pregnancy can help lessen the pressure on the spinal discs. They need to be in place and in line before they experience additional weight and strain.
Great article. I didn’t have too many problems with this when I was pregnant, but now that I actually have low back pain (post pregnancy) I’m sure I’ll have it the second time around. This is really good to know, so I can prevent future discomfort.
The stress on the lower back and abdomen during pregnancy can weaken the muscles and ligaments of the back. This may lead to further problems including life long back pain. by following a few simple steps of back care.
Attention to posture while sitting, lying and standing can go a long way in preventing damage to the back.
Yes, the hormones in the last trimester are created to help loosen us up to prepare for birth. Unfortunately that can lead to back pain. But that’s not permanent. So if you are having permanent issues, please see a good chiropractor. I don’t recommend going right to a doc as they don’t work with manipulating things that are out of place and that could be the issue. Massage works wonder for sciatic and lower back pain.
My wife had the same thing whilst being pregnant! She’s okay now though after giving birth.
I’m three months pregnant now and i’m searching for all the information i can get. Thanks for this post. Really informative.
I’m very happy with this post. I’m five months pregnant now and i’m really scared something will go wrong. So thanks for this information.
Thanks for the useful information. I’m 7 months pregnant. Very exciting!
Congrats Jessica, I hope you have been able to keep exercising during pregnancy
It is my second pregancy. I’m at 19 weeks and started to feel pain in my sciatica. In my first pregnancy, it happened during the 4 final weeks and I felt like paralysed in my back. Now the feeling is different but i know it comes from there.
I have all my pains relieve by aroma therapy. It feels like I had washed out all the pain and my muscles gets the comfort that they want. I had better sleeps at night when I have therapy.
Jenny recently posted..hair loss during pregnancy
That’s awesome that the aromatherapy has been able to relieve your pain! Such a healthy option to be able to take. What aroma’s have been the most beneficial for you?
Twitter: thebacksurgery
February 2, 2012 at 11:18 am | Permalink |
Some really useful tips there that I find many many people will find useful. Sciatica in pregnancy is really common and unfortunately few people and many doctors don’t know how to manage it.
Simon Bannister recently posted..Sciatica Pain
It is important to contact your health care provider if the pain becomes constant, or increases in severity or frequency.
Cynthia recently posted..what causes stretch marks on back
Always keep in contact with your physician about aches, pains and new things that come up. Thanks for the reminder Cynthia.
My wife is pregnant and experiences lower back discomfort especially when she walks for long distances or stands over long periods of time. She’s had this discomfort even before she got pregnant..
thanks Cynthia for this article
Gerald recently posted..Physical Therapy School Requirements