The Best Ways to Deal With Sciatica During Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with an assortment of aches and pains, but a number of women are plagued by an even more excruciating condition during pregnancy: sciatica. When the baby’s head presses against the sciatic nerve, which is a nerve that travels down the spine, into the pelvis, and down the upper leg, this extremely painful condition is produced. The result is usually numbness or pain in the woman’s back, many times going down into their buttocks and thighs.

Most of the time, women have to deal with sciatica when they are in their second or third trimester because that is when the head of the baby is the biggest and is able to press down more. Nothing can really be done to help until after the baby is born because the pressure is caused by the position the baby is in. The hormonal changes of pregnancy, that allow the ligaments and tendons to loosen in preparation for the birth of the baby, will actually exaggerate the condition. There is a higher probability that pressure will be exerted on the sciatic nerve, thanks to the instability in the pelvic and back area, that is produced by the loosening of the body’s tendons and ligaments.

Sadly, there isn’t a method that will keep a woman from getting sciatica while she is pregnant. One piece of good news is that women who are physically fit and healthy seem to be spared from the worst of the sciatica pain. Women who are in superior shape will likely have a greater range of motion, and with the help of good muscle tone, have the ability to more easily handle the extra pregnancy weight, even if the baby’s head is pressing on the sciatic nerve.

If an expectant mother has sciatica bad enough, her doctor might give her a prescription, but a lot of physicians try to treat sciatica without medication. If it is severe, the doctor will usually put the mother on bed rest, have her get a deep tissue massage, and put heat and ice on the area alternatively.

Making some lifestyle modifications can help as well. Pay attention to how you are sitting because if you slouch a lot you will put a lot of pressure on the sciatic nerve. Wear shoes that are flat or low heeled so that your weight can be distributed evenly. Sleep with a pillow between your knees, on a flat surface, such as the floor or a very firm mattress. To ease your discomfort when arising from bed, you should first roll yourself over onto your side, and then swing your legs over the side of the bed before you get up. It is important to be cautious when getting out of bed, as this is an activity that often causes damage to the sciatic nerve. Some beneficial activities that have proven effective in treating sciatica are walking, prenatal massage, swimming, and stretching.

Sciatica is a painful disorder that affects the lower body and is caused by pinching of the sciatic nerve at the bottom of the vertebrae. Find out more about sciatica pain treatment at the Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatment site.