Sciatica can be experienced by both women who are and are not pregnant. Sciatica refers to the pain one experiences along the sciatic nerve. The longest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve runs down your spin, over you hips and buttocks, and down your legs.
Causes of Sciatica in Pregnancy
As the uterus expands and moves, pressure may be placed on the sciatic nerve. All it takes is a bit of pressure and tingling pain and numbness can occur. The pain often subsides as your fetus moves, but that movement may take a some time and that waiting period is by no means comfortable!
Important Facts About Sciatica in Pregnancy
Pain associated with sciatica in pregnancy may be short lived or constant. Every woman will experience different symptoms, and based on their threshold for pain may experience more or less pain. Pain associated with sciatica may also extend beyond birth, for some women, as the uterus takes some time to return to its normal size and for organs to move back into a more normal location.
Treatment for Sciatica in Pregnancy
Prescription medications often used to treat sciatica are not normally safe during pregnancy, so you will need to explore some alternative treatments. The most effectivetreatment is rest and repositioning. Often, women can lay on one side or the other to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Unfortunately this treatment is only temporary, as pressure will often resume as soon as you are up and walking again.
Other treatments can include warm compresses and alternative therapies like massage and acupuncture. Pelvic tilts and stretching may also help relieve sciatica.