If you’re pregnant, you may know exactly where your sciatic nerve is located. If you haven’t been pregnant long, you will probably find out soon enough. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It provides motor function and sensation to the back of the thigh, lower part of the leg and the sole of the foot. Sciatica or sciatic nerve pain is a periodic severe pain that occurs throughout your legs.
Sciatica during pregnancy
In women the sciatic nerve runs under your uterus to your legs. Sciatica during pregnancy happens when the baby, and your uterus, becomes big enough to put pressure or pinch the sciatic nerve. It may start by coming and going, depending on how the baby is moving. But once he or she turns head down and gets closer to delivery, the head causes constant pressure.
What can you do when it happens?
Well there are a few things. For temporary relief you can lie on your side. Lie on the side opposite of the side in pain. To keep it from getting worse or flaring up avoid heavy lifting (which your obstetrician is probably telling you anyway), and try to avoid standing for long periods of time. If you have to stand and it flares, try elevating one foot and resting it on something.
Exercise
Other ways to alleviate the pain are swimming, hot and cold to the area of pain, or acetaminophen to relieve the pain. Regular exercise is also a help, so unless you are on bed rest have an exercise routine. Exercise strengthens muscles and flexibility. Also pay attention to your posture. Poor posture and slouching strains your spine. Sit well, stand up straight, sleep with a pillow between your legs to keep your spine aligned.
Physical therapy
If the pain is constant or becomes worse or more frequent, tell your obstetrician. He or she may recommend physical therapy. A physical therapist can help you come up with an exercise plan that will help while being safe for pregnancy. Then just remember that once the baby is here, the sciatica won’t.
