Aches and pains are part of pregnancy, but some are harder to handle than others. The sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the glutes, and down the back of each leg, is the largest nerve in the body. Because of the nerve's placement under the uterus, it is pressed as the baby grows, often creating sharp or aching pain during pregnancy.
Most women first notice sciatica after spending a significant amount of time on their feet. According to the American Pregnancy Association the best remedies include:
"The simplest remedy is to lie on your side, opposite of the pain. This may help relieve the pressure on the nerve. Avoid heavy lifting and minimize standing for long periods of time. If you experience pressure while standing, try elevating one foot and resting it on something. Swimming may also ease discomfort. You may experience relief by applying heat or cold to the troubled area."
Sciatica isn't considered to be a dangerous condition, but the amount of discomfort it causes does vary. If you experience sciatica for an extended period of time, contact your doctor about possible treatments. A prenatal massage may do the trick for some women, while waiting for the baby to move to a new spot will help others. If you've experienced pregnancy-related sciatica, how did you comfort yourself?
Principles
Chantelle
APC
Chiropractic treatments saved me during pregnancy. I'm a professor and had to teach a 3 hour class on my feet. During the second trimester I couldn't stand up straight my back hurt so much, and by the end of class I would be fighting back tears. One treatment at the chiropractor (suggested by my midwife) and it was amazing. I went once a week, and the day I went into labour I still felt great, was still walking to work even though I looked ridiculously huge and could teach 3 hours on my feet no problem (except for bathroom breaks!!).
1I have also been doing chiropractic treatments for the past few months of my pregnancy (I'm due in 5 weeks), and it helped my lower back pain immensely - I can't say enough good things about it. I had to go 3 times a week in the beginning and it took a few treatments before I noticed an improvement, but then the change was pretty drastic and I've been pain-free ever since. Now I'm just going to the chiropractor once a week for the duration of my pregnancy.
Incidentally, the chiropractic adjustments have also helped relieve ligament pain in front, get the baby in a good position, and also seem to have helped my asthma (I haven't used any of my inhalers in weeks, which is unheard of for me!)
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