Sciatica Pain in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a joyful time, but it comes with its own set of challenges. While nausea and heartburn are more commonly known, there are other issues, such as sciatica pain, that pregnant women may be susceptible to as well.

Why do people experience sciatica pain during pregnancy?

To put it simply, sciatica pain occurs when something is pressing on your nerves. Usually, this is caused by the displacement of the spinal bones. It causes them to impinge on a nerve, causing pain. This displacement can be caused by several factors, e.g., obesity, injury, bad posture, etc.

During pregnancy, the displacement is caused by the relaxation of your pelvic ligaments, which is offset by the release of a hormone called relaxin. This relaxation of ligaments and increased pressure from a growing uterus can shift your spinal balance, causing it to press onto your nerves. This pain may get worse as pregnancy continues and your baby grows in size.

How long does sciatica last in pregnancy?

The pain usually begins during the third trimester and worsens until the end of your pregnancy. In most cases, it should resolve after delivery as the pressure from the pregnant belly goes away. However, it might remain constant for some women even after their baby’s birth.

What are some ways to help with sciatica pain during pregnancy?

Discomfort from sciatica pain can be a nuisance. Here are some ways to ease the pain a little:

Take a warm bath: this will take away pressure from your lower back and help ease the pain a little.
Use a heating pad: apply a heating pad to your lower back area temporarily for some relief from pain.
Physiotherapy: going to a pregnancy-approved physiotherapist may help realign your spine for pain relief.
Yoga: pregnancy yoga is crafted to help with lower back pain and ease discomfort.

If your pain does not go away or continues to worsen, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider so you can get help in relieving some of your pain! Or give us a call if you have any questions.