How can I relieve Sciatica during pregnancy?

There are gentle ways to reduce sciatic pain. Many find some relief doing the following gentle activities:

• Lay on your side with the painful side up to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Relax and breathe deeply into the painful area. Make sure to put a pillow between your knees.
• Avoid standing for long periods of time. Keep moving or alternate sitting and standing.
• Go for a swim or walk waist high water. Float or recline with a noodle or floatie for support.
• Take warm showers or use warm compresses on the painful area.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects.

Chiropractic care by a pregnancy trained chiropractor (check out www.icpa4kids.com) is often very helpful in reducing sciatica and nerve pain during and after pregnancy. This gentle non invasive, drug free approach helps you manage the pain and shifting posture as your belly grows. It also helps you feel your best going into delivery, increasing the likelihood of a natural delivery and healthy postpartum recovery.

Is severe or unbearable sciatic pain normal?

Sciatica pains vary from mild to excruciating. You may also notice a tingling sensation in one part of your body and pain in another area. Symptoms often include:

• A burning sensation in the lower back and buttocks on one or both sides.
• Pain that travels from your pelvis down the back of your leg.
• A sudden jolt of pain that feels like an electric shock.
• Pain that worsens when you cough, sneeze, stand, or sit for long periods of time.
• Numbness, muscle weakness, or tingling in one leg or foot.

What is the best sleeping position to relieve sciatica during pregnancy?

Sleeping on your side is usually helpful. Alternate sides throughout the night, making sure to keep a pillow between your knees and ankles to support your hips and lower back. Many find a pregnancy pillow helps with this. Wedging a pillow under your belly also helps to reduce the pull on your lower back.

What can I take for sciatic pain during pregnancy?

Most doctors recommend avoiding medications or over the counter drugs during pregnancy. This is why many OBs and Midwives refer to pregnancy chiropractors for help with pain and discomfort during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Sticking to topical analgesic creams, especially Arnicare Gel also helps with the pain and stress on your ligaments during this time.

Is heat or ice better for sciatic pain during pregnancy?

Many prefer heat to relieve pain, but too much heat can increase inflammation. Using ice or alternating heat and ice is preferable. Adding Arnicare Gel also helps.

Where is sciatic pain felt?

Sciatic pain is usually felt from deep in the pelvis down the back of one or both legs. This is due to vertebral compression (squeezing in your spine) in the lower back or sacrum.

When does sciatica in pregnancy start? Does it ever go away?

Most sciatica is temporary and begins in the second or third trimester. If it lasts more than a day or two, seeing a chiropractor or taking time to rest, stretch and recover can help. Gentle movements are helpful, try not to stay in any one position too long.

Some women will experience full relief from sciatic nerve pain after giving birth, but others may develop postpartum sciatica symptoms due to weakened back and abdominal muscles. Continue to build your strength through gentle physical activity while giving your body time to rest.  If your pain continues or increases during or after pregnancy, see your doctor. Gentle chiropractic care helps with postpartum recovery too.