Sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy

Sciatic nerve pain (or sciatica) can develop during pregnancy at any time. This can be due to pressure from a growing fetus, excessive movement or strain, weight gain, and other factors. Treatment of the pain involves relieving this pressure through body positioning, exercise, and sometimes medication.

Contents 1 Causes of pain of sciatic nerve 2 How does pain of sciatic nerve differ from low back pain and leg pain? 3 Prevention of sciatic nerve pain 4 How to relieve pain of sciatic nerve 5 References

[edit] Causes of pain of sciatic nerve

One of the primary reasons that lead to sciatica is the pressure exerted by the growing fetus. As the fetus develops, it grows not just in size but also in weight which compresses the sciatic nerve and leads to a painful experience of the mother.

Another factor that is considered to having sciatica during pregnancy is the nature of work the mother has before pregnancy. If the work of the mother before pregnancy involves lifting heavy objects, sitting or standing for a prolonged period of time then the mother is at risk for developing sciatica.

Excessive weight gain also contributes to mothers who experiences sciatica since it builds up more pressure to the sciatic nerve. Mothers who also experienced it during the last pregnancy are more prone to experiencing it again on the next pregnancy.

[edit] How does pain of sciatic nerve differ from low back pain and leg pain?

Sciatic pain is quite different from low back pain and leg pain in terms of its sharpness and area where it radiates. Sciatic nerve pain is often experienced during pregnancy and has a sharp shooting pain that radiates from the lower back to the back of the leg.

[edit] Prevention of sciatic nerve pain

Here are some ways on how to prevent sciatic nerve pain:

• Try to avoid lifting heavy objects that can strain your back. If lifting cannot be avoided, use proper body mechanics such as bending the knees instead of the back when lifting something from the floor.

• If your job involves standing or sitting for a long period of time, try to have some breaks to stretch out a little to relieve the tension on the sciatic nerve

• Perform some mild exercises such as walking and low impact aerobics. Make sure to consult a doctor first before performing exercise since it can affect the pregnancy.

• Read tips on flying while pregnant.

[edit] How to relieve pain of sciatic nerve

Medications might have certain effects when taken by a pregnant mother. The best way to know what medications are safe to take is to ask your doctor. Another way to relieve pain is to use hot compress and place it on the area of affectation. Warm bath also works as the same with hot compress. Sleeping on a side lying position can help relieve the pressure exerted by the baby on the sciatic nerve and can bring relief to the mother experiencing sciatica.

[edit] References

• American Pregnancy Association. March 2007. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/sciaticnervepain.html
• Mayo Clinic. April 22, 2010. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516
• Pregnancy and Back Pain. November 15, 2008. http://backpainandpregnancy.blogspot.com/2008/11/sciatica-real-pain-in-backside.html

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