Back pain is pretty common during pregnancy—you are, after all, carrying a lot of extra weight on the front of your body. Sciatica is one of the most severe types of back pain you can get, but there are several ways to ease the aches and pains that come with it. Stretches, gentle massage, and other remedies can help. Show What is Sciatic Nerve Pain?Sciatic nerve pain is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve; the nerve branches off of your spinal cord in your lower back and runs through your buttocks and down your legs. This very large nerve helps the lower part of your back, legs, and feet feel sensations like pressure, temperature—and yes, pain. During pregnancy, sciatica can arise if your growing baby and expanding uterus put pressure on your sciatic nerve; pressure on this nerve can cause inflammation, irritation, and pain. You’ll know it’s sciatica if you’re experiencing shooting pains that start in your lower back, and radiate down your legs. Sciatica is most likely to occur later on in your pregnancy as your baby gets bigger; the extra weight puts pressure on the nerve. Sometimes sciatica is caused by other conditions such as a slipped disk or a spasm of the piriformis muscle deep in your buttocks. Symptoms of Sciatic Nerve PainThe primary symptom, as mentioned above, is pain that starts in your lower back and radiates down your legs. Some other symptoms could point to sciatic nerve pain, though:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should let your doctor know at your next appointment. They’ll be able to provide some safe ways to relieve your pain or some over-the-counter pain medicine. Until then, here are some great stretches you can try at home to ease the pain. Stretches for Sciatic Nerve PainLight back stretching is a great way to relieve sciatic nerve pain. If you’re further along in your pregnancy, remember to avoid any stretches that involve lying on your back—this causes your uterus to press against a large vein that leads to your heart, which can make you feel lightheaded or weak. Seated Piriformis Stretch The piriformis muscle is deep in your glutes, and spasms in these muscles can lead to sciatica pain.
Child’s Pose This yoga pose is popular for a reason—it’s meant to be restful and restorative, as well as to give your back and thigh muscles a good stretch. Prenatal yoga in general is an excellent, low impact way for you to stay active, and relieve pain, while pregnant.
Standing Hamstring Stretch This stretch will help you maintain flexibility in the muscle surrounding the sciatic nerve, which will reduce irritation.
Other Remedies for Sciatic Nerve PainA gentle massage over the lower section of your back can do a lot to help relieve inflammation and discomfort around your sciatic nerve. It’s best to go to a professional masseuse, who’s experienced in pregnancy-specific massages. A lot of spas even offer special mom-to-be massages to help relieve all of the aches and pains that come with pregnancy, while also making sure you and baby are safe. You can also use a tennis ball to give yourself a massage at home. If you’re early on in your pregnancy, you can lay on your back with the tennis ball under your lower back to roll out the tension. As your pregnancy progresses, we recommend you do this while sitting against the back of a chair. Make sure you avoid sitting for long periods—if you have a desk job get up and take a walk regularly. It’s also a good idea to use heat packs on your lower back or buttocks while you’re sitting, to help keep tension from forming in those muscles. Being mindful of your posture while sitting will also help reduce irritation around your sciatic nerve. Taking a warm bath, using over-the-counter pain relievers, or using a foam roller on your buttocks and lower legs are all great ways to ease the pain. Interested in more maternity tips? Visit our website today. Is buttock pain normal during pregnancy?Butt pain is common and normal during pregnancy, and it can result from several factors. As the fetus and uterus grow, they put pressure on the hips, back, and buttocks. Buttocks pain can also stem from pregnancy complications and unrelated medical issues.
Can you feel Labour pains in your bum?During this time, the pressure on the rectum may make a person feel as if they need a bowel movement. They also may feel a strong urge to push.
Does sciatica pain mean labor is near?As your center of gravity shifts and ligaments loosen in preparation for labor, you may experience the shooting lower back and leg pain of a pinched or stressed sciatic nerve.
|