Sciatic Nerve Pain during Pregnancy
Sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy occurs when the extended uterus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. This results in a sharp pain that usually starts from the lower back, moves to the buttocks and then the leg. The pain will differ, depending on the severity of the nerve pressure. The pregnant woman can reduce the pain through exercise. Exercise helps the uterus to move from the sciatic nerve and at the same time strengthen the muscles on the lower back.
Sciatic Nerve Pain vs. Lower Back Pain during Pregnancy
Sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy is different from other lower back and leg pains that usually occur during pregnancy. Sciatic pain is sharp that will start from your lower back and move quickly to the legs through your buttocks.
What Contributes to Sciatic Nerve Pain during Pregnancy
Weight lifting during pregnancy can cause sciatic nerve pain. Also, if you are involved in a job that requires you to spend time standing or sitting for long periods of time you are at a high risk of having sciatic nerve pain. Weight gain during pregnancy can also cause this condition because the extra weight increases pressure on the nerve. In addition, women who have suffered from the nerve pain in past pregnancies are at a higher risk of having it.
Risks of sciatic Nerve Pain During Pregnancy
Sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy does not cause serious danger. However, it can prevent you from moving around or exercising which is very vital for your health and the health of the unborn child. It is therefore very crucial to see your physician for help. The pain will most likely disappear on its own after two months.
Treatment
You should consult your physician for help as soon as you start experiencing the sharp pain. The doctor will ask you to use a hot water bottle or try hot compresses. A warm soak in the tub can also help to relieve the pain. You might also need to change your sleeping position. Avoid sleeping on the side that is aching so that if the pain is on your left leg you should sleep on your right side. You will be able to reduce the pain by reducing pressure on the nerve. You can also reduce pressure on the nerve by wearing a belly sling.
Massage therapy can be used if the nerve pain is severe. Massage will help to relax the muscles which usually cause sciatica. The massage will increase blood circulation to prevent numbness and inflammation. Try to work with a therapist who has experience working with pregnant women.
You might also want to try yoga to reduce sciatic nerve pain. The muscle stretch helps to reduce the tension and inflammation which are the main cause of pain. Ask your doctor to recommend a professional instructor or visit your local yoga class for help. The exercise will not treat the nerve condition, but will reduce the pain and discomfort. Physical exercise can also help to relieve pain by strengthening the back muscles. This will help to reduce low back pain which is a common symptom of sciatic.
Sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy causes lower back pin and leg pain. The pain is severe and will add to the discomfort common in pregnant women. It I easy to know if the pain is sciatic since sciatic pain is sharp and not a throbbing pain. The pain will not put the mother and the unborn child in danger. It can be treated using natural remedies such as massage therapy, physical exercise, wearing a belly sling as well as avoiding lifting weight. The key thing in treatment is to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.