SCIATICA DURING PREGNANCY

November 4, 2019 /

Written by Caroline Meyer

Pregnancy is full of strange and wonderful experiences and some not so wonderful ones as well. For some women, one of the experiences may include sciatica. 

WHAT IS SCIATICA? 

The sciatic nerve is the one that runs from the lower back down to the buttocks and then splits to run down the back of the legs all the way to the feet. Some women experience a dull throbbing in the butt or back region while for others, this may be experienced as severe pain during the pregnancy. It is fortunately a temporary condition but can be excruciating while it is happening. The sciatica may start as numbness or tingling in the buttocks and back which can escalate into sharp, shooting pains in the lower back and down the legs. This is caused from the sciatic nerve being compressed. This can happen generally through a ruptured or slipped disc, narrowing of the spinal cord and even arthritis. For some women, sciatica can be experienced as a short-term side effect during their pregnancy. 

Sciatica is caused due to irritation of the nerve. It is also known as lumbosacral radicular syndrome. The pain can be mild to very severe. It can present as a dull, deep pain which aches or throbs or it can be an intermittent sharp, shooting pain. The pain generally runs from the lower spine ending in the thighs or from the buttocks and hips down the legs. 

WHAT CAUSES SCIATICA? 

Up to 80 percent of women experience back pain during pregnancy. Most of this back pain is not due to sciatica even though it may present with similar symptoms. The sciatic pain is due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. Besides herniated or bulging discs, it can be caused through bone changes, degenerative disc disease and other spinal conditions. Ailments that affect the spine can put pressure on the sciatic nerve resulting in sciatic pain. During pregnancy the most common cause of the symptoms is due to muscle tension and unstable joints. Other reasons include joint problems such as SI and even muscle problems such as piriformis syndrome which affects the muscles in the buttocks. Many of these issues are due to the hormones released during pregnancy which cause ligaments to stretch and loosen, especially in the pelvic area.  The extra weight of the baby can also put pressure on the hips and pelvic joints. The position the baby is lying in can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain. 

REASONS FOR SCIATICA 

Some of the most common causes of sciatica during pregnancy include: 

  • Weight gain and fluid retention causing compression on the sciatic nerve in the pelvic region 
  • A change in balance as your centre of gravity is shifted forward due to the increased size of the breasts and stomach regions. This puts pressure on the lower back and causes the muscles in the pelvic area and buttocks to tighten. This can also pinch the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain. 
  • The uterus is growing and can also push down on the nerve at the base of the spine. 
  • Once the baby moves into the birth position later in the third trimester, this can result in the baby pushing up on the sciatic nerve. This can cause a literal pain in the butt which can shoot down the legs and up in to the lower back. 

Sciatica is most often experienced in the third trimester.  There are some women that develop sciatica earlier in their pregnancies, but this is not as common. The pain can be felt on one side or both sides of the body, although it is more commonly felt on one side with the pain shooting down both legs. Depending on the amount of pressure on the nerve, the pain can be intermittent or constant. Once you have given birth and the excess fluid and weight has been shed, the sciatica usually reduces instantly. 

HOW CAN YOU RELIEVE THE PAIN OF SCIATICA? 

  • Use a hot water bottle or a warm compress on the area that is hurting 
  • Put your feet up and rest in a comfortable position to reduce pressure on the spine 
  • If you have pain on one side, sleep on the opposite side 
  • Try doing pelvic tilts to strengthen your core and restore balance and reduce inflammation 
  • Sleep on a firm mattress with a pregnancy pillow between your legs to keep the pelvis in better alignment 
  • Take a warm bath or go swimming. The water will help reduce some of the pressure on the spine temporarily 
  • Massage, acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments done by registered professionals can also help bring some relief from the pain. 
  • Discuss stretching exercises with your doctor that can help decrease muscle tension and improve movement in the lower body to reduce pain 
  • When you experience pain during certain activities, do not push through it. Listen to your body and take the time out to relax when needed 
  • Reduce the rate of weight gain where possible as a slower weight gain is easier for your body to handle than a rapid jump in weight over a short period 

If the sciatic pain becomes severe, talk to your doctor about pain reducing medications such as acetaminophen to bring the pain under control without harming your growing baby.