Pregnancy-Related Sciatic Nerve Pain
The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back and continues down the legs. It is the largest nerve in the body, and it supplies feeling to the back of the thighs, lower legs and feet. Pregnant women sometimes experience pain as the uterus grows and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
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Symptoms
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Sciatic nerve pain is felt in the lower back, buttocks and legs. It may be worse when you are standing because your uterus places pressure on the nerve. The pain can be severe, and it may radiate as far down as the foot. Some pregnant women experience sciatic nerve pain as a dull ache, while others may feel sharp, sudden pain. The pain may also be felt as an intense jolt that travels down the leg.
Home Treatment
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Lie on the pain-free side of your body to take pressure off the sciatic nerve. Avoid standing for long periods of time, and try resting one of your feet on an elevated surface when you cannot sit. Use a heating pad on the painful area to ease the pain. Try swimming to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Perform pelvic tilt exercises by standing with your back straight and rocking your pelvis back and forth.
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Professional Treatment
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Your doctor may instruct you to take acetaminophen to ease severe sciatic nerve pain that does not respond to other treatment. Massage, performed by a masseuse trained in pregnancy massage, may be helpful. A chiropractor skilled in caring for pregnant women may also be of assistance. If your sciatic nerve pain is severe, your doctor might suggest that you rest in bed for a few days.
Outlook
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Sometimes sciatic nerve pain will last until after delivery, but it may also get better as the baby changes positions. While some women have severe pain that interferes with their lives, most pregnant women can minimize the pain with home treatments. Even in severe cases, women can usually find relief with a doctor's help.
Warning
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Always talk to your doctor before taking any medications during pregnancy. If your experience continuous sciatic nerve pain, or if the pain becomes more severe, discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
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