How to Handle Sciatic Pain During Pregnancy

Unfortunately, sciatica is a common occurrence during pregnancy, as hormonal changes increase flexibility and structure of the pelvic bones, weight changes rapidly and your center of gravity shifts, making pinching nerves something to be expected. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways that you can help reduce the pain naturally.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Heating pad
• Donut cushion
• Acetaminophen

1. Practice pre-natal yoga as soon as possible; however, it is important to take classes from a qualified instructor who can guide your postures through each trimester of your pregnancy. Yoga will not only help to increase flexibility, reduce pressure on nerves and reduce the pain of sciatica, it will also help you deal with changing emotions, reduce weight gain and make childbirth easier.
2. Get regular massages during your pregnancy, again, seeking out a therapist who specializes in pregnancy massage, as it requires special equipment and instruction. A massage therapist knows exactly where to work to help relax muscles which pinch the nerves and cause sciatica.
3. Rest when pain flares, applying a heating pad to your hips and buttocks. If using heat, only apply for 15 minutes at a time, no more than once an hour, as too much heat can aggravate the problem. Additionally, while quality rest will help to relax the body, too much rest will weaken the muscles and create painful problems in other areas. Rest when needed, but get up and move around whenever possible.
4. Use a donut pillow when sitting for long periods of time. While you may look a bit silly, these inexpensive pillows are designed to reduce pressure on the nerves, helping to make your pregnancy as comfortable as possible.
5. Consider physical therapy if your efforts to reduce the pain are not working. Occasionally, if you have broken a tailbone at a younger age and didn't know or never sought treatment, you may experience severe sciatica during pregnancy. A physical therapist can help guide you through exercise, stretches and other methods to help you handle the pain. If a tailbone injury is suspected, get an x-ray or MRI as soon as possible after giving birth.
6. Take acetaminophen, generally considered safe during pregnancy, when pain is intolerable. However, do not rely on acetaminophen as your only method of pain relief, as it should be used sparingly anytime, but even more during pregnancy.