Methods For Dealing With Sciatica In Expectant Mothers
If it wasn't bad enough that pregnant women had to deal with the normal aches that pregnancy brings, some of them have to suffer through sciatica. This happens when a baby's head is pressed on the sciatic nerve that goes along the spine and down to the pelvic region and legs. The result is usually numbness or pain in the woman's back, many times going down into their buttocks and thighs.
As the baby grows larger in the second and especially the third trimester, the mother is more likely to experience sciatica, as the baby's head will be large enough to exert pressure on the nerve. Nothing can really be done to help until after the baby is born because the pressure is caused by the position the baby is in. The hormonal changes of pregnancy, that allow the ligaments and tendons to loosen in preparation for the birth of the baby, will actually exaggerate the condition. This makes a woman's back even more unstable, making it more likely that the sciatic nerve will have pressure put on it.
Sadly, there isn't a method that will keep a woman from getting sciatica while she is pregnant. One piece of good news is that women who are physically fit and healthy seem to be spared from the worst of the sciatica pain. Women who are in superior shape will likely have a greater range of motion, and with the help of good muscle tone, have the ability to more easily handle the extra pregnancy weight, even if the baby's head is pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Many physicians are reluctant to prescribe medications, even in the most debilitating cases of sciatica in pregnant women, and instead choose to look for other remedies for the condition. Severe sciatica can be treated by alternating cold and hot compresses to the area, as well as deep tissue massage in conjunction with bed rest.
Making some lifestyle modifications can help as well. You will experience greater pressure on the nerve if you tend to slouch, so be sure to stand up straight. To ensure even weight distribution, low heeled or flat heeled shoes are recommended. Sleep with a pillow between your knees, on a flat surface, such as the floor or a very firm mattress. To ease your discomfort when arising from bed, you should first roll yourself over onto your side, and then swing your legs over the side of the bed before you get up. Many times the sciatic nerve is hurt when people get out of bed the wrong way, so be sure to take care. It is also helpful to walk, swim, stretch, and have a prenatal massage to relieve the pain of sciatica.
As the baby grows larger in the second and especially the third trimester, the mother is more likely to experience sciatica, as the baby's head will be large enough to exert pressure on the nerve. Nothing can really be done to help until after the baby is born because the pressure is caused by the position the baby is in. The hormonal changes of pregnancy, that allow the ligaments and tendons to loosen in preparation for the birth of the baby, will actually exaggerate the condition. This makes a woman's back even more unstable, making it more likely that the sciatic nerve will have pressure put on it.
Sadly, there isn't a method that will keep a woman from getting sciatica while she is pregnant. One piece of good news is that women who are physically fit and healthy seem to be spared from the worst of the sciatica pain. Women who are in superior shape will likely have a greater range of motion, and with the help of good muscle tone, have the ability to more easily handle the extra pregnancy weight, even if the baby's head is pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Many physicians are reluctant to prescribe medications, even in the most debilitating cases of sciatica in pregnant women, and instead choose to look for other remedies for the condition. Severe sciatica can be treated by alternating cold and hot compresses to the area, as well as deep tissue massage in conjunction with bed rest.
Making some lifestyle modifications can help as well. You will experience greater pressure on the nerve if you tend to slouch, so be sure to stand up straight. To ensure even weight distribution, low heeled or flat heeled shoes are recommended. Sleep with a pillow between your knees, on a flat surface, such as the floor or a very firm mattress. To ease your discomfort when arising from bed, you should first roll yourself over onto your side, and then swing your legs over the side of the bed before you get up. Many times the sciatic nerve is hurt when people get out of bed the wrong way, so be sure to take care. It is also helpful to walk, swim, stretch, and have a prenatal massage to relieve the pain of sciatica.
Source...