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. When the baby’s head presses against the sciatic nerve, which is a nerve that travels down the spine, into the pelvis, and down the upper leg, this extremely painful condition is produced. 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. This condition is something that the woman will generally have to deal with until the birth of the baby, as its position, which is causing the pain, will likely not change until birth. 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. There is a higher probability that pressure will be exerted on the sciatic nerve, thanks to the instability in the pelvic and back area, that is produced by the loosening of the body’s tendons and ligaments.

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. If it is severe, the doctor will usually put the mother on bed rest, have her get a deep tissue massage, and put heat and ice on the area alternatively.

Making some lifestyle modifications can help as well. Pay attention to how you are sitting because if you slouch a lot you will put a lot of pressure on the sciatic nerve. To ensure even weight distribution, low heeled or flat heeled shoes are recommended. Lay on a mattress that is firm or on your floor and stick a pillow between your legs. When you first get up, roll over onto your side and allow your legs to go off the bed first. It is important to be cautious when getting out of bed, as this is an activity that often causes damage to the sciatic nerve. It is also helpful to walk, swim, stretch, and have a prenatal massage to relieve the pain of sciatica.

Exercise is an excellent approach to sciatica home treatment. Learn more about the causes and cures for this condition at the Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatment site.

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