The pain, numbness and tingling caused by sciatica during pregnancy can be difficult to tolerate. More than mild back pain, sciatica is an irritation of nerve roots. This page provides information on how to relieve sciatica during pregnancy.

Back pain is a common symptom in pregnancy. From added weight gain to changes in your center of gravity, pregnancy puts a strain on your body’s support system. Pregnancy pressure can irritate nerve roots at the base of the spine and cause sciatica. Sciatica can cause intense pain, numbness and a tingling sensation. These sciatica symptoms can radiate from the base of the spinal column down the legs to the ankles and feet. http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/sciatica-topic-overview While sciatica can be a problem any time during pregnancy, it is most common during the second and third trimesters when the baby is larger and in a lower position in the abdomen.

Back pain is a common symptom in pregnancy. From added weight gain to changes in your center of gravity, pregnancy puts a strain on your body’s support system. Pregnancy pressure can irritate nerve roots at the base of the spine and cause sciatica. Sciatica can cause intense pain, numbness and a tingling sensation. These sciatica symptoms can radiate from the base of the spinal column down the legs to the ankles and feet. http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/sciatica-topic-overview While sciatica can be a problem any time during pregnancy, it is most common during the second and third trimesters when the baby is larger and in a lower position in the abdomen.

Here are some posture related ways to relieve sciatica during pregnancy:

1. Maintain a straight posture and avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long hours.
2. Take short walking breaks and as your sciatica discomfort eases extend your walks. http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/sciatica-topic-overview.
3. Make sure to sleep on your side on a firm mattress and use pillows under your [knees]] and belly to reduce pressure on your lower back.
4. Roll out of bed instead of sitting straight up to reduce potential muscle spasms. http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/health_wellness/complications/article/pregnancy-related-sciatica

Apply a low level of heat to your back or other areas of pain. Use a heating pad on low, or take a warm shower. Use the heat 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours as the pain and symptoms persist. If warmth does not ease your pain, try using ice packs for 10 to 15 minutes instead of heat. http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/sciatica-topic-overview

With your Doctor’s approval, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease your pain. If you experience extreme pain, talk to your doctor about other pain medications that are safe for your pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest steroids for severe sciatica cases. http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/sciatica-topic-overview

Swimming and walking help reduce the pressure on your lower back. Ask your doctor if the “Williams Exercises” that were created to relieve sciatica pain and pressure are safe for you to perform during your pregnancy.

Here is a short list of some of the exercises:

1. 10 slow squats while balancing with a chair
2. Place your spine against a wall and press the small of your back into the wall then relax
3. Cat stretches while on your hands and knees where you hump your back
4. On your back, press your spine into the floor, then relax .http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/health_wellness/complications/article/pregnancy-related-sciatica-pg2

Consider chiropractic care to help relieve sciatica during pregnancy. Massage therapy may also relieve tension and muscle pain associated with sciatica.http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/health_wellness/complications/article/pregnancy-related-sciatica-pg2 For any alternative therapy, make sure to obtain a referral from your primary doctor for practitioners who have experience and training treating pregnant women.