Sciatica Pregnancy
What is it? As pregnancy progresses, the baby's head
presses against the pelvic bones and this may affect the sciatic nerves in your lower back
and legs (these sciatic nerves are associated with movement, sensation). This causes
severe pain in the lower back, buttocks and leg (one or both). It may cause tingling,
weakness and numbness down the legs as well. This condition is called sciatica and can be
extremely uncomfortable and painful for the one suffering from it. I suffered during my
first pregnancy and during the last stages of pregnancy, I could not even lift my left leg
to get in and out of the bath tub without bursting into tears and was on paracetamol for
about a month!
Why might Sciatica happen in pregnancy?
Sciatica can happen at any time, but in pregnancy you're vulnerable
because of the action of certain hormones. State registered chartered physiotherapist
Sammy Margo, who practises in London, says: 'The hormone relaxin is released in pregnancy
to soften and stretch your ligaments to allow for the size of the growing baby. In
addition to this, as your baby grows, your weight is pulled forward, which increases the
arch of your lower back. This can lead to pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain.'
When during pregnancy might Sciatica happen?
n pregnancy, sciatica can occur in the first trimester when relaxin levels are highest,
although it's more likely to occur during the second trimester when your baby is
considerably larger. It can also happen at the end of pregnancy, when your posture is
likely to be at its worst and the pressure on your spine is at its height.
What to do when Sciatica happens during pregnancy?
What to do? Since the pain is caused by the position of
the baby, it will vanish only after the baby has been born. In the meantime, some relief
can be obtained by lying on a firm mattress, using a hot water bottle, special exercises
as suggested by your midwife or doctor.When in severe pain, consult the doctor to rule out
the possibility of a slipped disc.
|
