What to do if you have sciatica during pregnancy?

Many women are prone to sciatica during pregnancy, so it is important to analyze and understand the causes. As the pregnancy progresses, the growth of the fetus in the late pregnancy will put pressure on the back, causing pain. At this time, you should focus on getting more rest and avoiding fatigue. If the condition is severe, local analgesic treatment can be used.

1. What causes it?

1. The growth of the fetus puts pressure on the back

In the third trimester, the weight of your baby puts added pressure on your back and squeezes the sciatic nerve, causing intense, stabbing pain from your waist down your legs.

2. Edema during pregnancy is an important cause

Because the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, venous return is blocked and water is not easily returned to the heart for metabolism, it can cause pitting edema of the lower limbs, such as the back, calves, feet, etc., which can easily compress the sciatic nerve and cause pain symptoms.

2. What to do with sciatica?

1. Pay attention to rest and avoid fatigue

Because of the baby, there is no good treatment for sciatica during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid fatigue, wear flat shoes, and get enough rest. You can lie flat and raise your feet so that the position of your feet is close to that of your heart, which will increase venous return and make you more comfortable.

2. If the condition is serious, local analgesia can be used

If the condition is very serious, you need to go to the hospital for local sealing and local analgesia treatment. For example, if the pain is severe due to separation of the pubic symphysis, it is best to ask a doctor to use local sealing methods for treatment.

3. Rapid treatment methods

Sleep on your left side with a pillow between your knees to increase blood flow to your uterus.

Do not stand or sit in the same posture for more than half an hour during the day. Swimming can help pregnant mothers relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.