Sciatic pain occurs commonly during pregnancy as the weight of the uterus and the baby presses on the sciatic nerve. The American Pregnancy Association explains that the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and runs down both legs. Sciatic pain can cause difficulty walking and may cause pain that runs all the way down one leg to the foot. Eliminating sciatic pain during pregnancy is possible for some pregnant women using a combination of therapies.
Step 1
Visit a physical therapist regularly to receive physical therapy to loosen the muscles and ligaments that could be tight, causing the sciatic pain. The therapist may also provide exercises that you can do to help keep the muscles loose to prevent the pain from returning.
Step 2
Visit a chiropractor who specializes in pregnancy for an evaluation. Kristine Tohtz, a chiropractor in Chicago, explains that chiropractor adjustments are safe for most pregnant women. A chiropractor can help readjust the pelvis and other bones that may be pressing on the sciatic nerve. Chiropractic adjustments can also alleviate muscle spasms that cause sciatic pain.
Step 3
Apply heat or ice as needed to the lower back and hip area to relieve the pain. The preference of using heat or ice varies by individual, so you may need to try each one to discover which one eliminates the pain for your body.
Step 4
Exercise frequently, especially non-weight bearing exercises like swimming to keep muscles limber and to help keep the pelvis in alignment to relieve the pain and prevent its return.
