Sciatic nerve pain is a common condition that most pregnant women suffer at least once during pregnancy. The sharp shooting pain in the lower back that travels down the leg, aches and numbness can be irritatingly uncomfortable during pregnancy. Fortunately, there are a few remedies that can help get relief from the discomfort caused by Sciatica during pregnancy.

In this blog today, with inputs from the best gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri, we explain the reasons behind Sciatica during pregnancy. And then provide you with remedies that can provide relief from Sciatica. Read on to know:

What is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the largest in the human body that runs from the lower spinal cord to the sole through the deep layers of the buttock and back of the legs. Sciatica is a neurological condition when the sciatic nerve is inflamed, irritated or compressed. This results in pain and other symptoms that originate in the lower back, radiate deep into the glutes and travel down the leg.

In most cases, Sciatica happens when nerves get irritated or compressed by slipped, ruptured or bulging discs, arthritis or even spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord). However, during pregnancy, Sciatica can happen due to a variety of other reasons.

Why Does Sciatic Happen During Pregnancy?

Sciatica is the most common during pregnancy due to a variety of physical and structural changes that happen in the body, which are as follows:

Expanded Uterus: The uterus that is broadened due to conception may press down and irritate the sciatica nerve in the lower spine.

Weight gain: The weight gained by the woman during pregnancy and the fluid retention that happens can put pressure on the sciatica nerve and compresses it as it passes through the pelvis.

Structural change: The subtle physical change and growing belly may shift the centre of gravity, which may stress the lordotic curve and pinch the sciatic nerve.

Alignment of head: The baby’s head can directly rest on the nerve as it settles into the final position, inflaming the nerve.

In addition to the above prior spinal conditions like slipped, bulging or herniated discs, spinal stenosis can also increase the risk of Sciatica, according to a lady gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr Neelima.

Remedies & Treatment Options for Sciatica:

There are specific remedies to Sciatica that can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused. Using a warm compress, resting comfortably, sleeping on the pain-free side, using a firm mattress, and doing Kegels are some common remedies that can help relieve the pain. In addition, performing low-impact activities like swimming and walking and gradually gaining weight are other best practices recommended to reduce the risk of Sciatica. Remedies may not always help; sometimes, the pain can become severe, and this is when one needs to seek help from a gynaecologist for medications that provide instant relief. If you are in Mumbai and are looking for comfort from Sciatica, you can contact the leading gynaecologist in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri .