Sciatica and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Sciatica can be incredibly painful and even possibly dangerous when it happens during pregnancy. The issue of sciatica and pregnancy is therefore one of great importance, especially if you yourself are a woman who is or who is planning to get pregnant.
What it is
On the topic of sciatica and pregnancy, the first thing you should know is what sciatica actually is and what is involved with it. The term sciatica specifically describes the symptoms of leg pain and weakness that travels from the lower back through to the buttocks and down the legs, even often into the feet.
One of the most important things to understand here is that sciatica is a symptom of a problem, more specifically of something compressing or irritating the nerve roots that comprise the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica and Pregnancy
The issue of sciatica and pregnancy is particularly important. Pregnancy related changes in the body can result in causing pelvic pain and back ache and can also cause sciatica to develop. It is however, important to realize that many women believe they have sciatica during pregnancy when they really do not.
This is why if you think you are dealing with sciatica in pregnancy you get in to see your doctor immediately and have them make a proper diagnosis. Never go ahead with any form of treatment before you are absolutely sure what you are dealing with, because this could actually result in causing even more problems.
Treatment
There are a few options available to you when it comes to treatment of your sciatica. First you should see your general practitioner who will give you a pregnancy support belt to wear and this will help to relieve pressure on the spine. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also often used, and steroid injections can also be given, but only after the baby has been born.
There are also many things that you can do at home to help yourself deal with the pain, for instance applying a heat or ice pack to the inflamed or painful area for even just a few minutes will help a lot, as will wearing flat soft shoes rather than high heels. You want to stay mobile rather than lying down all the time because this will only make you focus even more on the pain.
Watch your posture at all times and make sure that you do not slouch because this will only add to your back problems.
