Understanding the Impact of Sciatic Nerve Pain in Pregnancy - Dr Daivik T Shetty

Pregnancy is a magical journey filled with anticipation, excitement, and wonder as a new life blossoms within. However, amidst this joyous experience, many expectant mothers also face the challenges of rapid biological change in all organ systems. An enormous amount of morphological, physiological, and biochemical change occurs in the woman throughout pregnancy in order to support and nurture the growing baby.

On an average, during course of pregnancy, women gain weight about 25-35 pounds and undergo various hormonal changes and biomechanical variations that strain the pelvis and axial skeleton. Significant physiological changes occurring during the normal pregnancy often give rise to many musculoskeletal issues.

Diastasis of the rectus abdominis, low back pain, pelvic discomfort, carpal tunnel syndrome, and meralgia paresthetica are a few musculoskeletal issues that arise during pregnancy plantar fasciitis and thoracic outlet syndrome. In some cases, patient have back pain along with tingling pain which radiates to the posterior part of thigh and may extend below the knee. This kind of pain is called Sciatic nerve pain (popularly Sciatica). This essay delves into the profound impact of sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy, exploring precautionary measures and effective strategies to alleviate this discomfort, ensuring a smoother path to motherhood.

Sciatica describes a set of symptoms that includes radiating pain in the lower extremities. Usually, sciatica is brought on by an irritated, pinched, or inflamed sciatic nerve. In non-pregnant individuals, a back bone spur or herniated disc could cause sciatica. Herniated discs may also cause pregnancy sciatica.

Sciatica in pregnant women is most commonly caused by a herniated disc in the lower back, which affects the spinal nerve roots. This occurrence is rare and may take place in one in 10,000 (less than 1%) pregnancies.

However, for pregnant women there are other causes of Sciatic Nerve pain

A pregnant person's ligaments start to loosen in preparation for giving birth when the hormone relaxing increases in their body. However, shifting your centre of gravity and pinching the sciatic nerve can be caused by loose ligaments and a developing uterus, which can cause shooting pains down your legs. Sciatica is commonly late in pregnancy as sciatic nerve is trapped between the foetal head and pelvic brim.

Another culprit? Your baby! As your little one packs on the pounds, the weight of the foetus and your uterus can add extra pressure to the sciatic nerve, especially when baby is positioned in certain ways.

How to identify Sciatic nerve pain during Pregnancy?

The described pain is described as intense, shooting, and uncomfortable or numbing. It also feels like electric shock. Typically, pain starts in the gluteal area and spreads to the dorsum of the foot, the lateral side of the leg, and the back of the thigh. Coughing and sneezing are two examples of actions that might make discomfort worse by increasing intraperitoneal pressure. Activities that because pain include sitting, bending over, standing for extended periods of time, and getting up from a seated position.

In fact, sciatic nerve discomfort is extremely prevalent during pregnancy. Most expecting mothers experience sciatica at some point throughout their pregnancy.

During pregnancy, posterior pelvic pain may resemble sciatica.

A common type of pregnancy-related pain—posterior pelvic pain (pelvic girdle pain) may cause symptoms that are similar to sciatica. Pregnant women frequently experience posterior pelvic pain, which can impact up to 76% of them.

Pregnancy-related sciatica symptoms can be reduced with a number of at-home remedies

1. Medications

As a general rule, any new treatment, including oral or topical medication, must be discussed with a doctor before use to reduce the risk of side effects to the growing foetus.

2. Use heat and ice therapy

When sciatica is severe, ice therapy can help dull the pain and reduce symptoms immediately. By constricting blood vessels, ice therapy helps reduce inflammation and lessen pain signals.

For chronic or recurring sciatica, try heat therapy. Application of heat helps dilate blood vessels, improve blood and nutrient flow, and reduce muscular soreness, aiding in the healing process.

3. Go for short walks

Short walks may enhance the lower back's stability and functionality. If you've never exercised before, start with 5 minutes of walking and work your way up to 10 minutes every week, as tolerated. Staying hydrated and avoiding overexertion are important because they can lead to problems.

4. Sleep Position

To help release pressure on the sciatic nerve, lie on the side opposite the pain. Attempt to sleep in this posture as well.

5. Perform pregnancy-safe stretches and exercises

It is safe to do a number of strengthening and stretching workouts whilst pregnant. To start an at-home exercise regimen that is suitable for a pregnant woman, speak with your doctor or physical therapist. Exercise helps you maintain proper posture, which is essential to avoiding putting undue strain on your lower back.

Things to avoid

1. Avoid standing for long periods of time. To lessen discomfort if you must stand for an extended period of time, try raising one foot and placing it on a box or foot stool.

2. Avoid lifting heavy objects.

3. Also make sure you avoid sitting for long periods—if you have a desk job get up and take a walk regularly.

4. Try to limit too much bending or twisting.

5. Avoid doing all forms of back and core strengthening exercises, perform only Pregnancy safe stretches and exercises. To start an at-home exercise regimen that is suitable for a pregnant woman, speak with your doctor or physical therapist.

In conclusion, the impact of sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy underscores the importance of precautionary measures and proactive management strategies to promote maternal comfort and well-being. By incorporating ergonomic practices, engaging in prenatal exercises, and seeking professional guidance, expectant mothers can navigate this challenging aspect of pregnancy with resilience and grace. Through a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and psychological needs, women can embrace the journey of motherhood with confidence and vitality, cherishing each moment of this miraculous experience.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.