Sciatica During Pregnancy

There is a nerve in the body known as the sciatic nerve. It is the longest of all nerves present in the body. This nerve runs from the spinal cord to the back of each leg. In between, it also connects the buttock and hip area. Now due to many factors, some of them being underlying medical conditions, there arises a pain in the sciatic nerve and its branches. This pain is what is referred to as sciatica. It is not a disorder, but a symptom which is a manifestation of some other medical conditions involving the nerve. This symptom is not specifically related to pregnancy but it does affect most mothers. Although sciatica could be an uncomfortable symptom, depending upon its causes, it retreats within a couple of months.

Main Indicants

As mentioned, sciatica is a symptom in itself and is accompanied by others, as well. The classic sign of this problem during pregnancy is the radiating pain which seems to travel from the lower spine to the areas of the buttock, finally reaching for the back of the leg. This pain tends to have a sharp variation. Meaning, it may begin as a mild ache and suddenly could be felt like a sharp, burning pain. Some expecting mothers have also experienced this pain as a sudden jolt of electric shock. The pain aggravates due to acts such as coughing or sneezing and even by prolonged sitting. One symptom which may accompany sciatica in pregnant women, includes a feeling of numbness or muscle weakness in the same area where the pain is felt. It is also common for the affected person to have a pin and needle feeling in the lower back or leg. Although rare, but there might also occur an episode where the sufferer may lose her bladder or bowel control. Some women may experience sciatica after pregnancy and suffer from similar symptoms described above.

Causal Agents

Tumors in the spinal cord, trauma such as car accidents, a fall, tumor along the sciatic nerve and ailment such as piriformis syndrome may be the causes of this condition. Other causes may be medical conditions such as lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis.

Sciatica Relief During Pregnancy

Sciatica in early pregnancy tends to resolve on its own over time. Six weeks or more is known to be the time after which the pain disappears. And in most cases, the treatment does not involve medical procedures, but only self-care measures. These may include alternate treatment using cold and hot packs, following some recommended stretching exercises, and using some over-the-counter medications. Apart from these measures practiced for relieving sciatica, there might be a few other things which might be recommended by doctors. These may include physical therapy (especially if the patient has a history of a herniated disc) and anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants. These conservative treatments are generally useful for dealing with this problem in pregnant mothers. However, when they aren't, more aggressive forms of treatment may come into the picture. Application of corticosteroid injections into the affected area help control inflammation thus, relieving the pain. When all forms of treatment do not show any improvements, surgery may be the option to go for. This is reserved for extreme cases wherein the pain keeps on worsening. It is to be noted that whatever the case may be, expecting mothers must always have a thorough consultation with their doctors regarding the symptoms they are facing and before taking any kinds of medications.

To conclude, sciatica that occurs during pregnancy is not a subject to be taken lightly. It has to be noted that it is not only the mother who may be suffering, but it may also be the baby who may have to face undesired repercussions because of delayed treatment. So, when you are expecting a child and have such a symptom, all you have to do is to inform your doctor about it, and leave the rest to him.