The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and is responsible for providing sensory and motor function to the lower parts of the body.
When the nerve is compressed, or pressure is placed on it – usually because of your growing uterus in your body, or the way your baby is lying you will feel a pain down the back of the thigh, lower part of the leg and the sole of the foot.
What Does it feel like?
Typically the symptoms of sciatica in pregnancy include the following:
Pins and needles in the lower back or leg, possibly the affected foot Shooting or burning in the leg, buttock or lower back Pain in the lower back or back of the pelvis that may extend into the foot Numbness in the leg or feet
Can Sciatic Nerve Pain Treated During Pregnancy?
The best – and usually most effective – way to treat the sciatic related pain is to lie on your side, opposite of the pain. This usually works because it releases the pressure which is being placed on the nerve.
If you do suffer from sciatic nerve pain then you should avoid heavy lifting and minimize standing for long periods of time. If you experience pressure while standing, try elevating one foot and resting it on something.
Another method of treatment is would be to apply heat or cold to the troubled area – however this is not really resolving the problem of relieving the pressure being placed on the nerve.
You doctor may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to help treat the pain.
Should the pain become constant or increases in severity or frequency then you should contact your health care provider.
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The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and is responsible for providing sensory and motor function to the lower parts of the body.
Pins and needles in the lower back or leg, possibly the affected foot
