I'm only 15 weeks and mines already killing me. It honestly feel like I got kicked so hard in the crotch. Its hard to stand, walk or even sit. I can't get comfortable at all. Idk what to do. I've been taking Tylenol but its been doing nothing. Any suggestions :( I work 40+ hours and have a 3 year old so rest really isn't an option.
Been there.
Swimming should help some. See if you can talk to someone at the hospital wellness center/birthing center for suggestion on some exercises to help the baby shift.
Not sure how you feel about Chiropractors during pregnancy or just in general but that could be an option. I went to one during my pregnancy and it was the best thing I could have done. Good luck and I hope it gets better so you can enjoy your pregnancy.
I didn't get it at all with my last pregnancy and this time it started at week 12 for me! Ughh.
Fortunately now at 17 weeks it has let up, so at least there is a chance that it will be coming and going.
I talked to my midwife about it and she suggested the following:
- chiropractics
- acupuncture
- yoga
- swimming
- heat
I did yoga with my last one and while I didn't have sciatica I did feel it helped a lot with the hip issues that I had.
I haven't tried the other suggestions yet but I am open to them if it hits again.
BTW: sciatica typically does not respond well to OTC pain meds (tylenol or ibuprofen) - so you might just as well stop taking them. I guess in really bad cases you can ask for morphine/steroid injections but I am not sure if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.
Good luck.
I used to have this frequently - it was much worse during pregnancy too. So painful - and I didn't always know when it was coming! I worried about losing my balance especially as I got bigger in later stages of pregnancy.
There's a food-based anti-inflammatory that's completely safe - it's even contained in a kids' supplement formula and is given to preemies as well as cancer patients and everyone in between. It's also clinically proven through over 60 scientific papers. You can take it by itself, or you can include it in a formulation that will replace your prenatal vitamins - some pregnant women can't keep those down, but even if they do, the absorption level is low for anything in a molded pill form. I've had no issues with sciatica since.
The Tylenol is just masking the pain symptom, of course, and not doing anything about the inflammation and irritation that's causing this. You have to get to the root cause - it's more effective and it's actually safer than even Tylenol.
I have scoliosis. Sciatic nerve pain is frequent for me. And it was a huge issue for me during pregnancy. Yoga and stretching is my best advice. You don't want to rely on medications.
I am going to throw out another recommendation of prenatal yoga. Is there a class you can take in the evenings? If you can't find prenatal, I'm sure if you talk to the instructor, she can modify it for you so that it's safe for pregnancy. If all else fails, go on Amazon and order a prenatal yoga DVD. I used one called Fit Mama with Leisa Hart. It had awesome stretches at the end for the sciatic nerve.
Hope you feel better.
Have you tried prenatal yoga? I am about 9 wks and it has helped alot. I work full time and have an 8 year old so there is no time to really rest either. If you are unable to get out of the house there are videos you can buy or get at the library for prenatal yoga.
OUCH! Sorry! This won't solve the WHOLE problem, but the best, no pressure way to stand for sciatica is slightly pigeon-toed with back slightly arched and trying to relax your pelvis. I learned it from a yoga teacher and it did help with mine when I had to work and stand. There are lots of other exercises and poses you can do to relieve pain if you google "sciatica relief postures while pregnant" etc. Good luck, hang in there!
