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Pregnancy sciatica, or the back, hip and pelvis aches and pains that some women feel during pregnancy, can be quite debilitating. The pain usually subsides post-pregnancy, but that's not much of a comfort for the women in the midst of it.

 

Shenali Abeysekera, MD

Here is some advice from Shenali Abeysekera, MD at St. Luke's Riverside Women’s Healthcare:

Back pain is a common complaint amongst pregnant patients, especially during the second half of pregnancy. There are multiple things contributing to this including increased weight (on average 25-35 pounds during pregnancy), enlarged uterus, change in posture and changes in the spine. 

 The following can alleviate some of the pain:

• avoid high heeled shoes
• avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• look for a physical therapist specializing in women’s health - ours here at St. Luke's have helped many women with this issue 
• try a belly band for extra support in the lower back and abdomen
• avoid soft mattresses
• sleep on your side with a body pillow in between your legs
• apply heat/ice to painful areas
• take Tylenol™ (do not exceed 4gm /24 hours)
• if you are seated at work, make sure to get a comfortable chair and to sit with proper posture
• when lifting heavy items, bend at your knees, not your back
• when standing, put one leg up on a stool to stretch

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