The sciatic nerve is one of the largest nerves in your body, running from your lower back across your buttock and down the back of your thigh and then around toward the front of your leg toward the sole of your foot.
During pregnancy, the combination of the baby’s weight and your shifting pelvic bones can put pressure on this nerve, causing intense pain.
There are several things you can do to minimize this pain. First, stay active; swimming is a good exercise when you suffer from sciatic nerve pain.
Second, try lying on the side opposite the pain to help relieve pressure. Do not stay in any one position too long, and if you must stand for longer periods, take frequent breaks.
Performing pelvic tilts can help get the weight of your uterus off of the sciatic nerve. To perform a pelvic tilt, get on your hands and knees on a firm surface. Your back should be parallel to the floor. Gently allow your stomach to sag toward the floor.
Then, tighten your buttock muscles as you tilt your pelvis up and arch your back. Repeat this exercise several times, working up to 40 repetitions as you become stronger.
Any muscle pain should always be brought to the attention of your care provider, especially if it is intense. While sciatic nerve pain is not harmful to you or the baby, severe muscle pain can signal the presence of a blood clot, which can be quite serious.
