oh what fresh hell...anything I can do about sciatica?

[DomesticGoddess31]

So 38 weeks today. Have been incredibly uncomfy for what feels like forever and have woken this morning with even more downward pressure (my poor bladder) and now have sharp shooting pains in my right thigh and down my leg. Assuming this is baby headbutting my sciatic nerve? Anyone know how I might be able to shift him off? (bar childbirth of course which would be wonderful but not looking imminent)

Bumping for you. I had sciatica during pg and horrendously after

I needed exercises from a physio. It was all about core-strengthening but obviously that is an issue while you are still pg. Tell your MW and ask for a referral?

Hope you get some good advice here.

Hello, how miserable for you. I second the advice for a referral to the physio, it really did help me pre and post birth. I would also recommend letting the midwives know when you go into labour. I had terrible sciatic pains with my contractions and needed extra pain relief for that. It may not be an issue for you, but it's a good idea to give them the heads up. Good luck!

Thanks both. I was hoping for a more immediate solution though . This on top of the SPD and horrific pressure on my vital organs is making me so flippin miserable. I was pretty much house bound before and now I'm pretty much sofa bound. DD was born early so this last few weeks of discomfort is new to me and boy it sucks.

Domestic I've had the same problem, as far as immediate relief goes I found a firm massage around the nerve, hips and thighs really helpful and putting a hot water bottle on the nerve also helps ease the pain. Isn't pregnancy a joy sometimes?

You could visit a chiropractor - google one in your area that specialises in treating pregnant women :)

Least yours is due to pg, ive had it for years, already lil man sets it off:( and i cant have my diazapam to relive it now! -.- xx

Hello. I've had trapped sciatic nerve for three weeks. First few days we are talking complete immobility/ crying and crawling on all fours! GP prescribed cocodamol but MW explained risks to baby and I'm not taking them. I'm on 2 x 500mg paracetemol 4 times a day. I've been swimming at least every other day (when I say swimming, to start with it was just being in the pool and walking). I sit on a birth ball at my desk and at the dining table. I try to stretch and foam roll my glutes and hamstrings. I've seen a physio 3 times and had one 45min sports massage with a trusted therapist that focused solely on the affected area. I'm doing lots better. Still in pain when standing, getting in and out of bed and if I walk for too long. However I'm so much better than I was. Initially I was so traumatised at 30 weeks pregnant that I was going to be immobile for 2.5 months but I've adjusted and am doing better.

I think swimming has been the most positive of all those things (don't do breast stroke though if you have hip/pelvis issues). Hope that helps!