Sciatica help!

[Pizzaandsushi]

I’m 36 weeks pregnant and about a week and a half I’ve noticed an increase in pressure and aching in my lower back. That was manageable but over the weekend I think I’ve developed sciatica. Shooting pains with every step starting from my lower back that radiates down over my bum and leg.
It’s got to the point I’m having to crawl on my hands and knees because it’s agony!
I’ve still got another two weeks at work and I know if I can’t continue then I can’t but if anyone has any tips to help ease the pain and make it more manageable so I can carry on a bit longer it would be much appreciated!

Heat pads worked a little for me, as did a pregnancy massage. Only lasted a few days but I practically skipped down the street back to my car compared to how I waddled in!

@Wingingitsince2018 thank you! I’m going to make a hot water bottle right now and let it cool to warm. I won’t say no to pregnancy massage either so I’ll definitely look into that. Even just a few days relief would be very welcome.

Try an osteopath and get signed off work especially if your sitting on a chair x

Sleeping with a small pillow between your knees helps with sciatica, there are some good stretches, but not sure on what is doable with a bump. Make sure you're supported well when sitting on things like couches and chairs, and like PP get in touch with an osteopath or physio.

@SaraKitty thanks for your reply. Luckily (or maybe unluckily) my job is on my feet but I will bear in mind to not sit for too long when I do.
Will also look into an osteopath.

@annlee3817 thank you. I will look into stretches anyway. Willing to give anything a go at this point! I’ll also start using a pillow from tonight.

My osteopath says avoid heat, and use ice packs. Don’t do stretches, as they can be damaging in pregnancy with all the relaxin in your joints and ligaments etc.

Go to an osteopath who deals with pregnancy. I basically crawled in, and walked out. Best thing I’ve ever done .

@Derbee thanks for this info. I had a little look into osteopaths in my area last night but now think I’m going to message my midwife and see if she knows somewhere that is more pregnancy specific. I would have thought she must get asked this a fair few times right?
I was really hoping a little bit of sleep might help but it’s still just as painful this morning so hobbling/crawling around it is for now!

Hey OP,

I am 20 weeks and while I had infrequent sciatica prior to pregnancy, it's got so much worse since! I brought it up with my midwife at my 16 week appt and she referred me directly to pregnancy physio, it was very straightforward and they got in touch with me directly. Definitely call your midwife, as you're so much further along I think they'll prioritise you.

Hope it gets better for you and you get some relief!