Sciatica at end of pregnancy

[newmumtobe1998]

Did anyone else experience sciatica at the end of their pregnancy? Mine started at 36 weeks and feels like it’s getting worse. Now 37 weeks. It started in my lower back and now is mainly in my left buttock cheek. I can only describe the pain as a ‘catching’ pain when I move my leg any how. Walking is also incredibly painful.

Anyone got any tips on how to relieve the pain? And what do we think causes it?!

I have had it with both my pregnancies, with the second I had physio (with a physio experienced in pregnancy) and it made such a difference - I also had accupuncture. I’d definitely recommend doing one or both of those. If you google it there are some stretches which can help too. Good luck. It’s really horrible, I hope you get it sorted.

@newmumtobe1998 Congrats on motherhood! This might not be useful now but if you are still experiencing any sciatica related symptoms please feel free to read my input.

Sciatica can be really common in late pregnancy, and the usual causes are the baby’s weight and position pressing on nerves in the pelvis, the pregnancy hormones loosening ligaments so the pelvis moves differently, and tight muscles in the buttock (the piriformis) irritating the nerve. A “catching” pain with leg movement in one buttock is a very typical pattern.

This is an area where physiotherapy can make a real difference, even this late on. A physio who works with pregnant women will first work out what’s actually driving your pain, because sciatica-type pain can come from the nerve itself, tight buttock muscles, or the pelvic joints, and each is treated differently. From there, treatment usually includes:
A Safe, gentle hands-on work by a Physiotherapist to ease the tight muscles around the buttock and hip, using techniques adapted for pregnancy and positioned so you’re comfortable on your side
Gentle joint mobilisation by a Physiotherapist to help the lower back and pelvis move more freely
Specific stretches and movements to take pressure off the nerve, matched to what’s causing it for you rather than a generic list
Advice on positions for sleeping, sitting and getting around, plus support belts or taping if they’d help
Most women notice some relief within a few sessions, and it’s worth doing sooner rather than waiting until after the birth. Separately, if you ever get numbness around your genitals or inner thighs, new bladder or bowel problems, or weakness in the leg, get seen urgently. Hope it eases soon!🙏