As a woman progresses along in her pregnancy and the fetus continues to grow bigger, there is a greater likelihood that she may develop sciatica. It has been estimated that up to over 50% of women will develop sciatica symptoms during their 3rd trimester. The good news, however, is that these sciatica symptoms will disappear for most of them. For a few unlucky ones the sciatica nerve pain will continue.

As the fetus grows and the uterus along with it, more and more pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve. The spinal column has to bear a greater forward weight. There is more pressure on the lower back to correct for posture as a greater curvature begins to develop in the spinal column. Hormonal changes that allow the muscles and joints of the hips and pelvis to expand, to allow the fetus to grow, now provide less support for the back. And of course the abdominal muscles themselves will stretch a great deal giving very little support.

The sciatica symptoms can manifest themselves as anything ranging from a

tingling feeling or numbness to outright sharp shooting pains that usually begin in the lower back and extend through the buttocks and down the legs.

One way to help prevent this problem is by exercising before you become pregnant paying special attention to the abdominal muscles and those of the lower back and hips. It\’s always a good idea anyway to try to stay in shape. Even if you do get sciatica there are exercises your doctor can recommend that will help to alleviate the pain. Also by doing these exercises, while pregnant, your sciatica will disappear sooner after you give birth, instead of lingering on for up to several weeks.

It is never a good idea to take any kind of medication while pregnant due to the danger it imposes on your unborn child. So for immediate relief of

sciatica pain there are a couple of things you can try. They may be temporary at best, but may help you to get through. Try laying on your side. This will be the side that is located opposite to the pain. The change of position will help to shift some of the weight off of the sciatic nerve bringing about some temporary relief.

Deep muscle massage of the back and the legs is another way of relieving the pressure and tension of those areas. A licensed masseuse can be a great asset at this time.

Stretching exercises that your physician recommends will aid in strengthening the affected muscles and joints. Yoga is a low impact exercise program that can be utilized as well.

Warm compresses applied to the back and the back of the legs bring temporary relief as will a warm relaxing bath.

Swimming is an ideal way to not only get exercise and strengthen muscles but it has the added value that it takes the weight off of your spine and your abdominal muscles at the same time.

If at all possible try to prepare your body beforehand, otherwise try some of the suggested ways to bring some relief of sciatica pain.

Alex Ralbeck is a sciatica relief expert. For great information on relief of sciatica, visit my website at http://www.stretchingforsciaticatips.com for helpful tips and information on relieving your back and leg pain.

Want to learn more about relief of sciatica? Visit my website at
http://www.stretchingforsciaticatips.com for helpful tips and information on relieving your back and leg pain.

Author Bio: Alex Ralbeck is a sciatica relief expert. For great information on relief of sciatica, visit my website at http://www.stretchingforsciaticatips.com for helpful tips and information on relieving your back and leg pain.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: relief of sciatica,relief from sciatica,relief of sciatica pain