Pregnancy comes with plenty of joy, but it can also come with plenty of pain. Many pregnant women experience nerve pain throughout the legs, which is known as sciatica.

The largest nerve in the body is the sciatic nerve, which runs under the uterus and down the legs. As the baby begins to develop, it may put pressure on this nerve, which may cause pain, muscle tension, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Relieving sciatic pain doesn’t have to involve taking prescription drugs. Here are a few ways pregnant women can relieve this pain without drugs.

Stretching

The right stretches will help to relieve your sciatic pain during pregnancy. This is, of course, a natural solution and perfect for women trying to avoid nasty pain-killing drugs. Some of the stretches best suited for sciatic pain include:

  • Hip Flexor Stretch – Start by kneeling on the floor. Then, step one foot in front of your body and shift your weight forward. You should feel the stretch in the back of your hip.
  • Seated Piriformis Stretch – Start by sitting on a chair and putting one ankle on the opposite knee. Then, lean forward and feel the stretch in your backside.
  • Table Stretch – Start by putting your hands on the table and leaning forward. Then, pull your hips away from the table to feel the stretch in your back.

Yoga Poses

Another great choice for relieving sciatic pain during pregnancy is yoga poses. There are several poses perfect for helping to stretch the back and areas most likely to suffer from sciatic pain. Some of the best yoga poses include:

  • Pigeon Pose
  • King Pigeon Hip Stretch
  • Simple Seated Twist
  • Standing Hamstring Stretch
  • Standing Twist
  • Cobra Pose

Most of these poses can be performed on a floor mat or with a table or chair. Be careful with yoga when you’re pregnant. The wrong poses may cause issues or you or the baby and could cause even more pain. Avoid any deep twists, backbends or poses asking you to lie on your back.

Chiropractic Care

If you’ve tried stretching and it has only helped a little bit with your sciatic pain, it may be time to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors have the ability to adjust your body so that it can better heal itself. Chiropractic care for sciatic nerve pain provides a non-invasive, drug-free alternative treatment.

Other natural ways to treat sciatic pain in when you’re pregnant include:

  • Lie on the opposite side of the pain
  • Avoid standing for long periods
  • Don’t lift anything heavy
  • Swimming
  • Heat/cold packs on the area
  • Elevating one foot

If you’re suffering from sciatic pain and you’re pregnant, call us today. Dr. Winchester can help.