Many women suffer sciatic nerve pain during the third quarter of a pregnancy.  It is often thought that it is the weight of the fetus which puts greater pressure on the spine than it is used to bearing, and that this can often result in the sciatic nerves becoming inflamed.   This may be so, but women who are pregnant also often suffer spinal disk displacements.  A slipped disk, and the pressure it puts on the nerve, is a often the reason why pregnant women suffer from sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain.

The symptoms which women often describe during a pregnancy include:  lower back pain; a shooting pain in a leg, lower back, or buttock; numbness or pins and needles.  Sometimes they describe these symptoms as affecting their feet.

Sciatica symptoms will naturally subside over a number of weeks, but both during the pregnancy and after the baby is born, some measures can be taken to help in the healing process.   If you suffer pain on one side, try lying on the other side, to ease the discomfort.  Heat pads and ice packs can alleviate the pain.   Swimming and pool exercises can be very helpful.  Since your posture may have changed as you carry the fetus, some postural correction exercises and gentle stretching may help your spine.  A physical therapist can apply massage to the inflamed area, to reduce the muscle tension.  Do not lift heavy objects and avoid standing for lengthy periods of time.  Do not take any medication without consulting your doctor.