Sciatic Nerve Pain While Pregnant?

To add yet another issue I have experienced with this pregnancy....sciatic nerve pain.  Even saying the word "pain" along with this symptom in the same sentence doesn't give it justice.  It's more like stab, yes sciatic nerve stab is what it should be called.  It comes maybe once a day, but when it hits you BAM!  Anyway, this joyous little symptom of pregnancy is caused by your bundle of joy pressing on it, yes he or she is giving you a nice spasm here or there simply because they are growing at rapid speed those last few weeks of the last trimester.  

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve the human body has, and it just happens to be the one your baby can control just by growing.  It is painful ladies, to describe it would be similar to someone putting a clothespin on the nerve when you are just standing or walking.  You don't need to be doing anything straining, it just happens and you are stopped dead in your tracks.  You cannot move really, except to plop yourself in the nearest chair quickly.  Sitting makes it go away, ah ha but then that's the issue in the first place.  This nerve pain generally only develops when you have been sitting for around an hour or longer.  It can also occur when you are walking, and that's true fun- you essentially stumble and grasp for something to support your oversized pregnant frame quickly!

In all seriousness medically speaking, this nerve runs from your back all the way down to the legs.  It also lays just under the expanded uterus where that baby is tucked away.  Some doctors say that bigger babies have a larger tendency to do this, and I can attest to that as I am carrying the biggest baby I have had to date.  

So now that I've warned you about this how can you prevent it?  You can't until you experience it one day.  I never had it with my three other babies, just this one and when it happens you will know instantly that it is a pinched nerve.  If you get it, I recommend sitting down asap.  Laying down is even better.  Move to the side that the nerve isn't hurting to allow it circulate quicker and ease your pain in the meantime.  Do not stand for hours, if you work in retail you may need a chair!  Do not carry or lift anything that is too heavy for what your body can handle during this time.  Try physical therapy if you can, there are tons of therapists that can work wonders on the sciatic nerve for pregnant women.  Exercise when you can and do not overdo it.  Swimming  for instance is a great method of getting your nerves to leave you alone, it improves the circulation and allows your overworked spine a much needed rest from supporting your additional pregnancy weight.