thread: Sciatica...I think?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    418

    Sciatica...I think?

    Anyone else struggling with sharp pain radiating down through one side of their bottom, and down their leg? I have had this before, but not so early. It just comes on really suddenly while I am walking and nearly makes me fall over! Not sure if Bubs is just sitting/pressing on a nerve at the moment???

  2. #2
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jan 2006
    11,633

    Yep, sounds like sciatica. The best thing I've found for it is swimming.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Mar 2007
    6,979

    Yeah sounds like it could be. It's so painful!

    I had it with my first pregnancy and it came on around 14 weeks which is what I am now.... I am a bit worried it will come on again.... it really hurt at the time and I found physio really helped me..... and exercises. Can't quite remember how long it lasted for but it was a few weeks..... good luck.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jun 2009
    Brisbane
    352

    Yep, had it all the way through my pregnancy with DS. I did LOTS of walking & excercise (had no car at the time & lots of stairs I had to go up) which seemed to make it worse for me. heat packs & baths (not too hot) helped ease my pain but there wasn't anything I really found that really was more perminant. I think physio will do the world of good though, I didn't have that option available to me at the time unfortunately.

  5. #5

    Oct 2008
    2,880

    Oh yeah, I had that too. Was really sore.
    Baths and heat packs totally helped.


  6. #6
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Melbourne
    2,008

    Yep, I was another sufferer, pretty much all through my pregnancy. I tried pretty much everything - physio, acupuncture, support belts, exercise (which made it worse).

    Believe it or not, the only thing I found that gave me a bit of a relief was putting on a pair of high heels (not joking). Nothing too high, just something with about a 5cm wedge, cos it would tilt my hips enough to relieve the pressure on the nerve. I was probably the only full term preg lady on the planet getting around in a pair of heels, but it did make the world of difference, even if I looked crazy. And, when I told my physio she didn't believe me until she saw how I stood in the heels and then could understand how it would work.

    Don't know if it was just a fluke, or had something to do with the fact that I've spent most of my adult life trapesing around in ridiculous shoes and my body is just more comfortable that way.

    Anyways, HTH

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    418

    Hehehe, thats funny about the heels!!! I do agree though, it is worse when I have no shoes on, and I always have a very slight heel on my shoes (like a low wedge really) cos I find it uncomfortable standing at work all day in flat flat shoes (I am a hairdresser, I just work two days a week, but do 12 hour days, so my legs are pretty sore by the end of the day!)

    I will just have to see how I go I guess. We have a massage therapist at work (we have 2 actually) so might see if there is anything they can do.

    Thanks for all the tips!

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    Melbourne
    3,244

    gosh, that is an aspect of PG that i had totally forgotten about!

    i saw an osteo which helped quite a lot.

    hope it eases for you soon

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Jul 2004
    Perth
    1,864

    Sounds like sciatica for sure.

    I dont really have any remedies for it except for running hot water over that area helps me.

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Mar 2007
    6,979

    yep lots of heat packs helped me!!!

  11. #11
    Platinum Member. Love a friend xxx

    Mar 2008
    Perth, WA
    1,225

    Ditto the heat packs.

    Also Nurofen Gel rubbed in works well but you can't use it in the 1st or 3rd trimesters, I'm pretty sure. I have been using it, but very, very infrequently.

    You poor thing. I had it horrible with P and already have it this time! That tell tale pain from hip down through the bum.

    Are your having trouble sleeping becuase of it too? Lots of pillows around you, supporting your back, in between your knees and under your baby belly (if you have one at 24 weeks!)...I found that helped too...used every pillow in the house!

    Hot water also good...but in this weather (over 39 here today), the last thing everyone wants is heat packs and hot water!

    xoxox

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Nov 2007
    Country Vic - West of Ballarat
    1,568

    Yep, sure sounds like it.

    I'm also suffering from it quite bad as well on my right side and it doesn't help having a toddler to chase after as well.

    I see my Ob next week and will discuss the physio option with him as I think this will help.

    I never suffered with DD, just this time around and I don't think these guys are going to be too cooperative and move off the nerve anytime soon....

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    418

    Thanks for all the advice guys, I think Bubs has moved into a better position, and it has eased for the moment. Was getting worried there for a while that carrying DS (He is 20 mths old now, and was 11pds when born) had damaged muscles & nerves etc, but hopefully not!

  14. #14
    Registered User

    Apr 2010
    Townsville
    2,832

    All I can suggest is heat packs, water (go to the pool etc as it will take the pressure off!) and chiro!! Chiro has helped me to move bubs n make sure my hips are right so it doesn't hurt as bad...