Best Sciatica Relief During Pregnancy

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Sciatica and back pain are one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and can turn the last months into a nightmare. Fortunately, there are some exercises and other techniques that provide sciatica relief during pregnancy. Here’s a look at some of the best things you can do to get rid of the back and leg pain while you’re carrying your child.

Exercises for Sciatica Relief During Pregnancy: Stretching
While you may want to simply lie down or curl up when you feel that back and leg pain, bed rest can actually make lower back pain much worse. Exercise is the best way to get sciatica relief during pregnancy and will also help you maintain a healthy weight. Stretching exercises during pregnancy include prenatal yoga, which helps improve your balance and keep you limber. You can also try stretches to make the back and legs more flexible. During pregnancy, use caution while stretching and do it slowly to avoid stressing your joints, as they are looser while you’re pregnant.

Exercises for Sciatica Relief During Pregnancy: Swimming
Swimming is the perfect exercise for pregnant women suffering from back and leg pain because it takes the weight off your ligaments and joints. If possible, try a prenatal water exercise class to reduce your back pain.

Exercises for Sciatica Relief During Pregnancy: Pelvic Tilts
If you’re suffering from lumbar pain, pelvic tilts can be a wonderful way to relief the pain and strengthen your muscles. Start by getting onto your hands and knees with your knees hip-width apart and the arms shoulder-width apart. Keeping your arms straight without locking your elbows, tuck your butt under and round the back. Now, breathe out and relax the back. You can try this exercise every day to get some relief and decrease the pain over time.

Proper Posture
Because your weight distribution is changing, another way to get sciatica relief during pregnancy is standing straight with your butt tucked in and shoulders back. Slumping forward and arching your back tends to strain you even more. As you’re sitting, be aware of your posture and keep your back straight as well. Use a footstool to prevent back pain or a small pillow behind your lower back.

Use Caution While Picking Things Up
If you need to pick up something from the ground, be careful to bend from your knees and lift from a crouching position. This keeps the strain off your back. Avoid twisting motions and ask for help during mopping, vacuuming and picking up heavy objects.