Curious what causes sciatica during pregnancy? The sciatic nerve is actually the largest nerve in the entire body and provides motor and sensory function to the legs. This nerve also provides sensation along the lower leg, sole of the foot and backs of the thighs. Sciatica refers to nerve pain along this nerve that’s both periodic and quite severe.
What Causes Sciatica During Pregnancy?
Your sciatic nerve runs under your uterus on the way to the legs and sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy is believed to occur as the developing baby applies pressure to the nerve. You may experience sciatica during various stages of your pregnancy, even early on. Because of what causes sciatica during pregnancy, you may find the symptoms especially painful as the baby moves into the birth position in the third trimester, which puts constant pressure on the nerve.