Sciatica
Sharp, shooting pain from lower back down one leg. Caused by pressure on sciatic nerve, common in late pregnancy.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Usually second or third trimester, often worsens as pregnancy progresses
📊 How Common
Affects 30-50% of pregnant women
Overview
Sciatica during pregnancy is a sharp, shooting, or burning pain that radiates from your lower back or buttocks down the back of one leg. It follows the path of your sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body.
This pain occurs when your growing baby and expanding uterus put pressure on the sciatic nerve, or when relaxed ligaments and postural changes irritate the nerve. Some women experience numbness, tingling, or weakness along with the pain.
While extremely uncomfortable, pregnancy sciatica usually resolves after delivery once the pressure is relieved. However, managing it during pregnancy is important for mobility and comfort.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Rare, usually not an issue yet
Second Trimester
May begin as baby grows and pressure increases
Third Trimester
Most common and severe as baby is largest
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Growing uterus putting pressure directly on sciatic nerve
- •Baby's position pressing on nerve
- •Relaxin hormone loosening ligaments in pelvis
- •Weight gain increasing pressure on lower back
- •Poor posture due to shifting center of gravity
- •Pre-existing back or nerve issues
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Sleep on side with pillow between knees
- ✓Apply heat or cold to affected area
- ✓Practice prenatal yoga with gentle stretches
- ✓Do pelvic tilts and cat-cow stretches
- ✓Swimming or water aerobics takes pressure off nerve
- ✓Get regular prenatal massages
- ✓Wear supportive shoes
- ✓Use pregnancy support belt
- ✓Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
- ✓Practice good posture
- ✓See a prenatal chiropractor
- ✓Try acupuncture for pain relief
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Severe pain interfering with mobility
- ⚠Numbness or weakness in leg or foot
- ⚠Loss of bladder or bowel control
- ⚠Pain accompanied by fever
- ⚠Sudden onset of severe pain
- ⚠No improvement with home remedies
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: