sciatica so early?

allison_hope

I have had a pain in my butt (literally!) for a few days now.  It's on the left side and gets better/worse depending on how I'm sitting/laying or if I've walked around a lot.  Is it possible to have sciatica so early in the pregnancy?  If so, does it typically get worse?  And what can you do to relieve the pain?

Sorry for so many questions.

ocean71506

I had it early on too.  Unfortunately mine has gotten worse.  For me walking and stretching loosens it up.  I also have dh massage the area that hurts.  It comes and goes though, I am glad it is not constant.  I hope you feel better!

Redlass13

Two words: Prenatal Yoga!!  There is a tape that Gaiam makes - I think you can even get it at Target.  Run, don't walk to get it!!  (That is if you can bear the pain.)  I've had very little aches and pains because of it!

TheButlers:)

I had my worse bouts of sciatic nerve pain from about 9-14 weeks.  It got better from then on, but I have heard it will come back pretty bad near the end!  Sorry you are dealing with that! 

Also my uncle (who is a physical therapist) had me do a lot of stretching and gentle walking.  I also slept with a pillow between my legs and that seemed to help too. 

maramarrie

I've never had it so early, but my pain is associated with an old injury. Yes, it gets worse as time goes on, but that doesn't necessarily mean your pain is the same as mine. Today was the first day so far this entire pregnancy that I've had pain. So it starts...This is around the same time it started with my first pg, too. It will continue until shortly after I deliver, sadly. My only worry is that it will be so paralyzing by the end that I will be on bed rest for the last month...ugh.

To lessen the pain, have a footstool with you at work or when you are sitting for long periods. Bed Bath & Beyond (LNT, and others) sell a fold up step stool that is perfect for this and can be easily transported in a tote bag or by it's carry handle. Also, sleep with your knees bent as much as you can. Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach. Do some pregnancy safe exercises that will strengthen your back and abdominal muscles so they support the back as much as possible. This takes some pressure off the joint. My pain originates in the SI joint, so I'm not sure if it's the same as yours, but these are things I've learned over the years. If you have a job where you stand a lot, this will only aggravate it. I had such a job for a few years after my accident and the pain was sometimes paralyzing when I was mid-step. I would get "stuck" in positions and had incredible pain. Shortly after quitting the job the pain went away. THe only time since then that I've had it has been when I'm pg.

HTH.
Mara

allison_hope

Thank you all for the good advice and suggestions.  I'll give them a try and hope for the best!

damissus

Mine was so bad 7-10w so yes it's not too early.  It was on my left butt cheek as well.  I found that if you lift your leg as close to 90 degrees while lying down you get a good stretch.  HTH!