Sciatica during pregnancy

Pain that travels from your bottom down the back of a leg can make pregnancy considerably less comfortable. If the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed, it can cause sciatica, with symptoms such as sharp or burning pain, tingling, numbness or weakness.

Back and pelvic pain are also common during pregnancy and can sometimes feel similar. Pain in the back alone is not usually sciatica, so it is worth discussing new or persistent symptoms with your midwife, GP or a physiotherapist rather than trying to diagnose the cause yourself.

What is sciatica?

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back towards the feet. The NHS describes sciatica as pain and other symptoms that happen when this nerve is irritated or compressed.

Sciatica usually affects the bottom and the back of one leg, and it may extend into the foot and toes. Symptoms can begin suddenly or develop gradually.

Pregnancy can also cause other types of lower back and pelvic pain. The NHS explains that ligaments become softer and stretch during pregnancy, which can place strain on the joints of the lower back and pelvis.

Because several conditions can cause pain around the back, hips, pelvis and legs, the location of pain alone does not confirm sciatica.

What does sciatica feel like during pregnancy?

Sciatica commonly causes symptoms along the path of the sciatic nerve rather than pain that stays only in the lower back.

According to the NHS, symptoms may include:

sharp or burning pain down the back of one leg
tingling or pins and needles
numbness
weakness

The pain may become worse with movement, coughing or sneezing. You can have back pain as well, although the NHS notes that leg pain is usually more prominent in sciatica.

Symptoms vary. Some people have intermittent discomfort, while others find that pain affects walking, sitting, sleeping or everyday activities.

If you have only back pain, another cause may be more likely. Your healthcare team can assess your symptoms and advise on appropriate support.

Is sciatica the same as pelvic girdle pain?

No. Sciatica and pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, often called PGP, are different conditions, although symptoms can sometimes occur in nearby areas.

RCOG describes PGP as pain involving the joints of the pelvic girdle. It may affect the pubic area, lower back, hips, groin, thighs or knees. Activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing on one leg and rolling over in bed can make it worse.

Sciatica is related to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve and typically causes symptoms travelling through the bottom and down the back of a leg.

If you are unsure which type of pain you have, tell your midwife or GP. A physiotherapist may be able to assess your posture and movement and help identify what is contributing to the pain.

What can help with sciatica during pregnancy?

The right approach depends on your symptoms and what is causing them.

For pregnancy-related back pain, the NHS advises measures such as avoiding heavy lifting, bending your knees while keeping your back straight when picking something up, moving your feet rather than twisting your spine, wearing flat shoes, supporting your back while sitting and getting enough rest.

A warm bath or massage may also help with pregnancy-related back discomfort.

For sciatica generally, the NHS advises remaining active as much as possible rather than spending long periods sitting or lying down. However, exercise guidance needs extra consideration during pregnancy. NHS sciatica exercise guidance specifically advises pregnant people to get advice from a healthcare professional before trying the exercises.

If pain is significant, speak to your midwife or GP. The NHS says they may be able to refer you to an obstetric physiotherapist for assessment, advice and suitable exercises.

Can you exercise with sciatica while pregnant?

Movement can be helpful for many types of back pain, but pregnancy and sciatica both affect which exercises may be suitable for an individual.

The NHS advises getting professional advice before trying its general sciatica exercise programme if you are pregnant or have recently given birth.

Your midwife, GP or physiotherapist can help you decide what movement is appropriate based on your pregnancy, symptoms and general health.

Stop an exercise if it causes pain or makes you feel unwell, and seek advice if symptoms persist.

There is no need to push through significant nerve pain in an attempt to stay active. Activity can be adapted to what is manageable for you.

What about pain relief?

If you need pain relief during pregnancy, ask your midwife, GP or pharmacist which options are suitable for you.

The NHS provides pregnancy-specific guidance for back pain, but medication decisions can depend on your health, stage of pregnancy, other medicines and the reason for your pain.

Avoid starting, stopping or changing medication based only on general online information. A healthcare professional can discuss appropriate options with you.

How long can sciatica last?

The NHS says sciatica usually improves within a few weeks to a few months, although it can sometimes last longer.

That general timeframe is not a guarantee for symptoms during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related changes and other causes of back or pelvic pain may affect how symptoms develop.

See your GP or speak to your maternity team if pain is getting worse, has not improved after a few weeks or is stopping you carrying out normal activities.

Persistent pain deserves assessment, particularly if it is affecting your mobility, sleep, work or emotional wellbeing.

When to get professional advice

Speak to your midwife or GP if back or leg pain is very painful, worsening, persistent or interfering with everyday activities. The NHS notes that people with significant back pain during pregnancy may be referred to an obstetric physiotherapist.

Contact your GP or midwife urgently if you have back pain during pregnancy together with a fever, vaginal bleeding, pain when passing urine or pain in one or both sides under your ribs. The NHS also advises urgent assessment for back pain in the second or third trimester because it can sometimes be associated with early labour.

Go to A&E or call 999 if you develop loss of feeling in one or both legs, your bottom or genitals. For suspected sciatica, the NHS also lists emergency warning signs including severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs, numbness around the genitals or anus, difficulty starting or controlling urination, inability to urinate, or loss of bowel control. These symptoms can indicate a serious spinal problem that needs immediate assessment.

For other pregnancy symptoms or pain that worries you, contact your maternity unit. NHS 111 can advise if you cannot reach your maternity service or are unsure where to seek care.