Everything you need to know about sciatica in pregnancy 2026

Sciatica is a common ailment among pregnant women that is usually located in the lower back, extending to the hips, buttocks and legs, and can even affect the foot. All of this causes the future mother to be unable to move calmly and comfortably.

Not all pregnant women necessarily suffer from it, but it is quite common since it is favored by pregnancy factors such as weight gain, a change in the body's center of gravity, distention of the abdominal muscles, or progesterone (the hormone that causes relaxation of the ligaments of some joints in the body).

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It appears in more or less 50% of pregnant women, especially in younger women, those who have experienced or are experiencing lower back pain, those who sleep fewer hours than necessary, and those who suffer from depression at this time of their lives. It is usually noticed in the leg that is used more and is more common after the second half of pregnancy.

The part of the body that shows the most changes is the uterus, since it can increase its size about 20 times while the baby develops. Logically, this increase causes it to exert more pressure around it and when this pressure reaches the sciatic nerve, that is when we find this characteristic discomfort. This nerve, which is also called the ischial nerve, is the longest and thickest in the body.

What are your symptoms?

The first thing to know is that sciatic pain can change widely. What you feel may be a kind of mild tingling, but also stabbing, dull pain, even a burning sensation, a pain so strong that it prevents the person from moving normally.

In some cases what is felt is a sharp pain in one area of ​​the leg or hip and in other parts, numbness may occur. Both can extend to the back of the calf or the sole of the foot. The pain in the lower back is not as severe as that which spreads to the leg, because as we say, it can even make walking possible.

The evolution of the pain itself also changes, since it can start out mild, but also worsen for various reasons such as sitting, standing, walking a lot, or even making somewhat sudden movements when laughing or coughing.

Can it be relieved?

To relieve pain we can take into account the following suggestions:

• Rest and the application of heat to the area in question.
• Rocking exercises for the pelvis and flexibility for the spinal column.
• Practice sports, swimming, yoga or pilates.

However, it must be considered that temporarily postponing exercise may be better, as may trying not to lift heavy objects and twist the back and more appropriate analgesic exercises.

Some tips to prevent it may be practicing moderate exercise, controlling body weight, monitoring posture, giving gentle massages, wearing appropriate footwear, sleeping with a pillow between your legs, not falling into self-medication, and avoiding sitting or walking for long periods of time.