Pregnancy is a pain in the butt...literally!

[Molly]

I am 32 weeks pregnant with my second daughter and am having pain from my sciatic nerve. For me, this means a shooting pain in my right butt cheek when I stand, walk, or roll over in bed. I had this some with my first pregnancy, but I didn't have a 2 year old to care for so it wasn't as debilitating. The worst is getting her in and out of her car seat, so I have limited our outings to bare necessities.

Has anyone dealt with this and have any tips? I know at the very worst I will just have to wait it out for a few more weeks. Just wondering if anyone else has hobbled down the same road :)

[Heather Milam]

Have you tried a massage therapist? That is often the best remedy for late pregnancy sciatic pain - because it is usually a tight glute muscle that is pinching the nerve.

As for helping get your little one in and out of the car seat - I had surgery when my oldest was about two and it helped a lot for me to put a kid's stool in front of the carseat on the floor - so she could climb in and out herself and that helped me from having to twist and turn with her weight in my arms putting her into the seat.

Sciatic pain is yucky. I hope you find some relief.

[Molly]

Thanks Heather, those are some great ideas, especially the stool in the car. I bought a maternity support belt and have been wearing running shoes. It really just helps me maintain better posture, but it seems to be helping. I also have been trying taking it easy. It's driving me crazy because my nesting instincts are in over drive, but spending quality time with my daughter and feeling ok have to be my priorities right now.

[JESSICA WILKINS]

Mine was so bad I had to go to Physical Therapy at Spinecare. I was about 25 weeks when I got a pain so bad I almost fell at work. Therapy was great until I had to go on bedrest at 27 weeks. I also had a heating pad that I would use.

[Vanessa]

My daughter is 6, and I still have it. The only thing that helps me is yoga. Chiropractic was a waste of time. :(