Sciatica During Pregnancy: Causes, Relief, and Chiropractic Care
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey—but it’s no secret that it can come with its share of discomforts. One of the most common (and frustrating) is sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica. At Cultivate Chiropractic, we’re here to help you feel your best through every stage of pregnancy—including when baby starts putting pressure in all the wrong places.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. It starts in your lower back and runs down your hips, buttocks, and into each leg. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, it can cause symptoms like:
Sharp or shooting pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg
Numbness or tingling sensations
A feeling of weakness or instability in one leg
Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, or sudden movement
During pregnancy, this can be especially uncomfortable—and even limit your ability to move freely or sleep well.
Why Does Sciatica Happen During Pregnancy?
As your baby grows, your body goes through major changes to support that growth. Some of those changes can contribute to sciatic nerve irritation:
Shifting posture and spinal alignment due to the growing belly
Loosening of ligaments caused by the hormone relaxin
Pelvic imbalance or misalignment
Extra weight and pressure on the lower back and pelvis
Tight gluteal or piriformis muscles pressing on the sciatic nerve
All of these can trigger sciatica—even in women who’ve never experienced it before.
How Chiropractic Care Can Relieve Sciatica During Pregnancy
At Cultivate Chiropractic, we specialize in gentle, pregnancy-safe chiropractic techniques that can relieve sciatic pain naturally—without medication. Our approach is always tailored to your stage of pregnancy and your body’s unique needs.
💆♀️ Pregnancy-Safe Adjustments
We use low-force adjustments that help realign the spine and pelvis, creating more space and reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Our tables and techniques are designed specifically for expectant moms.
🧘♀️ Soft Tissue Work
Tight muscles around the hips and glutes can pinch the sciatic nerve. We address those areas with gentle muscle release and stretching techniques to relieve tension and improve circulation.
🤰 Pelvic Balance & Webster Technique
We often use the Webster Technique, a specialized chiropractic method for aligning the pelvis during pregnancy. A well-balanced pelvis can ease sciatic pain—and even support a smoother labor and delivery.
💡 At-Home Guidance
We’ll show you safe stretches, movements, and sleeping positions to keep pressure off the nerve and support your comfort between visits.
You Deserve a Comfortable Pregnancy
Sciatica doesn’t have to be part of your pregnancy story. Chiropractic care is a safe, effective way to relieve nerve pain, restore mobility, and help you feel more at ease as your body prepares for birth.
📍 At Cultivate Chiropractic, we love supporting moms-to-be with compassionate, personalized care throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Ready to feel better—for you and baby?
Let’s help you enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy.
👉 Book Your Prenatal Chiropractic Visit