Sciatica in Pregnancy: Early Symptoms & What to Expect

Question
I just found out that I am 4 weeks and 4 days pregnant and just yesterday I started having some lower back pain and triggers down my legs.  Is this possibly sciatica or is it too early to be having these problems?  Or could it be something more serious?  My next OB appt isn't until Feb. 6th.

Answer
Dear Karen,

Congratulations on your pregnancy!  The description of your symptoms do sound like sciatica.  Sciatic nerve inflammation is common in pregnant women, but it is not necessarily caused by pregnancy.  In your case it is too early to connect it to pregnancy as there were no changes to your body yet.  Besides, sciatica usually is prevalent on one side, and it sounds that you have pain on both sides.  Try gently stretching your lower back by holding on a sink with your hands and extending the hips and tailbone away from the sink, your torso being parallel to the floor, legs at 90 degrees to the torso.  Stretch for about 3 minutes and relax.  If you experience an acute pain call your doctor.  Good luck with your pregnancy,

Anna