What is round ligament pain in pregnancy?
Round ligament pain is a brief sharp stabbing pain that a pregnant woman may experience in the groin region or the lower abdomen. This pain is usually sharp, though some women even experience pain that is a little dull. Round ligament pain usually starts in the second trimester and is felt most when you change position suddenly.
What are the round ligaments?
Round ligaments are a pair of pelvic ligaments that keep your uterus in place. Some women don’t have problems with their round ligaments until they become pregnant. On each side of the uterus, the round ligaments resemble two cords or ropes. Each one is about 10 to 12 centimeters long.
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The ligaments attach the uterus to the pelvis and keep it in place. Round ligaments stretch in response to the growth of the belly during pregnancy.
Women who are not pregnant have thick, round ligaments that are short and thick. On the other hand, pregnancy can cause these ligaments to become long and taut. Round ligaments typically contract and loosen gradually. Pregnancy puts extra strain and pressure on your ligaments, causing them to tense up like an overextended rubber band.
What causes round ligament pain in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a woman’s body produces hormones that cause her ligaments to become loose and stretchy. This assists the body in adjusting to the growing baby. The uterus and round ligaments stretch as a baby grows in the womb. This stretching can result in spasms in the round ligaments, which causes pain.
Some of the common movements that may cause round ligament pain are coughing, standing, sitting or rolling over in the bed. These round ligaments are soft tissues that surround the uterus.
As the uterus grows, the ligaments get stretched. Though they do thicken and try to support the growing uterus as much as they can, the ligaments may occasionally cause some pain.
The pain may be felt on either side of the abdomen. Sometimes, it is felt on both sides. The pain starts from the groin and moves outwards towards the hip or the lower abdomen.
Round ligament pain is almost always associated with pregnancy. However, round ligament pain can occur in women who are not pregnant on rare occasions. This could be an indication of endometriosis, a condition in which the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus.
What does it feel like to have round ligament pain?
Round ligament pain is most common in the second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 14 through 27). However, it can appear at any time during pregnancy. Sudden, rapid movements can cause your ligaments to tighten too quickly, causing nerve fibers to be pulled. This action causes severe pain and discomfort.
Women frequently describe round ligament pain as aches, cramps, a piercing, stabbing, or pulling sensation.
The pain may occur on one or both sides of the body. It usually only lasts a few seconds, but it can last for hours. It happens frequently during the second trimester.
When you move suddenly, your round ligament pain may worsen (for example, standing or sitting quickly, sneezing, coughing or laughing). The pain may catch you off guard, but it is considered normal. There is no cause for concern.
What are the symptoms of round ligament pain?
Everyone experiences different levels of discomfort. If this is your first pregnancy, you may be concerned that the pain is the result of a larger issue. Your concerns are understandable, but understanding the symptoms of round ligament pain can help to alleviate them.
Image from iStock.
An intense, sudden spasm in your abdomen or hip area is the most noticeable symptom of round ligament pain. The pain is usually felt on the right side. Round ligament pain on both sides is common in pregnant women.
The good news is that round ligament pain only lasts a short time. The pain usually goes away after a few seconds or minutes, but it can be intermittent and return. Pain can be caused by certain activities and movements.
While your doctor may recommend light exercise during pregnancy, it’s important to remember that certain types of physical activity can cause or worsen the pain. Other causes of round ligament pain are:
- sneezing or coughing
- laughing
- rolling around in your bed
- standing up too quickly
- other unexpected movements
Because movement causes ligament stretching, you are more likely to experience discomfort during physical activity. However, once you’ve identified the activities that are causing you pain, you can make changes to alleviate your discomfort. For example, if you have round ligament pain when rolling over in bed, rolling over at a slower pace may alleviate or reduce pain.
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Treatment for round ligament pain during pregnancy
Round ligament pain is common during pregnancy, but there are several things you can do to alleviate it. One way to alleviate pain is to make adjustments to avoid sudden movements.
- Resting
- Take a warm bath
- Flexibility exercises
- Pregnancy yoga
- Using an electric heating pad
- Over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen
- Sneezing, coughing, or laughing while bending and flexing your hips
- Change positions slowly to prevent the ligaments from contracting as much.
- See a massagetherapist, chiropractor, or acupuncturist.
- Lying on the opposite side of the pain may help as well. The good news is round ligament pain will disappear completely once you have given birth to your child!
- Try a pregnancy support belt
Pregnancy belt for round ligament pain
Image from iStock.
A pregnancy belt or maternity belt can also help with round ligament pain. Wear these abdominal support garments underneath your clothes. The belts provide support for your growing belly and can alleviate the pain and pressure that comes with it.
A maternity belt not only relieves round ligament pain, but it also relieves:
- lower back ache
- sciatica discomfort
- Hip ache
If you are expecting multiples, a maternity belt can provide additional support.
How can I prevent round ligament pain?
Round ligament pain cannot always be avoided. However, you may be able to reduce the pain-causing sudden movements:
- Avoid lifting heavy objects and standing for extended periods of time while pregnant. This reduces the strain on the uterus and round ligaments.
- Try leaning forward first if you think you’re about to laugh, sneeze, or cough. For added support, try placing your hands under your baby bump.
- Gently stretch your hips every day. Consult your doctor to see if yoga for pregnant women is appropriate for you.
- Take your time when switching positions. Avoid abruptly standing, sitting, or rolling over. Round ligament pain cannot always be avoided. However, you may be able to reduce the pain-causing sudden movements:
- Avoid lifting heavy objects and standing for extended periods of time while pregnant. This reduces the strain on the uterus and round ligaments.
- Try leaning forward first if you think you’re about to laugh, sneeze, or cough. For added support, try placing your hands under your baby bump.
- Gently stretch your hips every day. Consult your doctor to see if yoga for pregnant women is appropriate for you.
- Take your time when switching positions. Avoid abruptly standing, sitting, or rolling over.
- Throughout the day, try bending and flexing your hips. Try this floor stretch on a daily basis: Get down on your hands and knees on the floor. Lower your head to the ground. Maintain your buttocks in the air. Consult your doctor about exercising during pregnancy.
When should I call my doctor?
Whether you’re pregnant or not, abdominal pain can be a symptom of other conditions. Seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing abdominal pain and other symptoms such as:
- Bleeding
- Contractions, which could indicate that the baby is on its way
- Chills
- Fever
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting that is not caused by morning sickness
- Lower back pain or pressure, another sign of labor
- Extensive pain that does not go away
- Difficulty walking
- Female vaginal discharge (any substance leaking from the vagina)
Round ligament pain is a common symptom, and there is little you can do to avoid it. However, once you begin to feel pain, you can take steps to alleviate it. It’s critical to understand your personal triggers.
If you are unable to prevent or relieve pain, it may stop entirely as you enter your third trimester. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.
