My Pregnancy

Round ligament pain in early pregnancy

Round ligament pain in early pregnancy

The uterus is a boneless structure. It needs support to be in position. The round ligaments are cordlike structures 10 to 12 cm long, connecting the front and upper part of uterus to the groin region to hold it in position. 

During pregnancy, due to enlarging uterus, round ligament stretches and causes pain on its attachemnt area on groin. Round ligament pain is common and a normal in pregnancy.

Round ligament pain exclusively happens in pregnancy but rarely may happen outside pregnancy with endometriosis involving round ligament.   

Women often describe round ligament pain as aches, cramps and sharp, stabbing or pulling sensation in groin region. It can be for few seconds or  several hours. It can happen repeatedly during pregnancy. 

The pain may occur on one side of the body or both sides. It usually lasts only a few seconds, but it can last hours. It often happens repeatedly during the second trimester.

As pregnancy progresses, the round ligaments become softer and might stretch and pain may ease up. 

Round ligament pain may worsen when you move suddenly (for example, standing or sitting quickly, sneezing, coughing or laughing

The pain often occurs upon waking and rolling over in bed or during rapid movement or vigorous activity.

To relieve round ligament pain, try gentle stretching and changing your position. Avoid rapid or repetitive movement. Flexing your hips before you cough or sneeze might also provide relief. No medication is necessary. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) might help, however.

Pain in the lower abdomen can have other causes, too — some serious. If you have pain accompanied by fever or chills, pain with urination, pain with bleeding, or moderate or severe pain, call your health care provider

. Rest and yoga exercises may help, and you may want to avoid sudden movements. Seek medical attention right away if you have abdominal pain plus other symptoms

CARE AND TREATMENT

How can I treat round ligament pain?

If you experience frequent round ligament pain, try:

  • Elastic belly band to support your baby bump.
  • Rest.
  • Acetaminophen (which is generally safe during pregnancy, but ask your healthcare provider to be sure).

How can I prevent round ligament pain?

It’s not always possible to prevent round ligament pain. But you may be able to reduce the sudden movements that sometimes cause the pain:

  • Avoid lifting heavy things and standing for long periods of time during pregnancy. This will help lessen the stress on the uterus and round ligaments.
  • If you think you’re about to laugh, sneeze or cough, try leaning forward first. Try placing your hands under your baby bump for support.
  • Stretch your hips gently every day. Ask your doctor if yoga for pregnant women is right for you. 
  • Take your time changing positions. Try to avoid standing, sitting or rolling over suddenly.
  • Try bending and flexing the hips throughout the day. Or try this floor stretch daily: Put your hands and knees on the floor. Lower your head toward the floor. Keep your butt in the air.

Talk to your healthcare provider about exercise during pregnancy.

Does round ligament pain affect my baby?

Round ligament pain is not dangerous for you or your baby. It’s not a sign of a problem or a symptom of a disease or complication.

Do these pregnancy cramps go away?

After pregnancy, hormone levels drop, and the uterus and surrounding ligaments return to pre-pregnancy size. So round ligament pain goes away after pregnancy.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

When should I call my doctor for round ligament pain?

Abdominal pain can be a symptom of other conditions, whether you’re pregnant or not. Seek medical attention right away if you have abdominal pain and other symptoms, such as:

  • Bleeding.
  • Contractions, which could mean the baby is coming.
  • Chills.
  • Fever.
  • Lightheadedness.
  • Nausea or vomiting not related to morning sickness.
  • Pain or pressure in the lower back, another sign of labor
  • Severe pain that doesn’t go away.
  • Trouble walking.
  • Vaginal discharge (any substance leaking from the vagina).

A note 

Round ligament pain is common and normal during pregnancy. As the uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch to make room for baby, it can cause short, painful spasms. Rest and other home remedies may help. But call your healthcare provider if you have pain that won’t go away or pain and other symptoms.