Round Ligament Pain: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

As your uterus expands during pregnancy, you may experience growing pains, especially in the middle of your abdomen. This common yet uncomfortable sensation is termed round ligament pain, and it is your body’s way of stretching in order to accommodate and create space for your growing baby.

Round ligament pain isn’t unusual during pregnancy, and it may start anywhere around week 14 of pregnancy, or as soon as your second trimester begins. While this growing pain can cause discomfort, the good news is that there are a few remedies you can try to ease it. Read on to know more about this interesting body change, how long it lasts, and ways to tackle the pain.

What Is Round Ligament Pain?

Round ligament pain occurs when the pelvic ligaments supporting your uterus start to soften and stretch. The stretching and tightening of your pelvic ligaments cause the nearby nerve endings to inflame, thereby causing discomfort in your lower belly and groin area.

According to a study conducted by the national library of medicine, this condition affects 10-30% of pregnant women, who usually experience it during the end of their first trimester, or at the beginning of their second trimester. Round ligament pain is mostly temporary and resolves with the help of a few interventions. 

Causes Of Round Ligament Pain

Your uterus is supported by thick bands of ligaments, which run from your groin, up the side of your abdomen, connecting to the front of your uterus. As your womb grows, these supporting ligaments increase in diametre and lengthen to accommodate space for your little one. This stretching and pulling causes sharp aches and pains in your lower abdomen and groin area. 

Symptoms Of Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain causes a sharp, stabbing sensation in your abdomen, groin, and hip area. In some cases, it is experienced as a persistent, dull ache. However, the symptoms of round ligament pain can vary from one woman to another. Some of the common symptoms of this growing pain include:

• Shooting pain around your abdomen
• A pulling sensation down your sides and groin
• Discomfort on both sides of your abdomen
• Stabbing pain on the right side of your pelvic area
• Increased pain when you change your position suddenly, or when you laugh, sneeze, or cough

Diagnosis of Round Ligament Pain

During your early prenatal appointments, your doctor will mention round ligament pain as one of the pregnancy symptoms you will experience. However, if they don’t bring it up, definitely try to mention that you are experiencing these symptoms.

Your doctor will then assess the pain level to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms within the normal range, or if they indicate a more serious condition. Once they confirm the symptoms of round ligament pain, your doctor will prescribe certain pain medications or just advice some exercise poses that can help relieve your pain. 

Treatment of Round Ligament Pain

You can try a few remedial methods to help manage round ligament pain and ease discomfort. Here’s what you need to do:

• Keep your feet elevated: If the pain is happening while sitting or standing, consider keeping your feet elevated. Keeping your feet off the ground can help relieve some of the pressure on your ligaments and reduce discomfort.
• Wear a band: Wearing a belly belt or a belly band just below your bump can offer great support to your pelvis area and reduce discomfort.
• Avoid sudden movements: Quick, jerky movements are more likely to trigger round ligament pain. A good rule of thumb is to move slowly and with purpose. If you experience increased pain during a particular movement, slow down to see if that helps. Try not to stretch or reach too far, as they can put extra pressure on your ligaments.  
• Pay attention to your posture: Focus on keeping your back straight, and your head, shoulders, and hips in alignment. A good posture will help reduce some of the pressure on your ligaments.
• Flex your hips: During a sneezing or coughing spell, consider flexing your hips. This will help prevent the pulls on your ligaments and ease the pain.
• Take a warm shower: A warm water bath can help reduce some of the discomforts from the round ligament pain. However, make sure to keep the water temperature low, as extreme heat can be dangerous for your baby.
• Try gentle stretches: You can try light movements and stretches or enroll yourself in a prenatal yoga class. But make sure you perform exercises only after getting the go-ahead from your doctor. 

When To See A Doctor?

If you have round ligament pain with the following symptoms then consider contacting your healthcare provider right away. These signs could indicate a more serious condition and require immediate medical attention.

• Fever with chills
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Severe abdominal cramping
• Experiencing four or more contractions in an hour
• Vomiting or nausea
• Severe pain in your groin area
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding

Conclusion

Round ligament pain is common during pregnancy, so don’t panic if you experience any of these symptoms, especially in your second trimester. Try the remedies that we have discussed above and take adequate rest to alleviate the pain. The good news is that as you move to your third trimester, the round ligament pain typically gets better, and some women even stop experiencing its symptoms. If you do feel that the pain is getting too severe, then make sure to call your doctor right away for guidance and treatment. 

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