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Round ligament pain is a frequently encountered discomfort in pregnancy. It is often accompanied by the sensation of sharp or pulling pain in the lower belly or hips. Since your uterus is expanding and your baby is also growing, it requires ligaments to stretch them, holding the uterus in position; hence the pain. It can feel scary, but round ligament pain is commonly a normal part of pregnancy. While it is helpful to understand why you experience round ligament pain and to perform some basic things to relieve it, it can be helpful to know that you will be more comfortable and potentially less anxious in each trimester of your pregnancy.
What Is Round Ligament Pain?
Round ligament pain is a common pregnancy discomfort caused by the stretching of the ligaments that support your growing uterus. These cord-like bands connect the front of the uterus to the groin, helping provide stability as your baby develops. As your belly expands, the extra tension can trigger sharp, stabbing pains or a dull ache in the lower abdomen, hips, or groin. While often uncomfortable, this pain is usually normal and rarely a cause for concern.
What Does Round Ligament Pain Feel Like?
Pregnant women are more likely to describe round ligament pains in terms of sharp and stabbing pains or dull aches in the lower abdomen or hips, or the groin. It may be sudden in sudden activities like taking a rise, coughing or bed turning.
What Are Symptoms of Round Ligament Pain?
The pain in the round ligament can be dull or sharp, but tends to come and go with movement or activity. The most typical symptoms include:
- Sharp, stabbing, or jabbing pain in the lower belly, groin or hips
- Hardly painful, and may or may not be continuous, pulling or stretching sensations.
- Sudden movements like standing, rolling over, coughing, sneezing or laughing cause pain.
- A sharp pain, which persists following activity.
- Discomfort on one side (often more considerable on the right); however, it can occur on both sides.
It is helpful to note that these symptoms are not always painful and are commonly normal and associated with pregnancy as your uterus grows.
What Causes Round Ligament Pain?
The reason why the round ligaments cause such pain is that the round ligaments are two corded structures that connect your uterus to your groin, and which swell and contract during your pregnancy. These ligaments are stretched and tethered as the uterus increases in size, and this may be painful.
Key causes include:
- Uterine growth - The expanding uterus puts excessive pressure on the ligaments.
- Hormonal changes - Pregnancy hormones make the ligaments and muscles weak and are likely to bring stretch pains.
- Sudden movements - Rapid movements such as standing, turning, coughing or sneezing make the ligaments contract, an aspect that induces sharp pain.
- Physical activity – Walking, exercising or even standing for a long time might be overloading the already damaged ligaments.
It is a normal pregnancy event, and it does not harm you or your baby, but it can be uncomfortable.
What Relieves Round Ligament Pain?
Round ligament pain is common in pregnancy and, while uncomfortable, it can often be eased with simple self-care strategies. The goal is to support your body and adopt gentle habits that reduce strain.
Here are some effective ways to relieve discomfort:
- Move Mindfully– Stand up, roll over, and bend gradually to prevent sudden strain on the ligaments.
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Everyday Belly Support– Wearing a supportive maternity belly band, such as the Momcozy Ergonest Maternity Belly Band, provides soft lift and helps hold your bump in place, reducing ligament pressure and making daily movement easier.
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Hospital-Grade Support– For stronger reinforcement, the Momcozy Maternova Belly Band offers medical-grade lift to ease ligament strain and support your expanding belly.
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- Gentle Stretches– Prenatal yoga or light pelvic tilts can strengthen supporting muscles and release tension.
- Apply Warmth– A warm compress placed on sore areas of the lower belly or hips can calm discomfort.
- Maintain Good Posture– Standing tall and sitting with back support can lessen pressure on the ligaments.
- Rest and Hydrate– Take breaks throughout the day and drink plenty of water to prevent cramping and keep tissues flexible.
- Prioritize Comfortable Sleep– Use pillows under your belly and between your knees when side-sleeping for added support.
These strategies can provide relief and also help prevent discomfort from worsening as your pregnancy progresses.
How Can I Prevent Round Ligament Pain?
Round ligament pain is a normal part of your body adjusting to pregnancy, which you can not prevent, but you can reduce the number of times when it is experienced. Moving slowly, sitting up straight, and not taking a sharp twist or turn can help in this. Light workouts such as prenatal yoga or stretching will strengthen your core and increase the flexibility of ligaments. Maternity support, rest, and correct positioning of pillows to support sleep can help relieve strains as well. These few measures may not prevent the pain, but can make it far more bearable.
When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider for Round Ligament Pain?
Round ligament pain is not very dangerous, yet it is necessary to be aware of when to contact your healthcare professional. You should call if the pain is:
- Chronic or persistent rather than periodic or intermittent.
- With bleeding, spotting or abnormal discharge.
- Accompanied by fever, chills or nausea.
- Associated with contractions, cramping, or pressure that discomfort is not typical of pregnancy.
- On one side only, and it does not get better with rest.
While round ligament discomfort is a common pregnancy symptom, your provider can help rule out more serious issues such as preterm labor, appendicitis, or infection. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always safest to call and check.
FAQs
Where Do You Feel Round Ligament Pain?
It is experienced in the lower belly, hips or groin in most cases. It may be on both sides, but some women experience it more on the right side.
Will Having Round Ligament Pain Cause My Baby Any Harm?
No, round ligament pain does not hurt your baby, although it is uncomfortable to you. It is just a normal adaptation of the body to a swelling uterus.
Will I Still Have Round Ligament Pain After Having My Baby?
Usually not. Postpartum pain in the round ligament disappears once your uterus returns to its normal size after childbirth, and the ligaments lose their tension.
What Happens to the Round Ligament During Pregnancy?
The round ligaments stretch, thin, and tighten as they support your expanding uterus, which is what causes the discomfort.
Does Round Ligament Pain Go Away?
Yes. In the majority of women, the pain subsides in the later stages of pregnancy and is gone altogether after childbirth.
What Is the Best Position to Sleep in With Round Ligament Pain?
Sleeping on your side, with a pillow beneath the belly area and between the knees, can help relieve the pressure and give additional support.
What Are the Worst Weeks for Round Ligament Pain?
It will be most evident during the second trimester, as the uterus expands quite fast, yet it may extend into the third trimester.
When Does Round Ligament Pain Start in Pregnancy?
It typically starts 14-20 weeks, but it can also start earlier in women based on their body and activity level.
What Can Be Mistaken for Round Ligament Pain?
Other conditions that are similar to this pain may include urinary tract infection, ovarian cysts, kidney stones or even premature labor. Always check with your provider if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
Round ligament pain is a natural part of pregnancy, caused by the stretching and shifting of ligaments as your baby grows. While often uncomfortable, it’s usually harmless and manageable with gentle movements, rest, and supportive maternity gear. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and relief options, you can feel more at ease. Always contact your healthcare provider if pain becomes severe or unusual.
