Round ligament pain is a sharp, jabbing, aching, cramping pain on one or both sides of your abdomen. It may be short-lived pain or just discomfort. It's common during pregnancy, and you're likely to first notice it during the second trimester. It may be worse on one side than the other. Show
What is round ligament pain during pregnancy?You have two round ligaments in your pelvis, one on either side of your uterus. As your uterus grows during pregnancy, the round ligaments stretch and thicken to accommodate and support it. These changes cause occasional spasm-like pains that are uncomfortable but generally harmless. You may feel round ligament pain as a short, sharp or stabbing pain if you suddenly change position, such as when you're getting out of bed or a chair. You may feel it when you cough, roll over in bed, or get out of the bathtub. You also might feel it as a dull ache after a particularly active day, like when you've been walking a lot or doing some other physical activity. Round ligament pain may feel like it starts deep inside your groin and moves upward and outward on either side to the top of your hips. The pain is internal, but if you were to trace it on your skin, it would follow the bikini line on a very high-cut bathing suit. How is round ligament pain different from abdominal pain during pregnancy?The sharp, jabbing sensation of round ligament pain shouldn't last longer than the few seconds it takes you to change position or get up. Although round ligament pain is a common – and harmless – pregnancy complaint, abdominal pain can be a sign of a serious problem, such as preterm labor, severe preeclampsia, or placental abruption, or a medical problem unrelated to pregnancy, like appendicitis. When should I call my healthcare provider about abdominal pain during pregnancy?Don't hesitate to call your provider any time abdominal pain during pregnancy continues after a short rest or is accompanied by:
What can I do to ease round ligament pain during pregnancy?Your provider can give you tips to help reduce the discomfort of round ligament pain. You can also try any of the following:
Round ligament pain is a common, normal pregnancy symptom. These pregnancy cramps usually occur in the second trimester, as the uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch. 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.
OverviewWhat is round ligament pain?Round ligament pain is an uncomfortable sensation in the abdomen, near the hips or into the groin area. It’s a “growing pain” that’s common and normal during pregnancy. What are the round ligaments?The round ligaments are like two cords or ropes on each side of the uterus (womb). Each one is about 10 to 12 centimeters long. The ligaments connect the uterus to the pelvis and hold the uterus in place. What does round ligament pain feel like?Round ligament pain usually occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 14 through 27). But it can appear earlier or later in pregnancy. Women often describe round ligament pain as:
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. Round ligament pain may worsen when you move suddenly (for example, standing or sitting quickly, sneezing, coughing or laughing). Possible CausesWhat causes round ligament pain?A woman’s body makes hormones during pregnancy to make ligaments loose and stretchy. This helps the body adjust to the growing baby. As a baby grows in the womb, it stretches the uterus and the round ligaments. This stretching can cause spasms in the round ligaments, leading to the pain. Round ligament pain occurs almost exclusively in pregnancy. But rarely, round ligament pain may occur in women who are not pregnant. This could be a sign of endometriosis, when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Care and TreatmentHow can I treat round ligament pain?If you experience frequent round ligament pain, try:
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:
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 DoctorWhen 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:
A note from Cleveland Clinic 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. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
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More health news + infoWhen should I worry about left side pain in pregnancy?There are different causes for mild achiness or pain in the abdomen during the different stages of pregnancy. Some women have low, period-like pain or cramps early in pregnancy. But if pain is severe or felt on one side, call your health care provider right away.
Is it normal to have pain on your left side during pregnancy?Round ligament pain is a sharp pain or jabbing feeling often felt in the lower belly or groin area on one or both sides. It is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and is considered a normal part of pregnancy. It is most often felt during the second trimester.
When should I worry about left side pain?Generally, intermittent left side pain is a sign of gas or indigestion and should pass on its own. But if you notice severe abdominal pain on the left side of your body in conjunction with any of the following symptoms, it's time to call the doctor: Fever. Nausea or vomiting.
What are the danger signs of pregnancy for second trimester?Warning signs and complications. Vaginal discharge – change in type (watery, mucous, bloody). Lower abdominal or pelvic pressure.. Low, dull backache.. Abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea (may feel like menstrual cramps). |