Round ligament pain

During pregnancy, the round ligaments are placed under tension as they support your growing uterus. This tension can cause pain, especially when you move suddenly.

Tell me more

Many women experience round ligament pain during pregnancy. It is very common, but is not dangerous to you or your baby.

It typically occurs in the second trimester (weeks 12 – 27) when the uterus begins to grow more rapidly. Some people can have symptoms earlier in pregnancy.

Round ligament pain may occur in the abdomen, lower part of your pelvis or in your groin area. It can occur on one side or both sides. It typically lasts only a few seconds or minutes.

Symptoms

Round ligament pain is typically described as 

• Ache
• Cramp
• Spasm
• Sharp
• Jabbing
• Pulling sensation

Common triggers

Round ligaments typically contract and loosen slowly.

The pain can be made worse by fast/sudden movements such as standing up from sitting or rolling over in bed. 

It can also be caused by the increase in intra-abdominal pressure caused by

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Laughing
• Deep breathing during exercise

Understanding what triggers your round ligament pain and avoiding those movements can go a long way to feeling better.

Will I have this pain the whole pregnancy?

The pain often subsides around the third trimester, when your baby starts to moves down into the pelvis in preparation for birth. Others don’t experience complete relief until after delivery when hormone levels drop and your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size.

There are things you can do to reduce the pain and the impact it has on your daily activities.

What can I do to help?

• Change positions slowly, don’t rush.
• Take your time when walking.
• Avoid positions that will aggravate the pain.
• When coughing or sneezing, give support under your bump using your hands.
• Rest on the opposite side to the pain with a pillow between your knees and under your bump.
• Leaning forwards slightly.
• Bending your knees up towards your abdomen.
• Antenatal yoga will stretch the ligaments gently.
• Pelvic tilting – round your lower back as you rotate the pelvis backwards, then arch your lower back as you rotate your pelvis forwards.
• A tubigrip or pregnancy belt to give support.
• Check with your GP to see if you can take pain medication.
• Try to get 8-10 hours sleep over a 24-hour period – sleep helps to regulate your pain. Nap throughout the day if necessary.

When to seek advice

While round ligament pain is usually harmless, it is best to tell your healthcare provider about your symptoms so they can make sure it is not something more serious.

You should see your doctor if your pain is severe and accompanied by

• Severe abdominal pain/contractions
• Severe pain that does not go away
• Fever and/or chills
• Nausea and vomiting not related to morning sickness
• Pain or blood when you pee
• Bleeding or unusual discharge from the vagina
• Difficulty walking