Understanding Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain is a sharp pain or jabbing feeling often felt in the lower tummy or groin area on either or both sides. This believe it or not is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and is most common during the 2nd trimester.

There are several thick ligaments (ligaments are what joins two bones together) that surround and support your uterus. One of these ligaments is called the round ligament. This connects the front part of the uterus to the groin (hence that is where the pain is felt).

As your baby grows and your uterus and tummy therefore also grow the round ligament is therefore forced to stretch. If it becomes too stretched it starts to strain. If this happens then sudden movements can cause the ligament to tighten quickly (a bit like an elastic band snapping quickly). This is what causes a sudden and quick jabbing feeling. Ligaments are suppose to tighten and relax slowly when bones bend and straighten.

The symptoms of round ligament pain include a sharp sudden spasm in the belly. More often affecting the right side more than the left. The pain also only lasts a few seconds. Some exercises may cause the pain as well as rapid movements such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, rolling over in bed and standing up too quickly.

If you feel it is necessary then you can take over the counter painkillers like paracetamol or acamol. Make sure you are not taking Nurofen (Ibuprofen).

Specific exercise is very good for this. Some exercises are counterproductive to round ligament pain but exercises that keep your stomach and core muscles strong are good. Stretching is also helpful. Often one of the more helpful exercises is putting your hands and knees on the floor, lowering your head and pushing your backside into the air.

Try to avoid sudden movements. Change positions slowly, especially standing up.

Bend and flex your hips before you cough, sneeze or laugh to avoid pulling on the painful ligaments. Heat can also help relieve the pain, but make sure not to put the heat directly over the baby.

Round ligament pain is often quick and not long lasting but you should be aware if anything changes and when to go to the doctor immediately; for instance, severe pain, pain that lasts more than a few minutes, fever, chills and pain on urination and if you are having difficulty while walking.

Stomach pain during pregnancy could have one of many different possible causes and it is important for your doctor to rule out serious conditions such as inguinal hernia, appendicitis, and stomach, liver and kidney problems. Pre-term labour pains can sometimes also be mistaken for round ligament pain.

Physiotherapy is not your first port of call on this one. The diagnosis should be made by the doctor first so that everything else can also be checked. Upon diagnosis and only after that is physiotherapy then appropriate to advise on correct exercises.