Are you pregnant? If so, you've probably had a similar experience. When you get up from a chair, roll over in bed, or cough loudly, you feel a sharp, pulling pain in your lower abdomen or groin area, right? Many mothers are a little scared by this sudden pain. But most of the time, it's nothing to worry about. It's a very common condition that occurs during pregnancy. This is what we're talking about today.
What exactly is Round Ligament Pain?
Simply put, this is an uncomfortable pain that occurs in your belly, groin, or hip area during your pregnancy. Think about it, your uterus (the sac that holds the baby) has two strong, rope-like ligaments that help it hang down on either side. These are what we call the 'round ligaments.' These are about 10-12 centimeters long. These run through your uterus, through your groin, and attach it to the lower abdominal wall.
When you're pregnant, your uterus gradually gets bigger as your baby grows. Then those two rope-like ligaments start to stretch, like a rubber band. The pressure and pulling on these ligaments is what causes the pain . This pain can occur, especially when you move suddenly.
This is a common symptom of pregnancy, so there's no need to worry too much about it. But if the pain doesn't go away after resting or changing positions, or if it's accompanied by vaginal bleeding, you should definitely talk to your doctor.
How does this pain feel? Where is it?
This pain often starts in the second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 14 to 27). This is because the uterus is growing rapidly during this time. However, some people may experience this condition earlier or later. The pain usually feels like this:
- Sharp, stabbing pain
- A cramp
- A feeling of being pulled and grabbed
- Like a spasm
This pain can occur in the lower abdomen or groin area. Sometimes it can be on both sides, or just on one side. It usually only lasts a few seconds or minutes. But if the pain continues for several hours, see a doctor.
Can someone who is not pregnant experience this pain?
Yes. Although this is often associated with pregnancy, women who are not pregnant can also experience this pain. It can sometimes be a symptom of a condition like endometriosis , which is when tissue that should be inside the uterus grows outside the uterus. Therefore, if a non-pregnant woman continues to have this type of pain, it is a good idea to see a doctor.
Things that increase pain and things you can do to relieve it
The main cause of this pain is sudden movements. Therefore, understanding when the pain comes on and being a little careful about those things can provide great relief.
| Things that increase pain | Things you can do to help |
|---|---|
| Rapidly changing positions (e.g., standing up from a standing position) | When changing positions, do it slowly. Don't stand up or sit down suddenly. |
| Rolling over in bed or getting out of bed | When coughing, sneezing, or laughing, lean forward and give your stomach a little support with your hand. |
| Coughing, sneezing, or laughing | Wear a belly band that provides relief to the stomach. |
| Exercise | Do yoga or light exercise that gently stretches the ligaments. |
| Heavy lifting, standing for long periods of time | Get plenty of rest. Take a hot bath (but not in hot water). |
What is the best position to sleep?
This pain can often make it difficult to sleep at night. The best thing to do is to sleep on your side, with your legs folded, and a pillow between your knees. Try to sleep on the side opposite the side you are experiencing pain on. Sometimes, placing another pillow under your stomach can also provide relief.
If you have these symptoms, definitely see a doctor!
Although round ligament pain is usually not harmful, abdominal pain can sometimes be a symptom of another serious condition. Therefore, if you have any of the following symptoms along with your pain, seek immediate medical attention or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
| Warning signs to look out for | |
|---|---|
| 🔴 Vaginal bleeding | 🔴 Uterine contractions, which feel like the stomach is tightening like a rock. |
| 🔴 Feeling cold and getting a fever. | 🔴 Severe, constant pain. |
| 🔴 Vomiting or nausea in addition to morning sickness. | 🔴 Abnormal vaginal discharge. |
| 🔴 Pain or pressure in the lower back (this can be a symptom of labor). | 🔴 Pain when urinating or blood in the urine. |
You may wonder if this pain will ever go away. Yes, it will. For some women, this pain will subside by the third trimester. For others, it will be completely relieved after the baby is born, when hormone levels return to normal and the uterus returns to its previous size.
Take-Home Message
- Round ligament pain during pregnancy is nothing to be afraid of, it is a very common condition.
- This is caused by the uterus growing larger as the baby grows, stretching the ligaments that support it.
- This pain can occur suddenly due to sudden movements (standing up, rolling over, coughing).
- Slow movement, rest, and light exercise can provide relief.
- If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding or fever , see your doctor immediately.
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