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During pregnancy, these ligaments are under tension as they support your developing uterus. This strain can be painful, especially if you move unexpectedly.
Round ligament pain occurs frequently during pregnancy. There is no cause for concern. Consult your pregnancy care provider if you have round ligament pain that does not go away with rest or changing positions, or if it is accompanied by vaginal bleeding or contractions.
What Does Round Ligament Discomfort Feel Like?
Round ligament discomfort commonly develops in the second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 14–27). However, it might develop early or late in pregnancy. It frequently occurs with abrupt movements. People commonly characterise circular ligament pain as:- Aches
- Cramps
- Spasms
- Sharp, stabbing, or tugging sensations
Causes of Round Ligament Pain
As your uterus grows during pregnancy, your circular ligaments become longer and wider to support your expanding belly. This puts strain on the ligaments and might make them painful. Furthermore, your round ligaments usually contract and relax gently. So, when they're already stretched and you move quickly, you're causing the round ligaments to move and compress faster than they can.This pain normally happens as your uterus enlarges, which is most common during pregnancy. However, it can also occur in people who are not pregnant. This could be a sign of endometriosis, a condition in which the uterine lining develops outside of the uterus.
Some of the most prevalent causes of round ligament pain are quick or abrupt movements. Understanding and avoiding the movements that cause the pain can help you feel better.
Common triggers include:
- Changing positions (such as standing up too rapidly)
- Rolling over or getting out of bed
- sneezing, coughing, or laughing
- Exercising
Diagnosing Round Ligament Pain
There is no particular testing for round ligament pain. If this is your first pregnancy and you are inexperienced with this type of pain, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms if you are worried.In most situations, your doctor can diagnose the condition based on the symptoms you describe. They may perform a physical examination to rule out other causes of discomfort.
Even if you know what the pain feels like, you should see your doctor if it doesn't go away after a few minutes or if you have severe pain accompanied by other symptoms. This includes:
- Fever
- Chills
- Pain with blood or urinating
- Difficulty walking
Severe stomach discomfort during pregnancy can happen for a variety of reasons, including placental abruption. Appendicitis, hernias, and liver or renal disorders are all possible causes of lower stomach pain.
In the event of significant pain, your doctor may need to rule out preterm labour. Preterm labour may feel like round ligament pain. However, unlike round ligament pain, which subsides after a few minutes, premature labour discomfort persists.
How To Find Relief From Round Ligament Pain?
There are various things you can take to relieve the discomfort caused by round ligament pain. Some of these include:- Wear an elastic belly band to help support your belly
- Stretch or practice yoga to gently stretch your ligaments
- Rest
- When you sneeze, cough, or laugh, keep your belly still or flex your hips
- Take paracetamol if you are in extreme pain
- Take a warm (not hot) bath
- Avoid positions that exacerbate the pain
Preventing Round Ligament Pain
It is not always possible to avoid round ligament pain. However, you may be able to reduce the sudden movements that can cause pain, such as:- Avoid lifting heavy objects or standing for extended periods while pregnant. This will help to reduce the stress on your circular ligaments.
- If you believe you're going to laugh, sneeze, or cough, try leaning forward beforehand. For further support, place your hands beneath or over your tummy.
- Change positions slowly. Try not to stand, sit, or roll over unexpectedly.
- Try bending and flexing your hips throughout the day. Alternatively, try this floor stretch daily: Place your hands and knees on the floor. Lower your head to the floor. Keep your buttocks in the air.
Does Round Ligament Discomfort Go Away?
Yes, it goes away. According to Dr Shaily Sharma, Gynaecologist, at Cloudnine Hospital, Faridabad, round ligament pain decreases around the third trimester. Others do not feel completely relieved until after delivery when hormone levels drop and the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size.When to See a Doctor?
Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of diseases, whether or not you are pregnant. Seek medical assistance immediately if you have abdominal pain and other symptoms like:- Bleeding
- Contractions
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting unrelated to morning sickness
- Pain or pressure in your lower back
- Severe pain that will not go away
- Vaginal discharge (any substance that leaks from the vagina)
- Blood in your urine or pain while urinating
What Is The Ideal Sleeping Position For Someone With Round Ligament Pain?
Round ligament pain is normal during pregnancy and can prevent you from sleeping comfortably. Healthcare providers usually recommend lying on your side with your legs raised and a pillow between your knees. Try lying on the opposite side from where you feel the most pain. Placing a second pillow underneath your belly can also help.Round ligament pain is common and expected during pregnancy. The uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch and expand to create space for the foetus, causing brief, painful spasms. Resting, changing postures, and taking a warm bath may be beneficial. However, if your pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or contractions, contact your healthcare physician.
FAQs on What Round Ligament Pain Feels Like and How to Find Relief?
- How can I tell whether this is just round ligament pain?
You may experience round ligament pain as an ache or pulling in your pelvis. You may also experience a quick, sharp, or stabbing pain in your hips, abdomen, and/or groin, similar to a spastic contraction. The pain may begin in one location (typically the lower abdomen) and spread outwards. - When Are The Worst Weeks For Round Ligament Pain?
Pregnant women typically experience round ligament discomfort in the second trimester (about 14 to 27 weeks) because their uterus is quickly developing. The precise moment when it feels the worst differs for different people.
