Round ligament pain

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What is round ligament pain?

It's generally a brief, sharp, stabbing pain or a longer lasting dull ache that

you may feel in your lower abdomen or groin usually starting in your second

trimester. You may feel it as a short jabbing sensation if you suddenly change

position, such as when you're getting up from a bed or chair or when you cough,

roll over in bed, or get out of the bathtub. Or you may feel it as a dull ache

after a particularly active day, say when you've been walking a lot or doing

some other physical activity.

Your round ligaments support your uterus in your pelvis, and as your uterus

grows during pregnancy, the ligaments stretch and thicken to accommodate and

support its new girth. These changes can occasionally cause you pain on one or

both sides of your abdomen. You may feel the pains starting from deep inside

your groin, moving upward and outward on either side to the top of your pelvis

(where your hips are). If you were to trace them on the skin of your abdomen,

they'd follow the bikini line on a very high-cut bathing suit.

When should I call my doctor or midwife?

Don't hesitate to call any time abdominal aches or pains continue with rest or

are accompanied by severe pain or cramping, bleeding, fever, chills, faintness,

nausea and vomiting, or a change in type or amount of vaginal discharge. The

sharp, jabbing type of round ligament pain shouldn't last longer than the few

seconds in which you're changing position or getting up from the car. If any

kind of pain continues after a short rest, call your midwife or doctor.

What can I do to relieve this discomfort?

Once you've been reassured by your practitioner that what you're feeling is

round ligament pain, then sit down, put your feet up, and relax. Resting

comfortably should alleviate your symptoms. Then if you feel fine, you can

gradually increase your activity until you find the amount that's comfortable

for you. (If your pain continues even with rest, call your midwife or doctor.)

Don't forget. It's a typical complaint of pregnancy, and it gives you an excuse

to get off your feet - and even be waited on.