If you have ever experienced ligament pain during pregnancy, you know how painful this can be. This sudden onset of abdominal or groin pain stops you in your tracks. Round ligament pain usually sets in during the second trimester of pregnancy as the ligaments surrounding your uterus stretch.
Definition
Round ligaments are thick ligaments that surround and hold your uterus in suspension. These bone to bone muscles connect the front of the uterus to the groin. Your uterus is normally the size of an apple; however, during pregnancy it expands rapidly to accommodate your growing fetus. In response to this expansion, the round ligaments stretch and thin out to support the uterus. Just like all the muscles of the body, the ligaments contract and relax with movement.
Pain
The stretching of the round ligaments is often accompanied by a deep pain in the abdomen. Some women feel it in the groin area when they change positions. Women commonly feel the discomfort when they roll over or move from a sitting to standing position. Some women feel this pain with a simple cough or sneeze. The pain is the actual contracting of the ligaments to adjust to the change in position. The sharp, stabbing pain usually lasts only a few seconds. However, some women feel a dull ache for long periods of time.
Identification
Round ligament pain is very common among pregnant women and usually ceases after delivery. And while the pain is uncomfortable for you, the American Pregnancy Association notes it does not harm the baby. Once the pain presents, you should schedule an appointment with your obstetrician for evaluation. Round ligament pain often mirrors the pain associated with appendicitis, ovarian masses or bowel compression. Therefore, it is advised to seek out your physician with any new occurrence of pain during pregnancy to rule out more serious conditions.
Prevention/Solution
If your physician determines that you have round ligament pain, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate it. The American Pregnancy Association recommends rest to alleviate ligament pain. They also suggest moving slowly when changing position to allow the ligaments to stretch more gradually. Pregnancy.org suggests a warm bath or heating pad and lying on the side opposite of the one that hurts. In addition, exercise can sometimes trigger the onset, so you may need to adjust your exercise regimen accordingly.
Warning
If you have tried to alleviate the pain but it won't go away, consult your physician. In addition, if the pain coincides with fever, chills, bleeding, watery discharge, pain with urination or the inability to walk without assistance, contact your physician immediately.
