Pregnant women face numerous symptoms and physical changes throughout gestation. Round ligament pain is one of the most common symptoms in the 2nd trimester, causing pressure and significant discomfort, especially when felt for the first time.
What’s round ligament pain? What are the causes and symptoms? How can you relieve it safely and effectively, and how to avoid it? Let’s explore it in the following lines.
What’s the Round Ligament and Its Role During Pregnancy?
The round ligament is a fibrous cord that extends from the uterus, passes through the pelvic area, and connects to the external genitalia. It supports the uterus, especially as the fetus grows, and the uterus expands during gestation.
It keeps the uterus in an upper frontal position, with forward tilting in the pelvis rather than leaning sideways or backward. This makes the uterus in the right position as it grows and reduces pressure on the chine or surrounding organs.
This ligament can stretch as the uterus grows, adapting to the changes and expansion.
Why Does Round Ligament Pain Occur During Gestation?
As the uterus grows, it places pressure on the supporting ligaments, especially the round ligament, which stretches significantly. This may result in small tears or pressure in the surrounding tissues.
The further the round ligament is stretched, the more tension it creates, causing pain in specific areas of the tummy or pelvis, known as round ligament pain.
Most women start feeling this pain between weeks 12 and 20 of pregnancy, but it can occur at any time.
The pain may be sharp, stabbing, or persistent and uncomfortable, and usually appears on one side of the tummy and occasionally radiates to the thigh or pelvic area.
Symptoms of Round Ligament Pain
Symptoms include:
- Sharp, sudden pain or stabbing on one side of the abdomen or pelvis, often the right side.
- Feeling a pulling or stretching sensation with sudden movements, such as sudden standing, laughing, coughing, or sneezing.
- Temporary pain disappears with rest.
- Pain that may increase with physical exertion or changing body position.
It’s important to distinguish round ligament pain from appendicitis or preterm labor pain, and you should see a doctor if the pain persists or is accompanied by bleeding or fever.
When is Pain a Sign of Another Problem?
Round ligament pain is generally normal and not a cause for concern, but attention is required if there is:
- Severe and persistent pain for a long time.
- Vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge.
- Fever.
- Feeling severe pressure in the pelvis or sudden fluid leakage (due to membrane rupture or preterm labor).
- Pain accompanied by nausea or persistent vomiting.
Don’t hesitate to visit your doctor or go to the hospital for evaluation and confirmation that you and your baby are safe.
How to Relieve Round Ligament Pain at Home?
There are numerous simple and effective ways you can try to relieve round ligament pain, including:
- Rest
Stop the exertion that caused the pain and take a break. Also, change your body position slowly to reduce pressure on the ligaments.
- Light Stretching Exercises
Some gentle stretches that aim at the pelvic area and lower back can reduce pressure on the round ligament. Consult your doctor or a physiotherapist for safe and suitable exercises.
- Using Compresses
Warm compresses relax muscles and reduce pain, while cold compresses can reduce inflammation if there’s swelling.
- Avoid Sudden Movements
Avoid standing or sitting down rapidly and minimize movements that may suddenly stretch the abdominal area.
- Wearing a Maternity Support Belt
A maternity belt can reduce the extra pressure on the abdomen and uterus, therefore reducing pain caused by ligament pressure.
- Sleeping on the Left Side
Sleeping on your left side improves blood flow to the uterus and reduces pressure on the ligaments.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
You may need to see a doctor if the pain doesn’t subside with home remedies, intensifies, or is accompanied by other warning signs. Your doctor may recommend
- Pregnancy-safe analgesics: safe in most stages of pregnancy when used at the correct dose, such as paracetamol.
- Physical therapy: Sessions include light exercises to strengthen the pelvic and abdominal muscles.
- Medical follow-up: To monitor the uterine growth, fetal position, pain progression, and ensure there are no other causes, such as early contractions, ectopic pregnancy, or placental separation.
Safe Exercises to Reduce Round Ligament Pain
Gentle exercises during pregnancy can strengthen muscles and increase their flexibility, reducing ligament pressure. These include:
- Deep breathing and relaxation exercises
It includes:
- Sitting comfortably using a chair or pillow for support.
- Taking a deep breath through your nose for many seconds, until filling your tummy with air.
- Exhaling slowly through your mouth while relaxing your abdominal and pelvic muscles.
- Repeat 5 –10 times or until you feel comfortable.
- Gentle Pelvic and Hip Stretches
It is done as follows:
- Sit on the floor or in a kneeling position, with one knee on the ground and the other bent in front of you at a 90° angle (similar to the kneeling position used in a marriage proposal).
- Gently push your back hip forward a little until you feel a stretch in the top of your thigh.
- Hold for 20-30 seconds, then return slowly.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Daily Walking for 20-30 minutes
Follow these steps:
- Choose a flat and safe path.
- Walk at a steady pace for 20-30 minutes.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Slow down or stop if you feel any pressure or pain.
- Simple Lower Back and Abdominal Strengthening
Steps:
- Lie on your back or on your side if you cannot lie on your back.
- Lift your pelvis slowly until your body from shoulders to knees forms a straight line.
- Hold for two seconds, then lower slowly.
- Repeat exercise 8-10 times as many times as you can.
Always consult your doctor before doing any exercises during pregnancy.
preventative Tips
You can avoid round ligament pain by:
- Avoiding standing for long or lifting heavy objects.
- Eating small, frequent meals to reduce pressure on the tummy.
- Wearing comfortable clothes that don’t press on the bump.
- Getting enough sleep and rest.
- Drinking enough water to stay hydrated.
Conclusion…
Round ligament pain is a common medical issue that numerous pregnant women face. It’s a natural part of the physical changes that the body undergoes, but it’s essential to understand its causes, how to manage and relieve it safely, and to monitor any abnormal symptoms. Communicate with your doctor when necessary to ensure both your safety and your baby’s health.