Round ligament pain is a sharp, jabbing pain in the lower belly or groin during pregnancy. It happens as the round ligaments, which support the uterus, stretch to make room for the growing baby.
The round ligaments are two bands of tissue that run from the top of the uterus down to the groin. As the uterus grows, they stretch and thicken. A sudden movement, such as standing up quickly, coughing, sneezing or rolling over in bed, can make them tighten and cause a brief, sharp pain. This pain is most common in the second trimester.
Most people describe a sudden stab or pull on one or both sides of the lower belly, sometimes spreading to the groin. The sharp pain usually lasts only a few seconds. Some people also notice a dull ache after a busy or active day.
Simple steps often help. Changing position slowly, bending at the hips before a sneeze or cough, resting, and using a warm (not hot) compress can ease discomfort. Gentle stretches and short breaks from standing may help too. Ask a midwife, doctor or pharmacist before taking any pain relief in pregnancy.
Abdominal pain in pregnancy is not always ligament pain. Contact a midwife or doctor straight away if pain is severe or does not go away, or if it comes with bleeding, fever, chills, pain when urinating, regular tightenings or difficulty walking. Pelvic pain from other causes, such as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), needs different care.
Sources: MedlinePlus, NHS.
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