What is Round Ligament Pain?
During pregnancy a woman experiences many aches and pains. During the first trimester she often has fatigue and nausea. There is normally also some cramping as the uterus starts to expand and grow. There is also the constant urge to go to the bathroom as the uterus puts extra pressure on the bladder that the bladder.
During the second trimester, most of the first trimester pregnancy symptoms go away, although a new one tends to pop up. It is generally referred to as round ligament pain. But what is round ligament pain exactly?
The round ligaments are the ligaments at the bottom of your belly, which are positioned under the uterus, and expand and grow to help support your uterus as it gets bigger. As these ligaments stretch some women find it painful and are concerned. Most doctors and midwives will reassure you that these pains are a normal part of pregnancy.
During the third trimester this pain can increase as your uterus grows even bigger and the ligaments have to stretch more to support the weight of the baby, amniotic fluid, placenta and extra blood that your body is carrying in your belly. If the pain becomes unbearable, ask your provider what pain medication is safe to take while pregnant.
Some women are concerned because they don’t have round ligament pain, or they don’t seem to suffer from it as much as other women. Not every woman will experience a large amount of pain. Generally, in a first pregnancy, the pain won’t start as early or be as severe as it is in a woman’s second, third and subsequent pregnancies. This is normal and to be expected.
After you deliver the baby, remember that your body has “memory” so after your pregnancy is over, and as your belly shrinks and your body returns to normal, these round ligaments will return to their former, pre-pregnancy shape and size. This shrinking may also cause some pain, but it shouldn’t be as severe as when the ligaments originally stretched to make room for your baby.
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Rasheda Collins says...
I truly appreciate this article. A burden has been lifted!!! Praise be to God. This is my 2nd pregnancy and I was a little worried because I am experiencing mild cramping on and off.
Carlissa Brooks says...
This is a great article.. This is baby number 2 for me andi was a little nervous because i have been feeling alot of pain and cramping. so now i know what it is, it is easier so deal with.
cindyandnic says...
wow.this is my first pregnancy.i did felt it too.i had cramp due to implantation and a week after that…sometimes it can be intense and felt like a sharp knife pain or sting by needle.but it wont last long..my nurse assured me its normale as long as there is no bleeding…
A.B.S. says...
Very informative article! I found it to be very helpful and it relieves some worry….
Becca G says...
Great article thought it didn’t mention there are exercises you can do to help this problem. Kegels do help as well as a few others.
nadine says...
Very informative article, but how long may the pain last ?
Valeria says...
I’m 25 weeks of my second baby and I did have this pain about 2 weeks ago on a very busy ans activity day, I was very sacry. I did took a warn bath, massage w/ oil and rest the pain stoped and I did’nt have this again. good look for all.