Round Ligament Pain

Round Ligament Pain

With advancing gestational age (meaning the length of time that a woman is pregnant since conception) aches and pains often become more common. The first trimester is often plagued with nausea, morning sickness, and at times, severe nausea and vomiting. The second trimester tends to be the best for many patients especially since the nausea is often resolving, the initial pregnancy fatigue is subsiding, and you can now enjoy shopping for your cute little maternity clothing.

The third trimester has it sets of benefits and annoyances. Now that you can show off your belly like the movie stars, your ever expanding uterus could be causing more discomfort, especially in the groin and pelvic region. For some women, it might feel as though every time they move, climb stairs, lift their leg, or sit a certain way a sharp pain will follow. In the OBGYN community, this pain is known as round ligament pain. There are many ligaments that help to hold your uterus in place during the non-pregnant state. As your baby grows, the uterus must increase in size to hold your bundle of joy. In order for your uterus to stretch, your ligaments and your pelvis must change shape as well. This can cause sharp pains during movement due to spasm of your ligaments. Patients most frequently report the pain occurring in their right groin, but it could occur on both sides.

This pain is different from contraction pain. During a contraction, patients frequently report feeling their baby “ball up” or “curl up” inside of them, along with a tightening feeling over their abdomen. During a contraction, it is also possible to feel your belly (which is your uterus) becoming hard.

Unfortunately, there is not much that can be offered as a treatment for round ligament pain (and no, we will NOT deliver you at 33 weeks because you have groin pain). However, comfort measures such as a heating pad or warm towel can help. Also, try gradually sitting or avoiding sudden movements. That will also help decrease spasms during movement. As always, if your pain feels unusual to you or is worrisome, make an appointment to see your OBGYN, nurse midwife, or family practitioner to further answer your questions in detail.

© 2009 CGees