Round ligament pain is a common, normal pregnancy symptom. These pregnancy cramps usually occur in the second trimester, as the uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch. Rest and yoga exercises may help, and you may want to avoid sudden movements. Seek medical attention right away if you have abdominal pain plus other symptoms. Show
OverviewWhat is round ligament pain?Round ligament pain is an uncomfortable sensation in the abdomen, near the hips or into the groin area. It’s a “growing pain” that’s common and normal during pregnancy. What are the round ligaments?The round ligaments are like two cords or ropes on each side of the uterus (womb). Each one is about 10 to 12 centimeters long. The ligaments connect the uterus to the pelvis and hold the uterus in place. What does round ligament pain feel like?Round ligament pain usually occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 14 through 27). But it can appear earlier or later in pregnancy. Women often describe round ligament pain as:
The pain may occur on one side of the body or both sides. It usually lasts only a few seconds, but it can last hours. It often happens repeatedly during the second trimester. Round ligament pain may worsen when you move suddenly (for example, standing or sitting quickly, sneezing, coughing or laughing). Possible CausesWhat causes round ligament pain?A woman’s body makes hormones during pregnancy to make ligaments loose and stretchy. This helps the body adjust to the growing baby. As a baby grows in the womb, it stretches the uterus and the round ligaments. This stretching can cause spasms in the round ligaments, leading to the pain. Round ligament pain occurs almost exclusively in pregnancy. But rarely, round ligament pain may occur in women who are not pregnant. This could be a sign of endometriosis, when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Care and TreatmentHow can I treat round ligament pain?If you experience frequent round ligament pain, try:
How can I prevent round ligament pain?It’s not always possible to prevent round ligament pain. But you may be able to reduce the sudden movements that sometimes cause the pain:
Talk to your healthcare provider about exercise during pregnancy. Does round ligament pain affect my baby?Round ligament pain is not dangerous for you or your baby. It’s not a sign of a problem or a symptom of a disease or complication. Do these pregnancy cramps go away?After pregnancy, hormone levels drop, and the uterus and surrounding ligaments return to pre-pregnancy size. So round ligament pain goes away after pregnancy. When to Call the DoctorWhen should I call my doctor for round ligament pain?Abdominal pain can be a symptom of other conditions, whether you’re pregnant or not. Seek medical attention right away if you have abdominal pain and other symptoms, such as:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Round ligament pain is common and normal during pregnancy. As the uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch to make room for baby, it can cause short, painful spasms. Rest and other home remedies may help. But call your healthcare provider if you have pain that won’t go away or pain and other symptoms. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/20/2021. References
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Round ligament pain is caused by the two large ligaments that run from your uterus to your groin. As the uterus grows, these ligaments are stretched and create discomfort. This pain is generally reported in the second trimester, and considered to be harmless.
Why does my uterus hurt at 35 weeks pregnant?They occur when the ligaments that support the growing uterus begin to stretch. The pain is usually intense and intermittent and often gets worse with sudden movements such as coughing or sneezing.
Can upper abdominal pain be contractions?Women usually feel real contractions in the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, and lower back.
Where is preeclampsia pain?Abdominal pain is a common symptom of preeclampsia. It is classically felt in the upper-right abdomen, below the ribs – roughly where the liver is located, but can often also be felt below the breastbone, a region known as the epigastrium, and may at times also radiate towards the right hand side of the back.
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