Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy: What It Is and How Osteopathy Can Help
Sharp lower belly pains when you move?
A sudden sharp pain in your tummy when you stand up, roll over in bed, cough or change position?
You may be experiencing round ligament pain during pregnancy.
Round ligament pain is a common pregnancy symptom, particularly during the second trimester as your baby grows and your body continues to change. It can be uncomfortable — and sometimes surprisingly sharp — but there are things you can do to help manage it.
You don't have to simply put up with discomfort because you're pregnant.
As a pregnancy osteopath in Milford, Auckland, I work with women experiencing round ligament pain alongside many other pregnancy aches and pains. Treatment is adapted to your stage of pregnancy and your individual symptoms.
What is round ligament pain?
The round ligaments are bands of tissue that help support the uterus.
During pregnancy, your uterus grows significantly, and the round ligaments stretch and adapt to accommodate these changes.
When the ligaments are stretched or placed under sudden tension, you may feel a pulling, aching or sharp sensation around your lower abdomen, groin or hips.
Round ligament pain is often felt on one side, but it can occur on both sides.
You may describe it as:
A sharp or stabbing pain
A pulling sensation
A stretching feeling
An ache in the lower abdomen
Pain around the groin
Discomfort around the hips
Pain that comes on suddenly with movement
The pain may last for only a few seconds or minutes, or you may experience ongoing discomfort.
What causes round ligament pain during pregnancy?
As your uterus grows, the round ligaments are stretched.
Sudden movements can place additional tension through these structures.
You may notice round ligament pain when:
Getting up quickly
Turning over in bed
Standing up from a chair
Getting out of the car
Walking
Going upstairs
Coughing or sneezing
Laughing
Rolling over
Exercising
Changing direction quickly
Sometimes the pain seems to appear out of nowhere.
You may feel completely comfortable one moment and then experience a sudden sharp twinge when you move.
What everyday activities can round ligament pain make difficult?
Although round ligament pain may only last for a short time, it can make you nervous about moving.
Getting out of bed
You may find that moving quickly from lying to sitting or standing causes a sharp pulling sensation.
Turning over at night
As your bump gets bigger, you may already be doing plenty of manoeuvring to get comfortable. Adding round ligament pain can make rolling from one side to the other even more uncomfortable.
Getting out of the car
Twisting and moving your legs out of the car can sometimes trigger discomfort around your lower abdomen or groin.
Walking
You may notice discomfort when taking longer strides or walking more quickly.
Going up and down stairs
The combination of movement and changing your weight from one leg to the other can sometimes aggravate symptoms.
Exercising
You may become hesitant to exercise because you're worried that the sharp pain means something is wrong.
Looking after older children
If you have a toddler or older children, pregnancy doesn't exactly give you permission to sit down all day.
You may still be:
Picking toys up from the floor
Lifting your toddler
Chasing children around
Getting children in and out of the car
Pushing a pram
Carrying bags
Bending down repeatedly
All while your body is changing and adapting to pregnancy.
Can an osteopath help with round ligament pain?
An osteopath can help assess the musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to your discomfort.
When you see me, we'll talk through your symptoms, when they occur and which movements are causing you problems.
I'll assess your movement and look at your pelvis, hips, lower back and surrounding muscles and joints.
Depending on your individual presentation, osteopathic treatment may include gentle soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, articulation, stretching and other appropriate hands-on techniques.
Treatment is always adapted to your stage of pregnancy and your comfort.
Rather than focusing only on the area where you feel the pain, I take a whole-body approach and consider how your pelvis, hips, lower back and surrounding tissues are moving and adapting to your growing baby.
The aim is to help you move more comfortably and make everyday activities easier.
What can you do to help round ligament pain?
You may find that slower, more controlled movements help reduce sudden pulling sensations.
For example, try to:
Take your time getting up.
Rather than quickly jumping out of bed or a chair, move gradually.
Support your bump when coughing or sneezing.
A little extra support can sometimes make these sudden movements more comfortable.
Change positions gradually.
This can be particularly helpful when turning over in bed or getting out of the car.
Listen to your body when exercising.
If a particular movement consistently causes pain, it may need to be modified.
Keep moving comfortably.
You don't necessarily need to stop all activity. Finding comfortable ways to keep moving can be helpful throughout pregnancy.
Do I have to stop exercising?
Not necessarily.
It can be worrying when a sharp pain appears during exercise, but round ligament pain doesn't automatically mean you need to stop being active.
Depending on your symptoms, you may simply need to modify certain movements or reduce the intensity of an activity temporarily.
If you're unsure whether a particular exercise is appropriate during your pregnancy, speak with your midwife, GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Is round ligament pain normal during pregnancy?
Round ligament pain can be a normal part of pregnancy, particularly as your uterus grows and the ligaments stretch.
However, not every abdominal or pelvic pain during pregnancy is round ligament pain.
It's important to speak with your midwife or doctor if you're experiencing pain that is severe, persistent, worsening or concerning, particularly if it is accompanied by bleeding, contractions, fever, dizziness, fluid leakage, urinary symptoms or other unusual symptoms.
It's always better to have pregnancy symptoms checked if you're unsure.
When should I see an osteopath?
You don't need to wait until your pain becomes severe.
If round ligament pain is making it difficult to:
Walk comfortably
Exercise
Sleep
Get in and out of bed
Get in and out of the car
Move around at work
Look after your children
Enjoy your usual activities
it may be worth having your symptoms assessed.
Pregnancy can come with plenty of new sensations, but you don't have to accept unnecessary discomfort as simply part of the deal.
Pregnancy osteopathy in Milford, Auckland
I'm Sarah, a pregnancy and postpartum osteopath in Milford, Auckland, and a mum of two.
I've been working clinically for more than 10 years, with more than 8 years specialising in pregnancy and postpartum care.
I know pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it can also be physically demanding. My approach is warm, practical and individualised. I'll listen to what's bothering you, understand what you're struggling with and tailor treatment to you and your stage of pregnancy.
Whether you're experiencing round ligament pain, pregnancy pelvic pain, hip pain, lower back pain or other pregnancy aches and pains, you don't have to simply put up with it.
Struggling with round ligament pain?
If sharp or pulling pain is making everyday movement uncomfortable, I'd love to help.
Book an appointment with me in Milford, Auckland, and we'll work together to help you feel more comfortable and confident moving throughout your pregnancy.
You deserve to enjoy your pregnancy without feeling like you have to put up with every ache and pain.
