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2 Apr 2024

Cramping and Round Ligament Pain: Our Tips

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Cramping and Round Ligament Pain: Our Tips
What is Round Ligament Pain?
During pregnancy, as your uterus grows, two round ligaments on either side of your pelvis stretch and thicken to accommodate and support it.
This process can lead to occasional spasm-like pains known as round ligament pain.
Though uncomfortable, it is generally harmless.
Identifying Round Ligament Pain
Round ligament pain often feels like:
  • A short, sharp, or stabbing sensation when changing position, such as getting out of bed or a chair.
  • Tugging or pulling in the pelvic area.
  • Dull ache after an active day, such as walking or engaging in physical activity.
The pain may seem to originate deep within your groin and then move upward and outward on both sides to the top of your hips. If traced on your skin, it would follow the line of a high-cut bathing suit.
Occurrence of Round Ligament Pain
While round ligament pain can occur at any time during pregnancy, it's most common during the second trimester.
During this period, your uterus and the surrounding ligaments expand significantly to make room for your growing baby.
Differentiating Round Ligament Pain from Abdominal Pain
It's essential to distinguish between round ligament pain and abdominal pain during pregnancy.
Round ligament pain is characterized by:
  • Short, jabbing sensations that typically last only a few seconds.
  • Occurring when changing positions.
  • Generally considered a harmless pregnancy complaint.
On the other hand, abdominal pain may indicate serious issues like preterm labor, severe preeclampsia, placental abruption, or unrelated medical problems like appendicitis.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy
If you experience abdominal pain during pregnancy that continues after resting or is accompanied by the following symptoms, seek prompt medical attention:
  • Severe pain or cramping
  • More than four contractions in an hour (even if painless) or a contraction that doesn't end
  • Lower back pain (especially if you didn't previously have back pain) or increased pressure in the pelvic area
  • Vaginal bleeding, spotting, or changes in vaginal discharge
  • Fever, chills, faintness, or nausea and vomiting
  • Pain or burning during urination
Strategies for Relieving Round Ligament Pain
To alleviate the discomfort of round ligament pain, consider the following tips:
  • Stop and Rest: Sit down and relax when the pain strikes to ease your symptoms.
  • Mind Your Posture: Maintain proper posture with your back straight and shoulders back, avoiding movements that exacerbate the pain.
  • Change Positions: Try flexing your knees toward your stomach or lying on your side with one pillow under your belly for support and another between your legs.
  • Take It Slow: If physical activity triggers the pain, slow down and gradually increase activity levels once you feel better.
  • Gentle Massage: Consider massaging the painful area with your fingertips to ease tension.
  • Apply Warmth: Use a warm (not hot) water bottle or take a bath to relax your muscles.
  • Wear Maternity Support Garment: Many expectant moms find relief from round ligament pain, low back pain, and pelvic pressure by wearing a maternity belt or girdle that provides gentle, firm support for their growing belly.
  • Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If the pain interferes with your everyday activities, discuss with your provider the possibility of taking acetaminophen, a mild pain reliever.
By understanding and managing round ligament pain, you can experience a more comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy journey.
Always communicate any concerns or symptoms to your healthcare provider to ensure your well-being throughout this transformative time.
Learn more
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J
Justine
29 Nov 2023

Yep! The round ligament pain is definitely jabbing and cramping me in the sides rn. Can’t even twist for a good back crack 😖

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
3 comments
M
Mommy AB
Ouch, I'm surprised you have it so soon. Did you talk to your obgyn?
27 Mar 2024

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J
Justine
Haven’t even had my first appointment yet but the stretching is something serious. I’ll definitely mention it
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jasmine
30 Sep 2023

36 weeks on Sunday, anyone else experiencing some really unpleasant cramping pain? They keep saying it’s just round ligament pain, and to drink water but that’s not helping much.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
B
Britany
Yes! I even had a couple contractions after my appointment Thursday!
27 Mar 2024

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H
Haley
30 Aug 2023

How would you explain round ligament pain? I’ve been cramping all week. Feels like a stretching pain, almost like a side stitch on my lower abdomen and sides. #28weeks

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
S
Shandy
Yep that’s round ligament pain.
27 Mar 2024

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G
Gwendolyn
22 Jul 2023

is anyone else experiencing round ligament pain ?? cramping only on my left sideee 😕😕

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5 comments
S
Stacy ♥️🤞🏾
Yes. You will feel it throughout the entire pregnancy.
27 Mar 2024

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G
Gwendolyn
thank youu 🥰
27 Mar 2024

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S
Stormy
27 May 2023

What does round ligament pain feel like? I’ve had some cramping the past few days to where it makes me super nauseous. It feels almost like harsh period cramps. I don’t want to go to the ER and be there for forever (our hospital is slow) if it’s just round ligament pain😅

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
5 comments
M
Maria
You will be ok mama I had same issue I spoke in hot tub and stretch pain went to a minimum . Baby is growing so you will feel discomfort
27 Mar 2024

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M
Maria
From my experience, it feel like a sharp pain followed by like a pulling down feeling too. Mine was only on one side of my lower belly but I’ve heard it can be on both at the same time. I took a hot/warm bath and it really helped.
27 Mar 2024

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M
MomTo5Blessings27
21 Mar 2023

And Round ligament pain starts and once again my head is banging. It’s sad I’m only 17wks & already completely over being pregnant 😩😩😩😩😂😂😂

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
6 comments
K
Kate
Honestly I feel like it’s a roller coaster like I feel the same way but I’m at 22 weeks and honestly me and the baby just chilling this week. Next week I could be over pregnancy again😂
27 Mar 2024

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M
MomTo5Blessings27
That’s exactly how it be too one day me & her are fine next day it’s horrible… she’s literally a “depends on the day” kind of baby
27 Mar 2024

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A
Angel
20 Feb 2023

Experiencing some cramping today. It’s been off and on. I know about round ligament pain but this feels more like cramping to me. Hoping everything is ok with baby boy. Got an appointment in the next few days.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
12 comments
M
MOMTOBE2023
It could be because he is growing and your uterus is stretching
27 Mar 2024

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M
MOMTOBE2023
I suggest on the safe side if it gets worse go to ER
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tawnee
4 Oct 2022

I’ve been cramping on and off today. Nothing serious or painful. But just kind of wondering when round ligament pain starts and if that’s what this could be. Feels like light tinges or very very very subtle period cramps.

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3 comments
A
Amirah
Round ligament pain are sharp and they hurt lol. I really don't think there's a set time you get it. I've had them since before my pregnancy even started.
27 Mar 2024

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P
Porsche
I’m still having cramps as well.
27 Mar 2024

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C
Cierra
1 May 2022

Found out I have round ligament pain tonight. Anyone have tips. I don't remember having this with my son.

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
C
Chandra
Belly band. It will help with the support. A heating pad when it happens may help too.
27 Mar 2024

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A
Anjulene
1 Feb 2022

Anyone else have cramping pain like right above your pelvis on the sides or is it just round Ligament pain?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
L
Louise
Normally just round Ligament pain. (sorry my English it's not good 😂)
27 Mar 2024

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m
michelle
Yess omg all last night
27 Mar 2024

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