Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy: Causes & Relief Tips
10 Apr 2025
Feeling sharp, stabbing, or stretching pain in your lower belly or groin? You might be experiencing round ligament pain, a common pregnancy discomfort that happens as your body expands to support your growing baby.
Round ligament pain is harmless but can be uncomfortable.
It’s most common in the second trimester and often triggered by sudden movements. Let’s explore why it happens, how to relieve it, and when to call your doctor.
Dull aches on one or both sides of the lower belly.
Pain that worsens with movement (rolling over, standing up, sneezing). It’s a normal part of pregnancy and typically fades by the third trimester.
A pulling or stretching sensation on one or both sides.
A sudden ache when you change positions, cough, or laugh. It typically lasts a few seconds to a few minutes and improves with rest.
Can start earlier for some women, especially if they’ve been pregnant before. Pain may come and go, especially with movement.
Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or nausea.
Pain with vaginal bleeding or cramping (could signal preterm labor).
Painful urination (could indicate a UTI). If in doubt, always check with your doctor!
Bend your knees first when rolling over in bed.
Great for walking, standing, or exercising.
Prenatal yoga helps with flexibility & relaxation. Avoid deep twists or overstretching.
A warm bath may also help relieve discomfort. Avoid direct heat on the belly—keep it warm, not hot!
Dehydration can worsen ligament pain!
A body pillow or wedge pillow supports your belly while sleeping.
Avoid long periods of standing or sitting in one position.
It’s most common in the second trimester and often triggered by sudden movements. Let’s explore why it happens, how to relieve it, and when to call your doctor.
What Is Round Ligament Pain?
The round ligaments are two bands of tissue that support your uterus. As your belly grows, these ligaments stretch and thin, which can cause: Sharp, sudden pains or spasms (lasts a few seconds).Dull aches on one or both sides of the lower belly.
Pain that worsens with movement (rolling over, standing up, sneezing). It’s a normal part of pregnancy and typically fades by the third trimester.
What Does Round Ligament Pain Feel Like?
Round ligament pain can feel like: A sharp, jabbing pain in the lower belly or groin.A pulling or stretching sensation on one or both sides.
A sudden ache when you change positions, cough, or laugh. It typically lasts a few seconds to a few minutes and improves with rest.
When Does Round Ligament Pain Start?
Most common in the second trimester (weeks 14-26) as the uterus grows rapidly.Can start earlier for some women, especially if they’ve been pregnant before. Pain may come and go, especially with movement.
When to Call Your Doctor
While round ligament pain is normal, call your doctor if you experience: Severe or persistent pain that doesn’t go away with rest.Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or nausea.
Pain with vaginal bleeding or cramping (could signal preterm labor).
Painful urination (could indicate a UTI). If in doubt, always check with your doctor!
8 Ways to Relieve Round Ligament Pain Naturally
1. Move Slowly & Avoid Sudden Movements
When standing up, move slowly to prevent sharp pains.Bend your knees first when rolling over in bed.
2. Use a Pregnancy Belly Band
Supports your belly & relieves pressure on ligaments.Great for walking, standing, or exercising.
3. Try Gentle Stretching & Yoga
Cat-Cow stretch & pelvic tilts can ease tension.Prenatal yoga helps with flexibility & relaxation. Avoid deep twists or overstretching.
4. Apply Warmth (Not Heat!)
A warm (not hot) compress or heating pad can relax muscles.A warm bath may also help relieve discomfort. Avoid direct heat on the belly—keep it warm, not hot!
5. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to prevent cramping and muscle tension.Dehydration can worsen ligament pain!
6. Sleep with a Pregnancy Pillow
Placing a pillow between your knees can reduce ligament strain.A body pillow or wedge pillow supports your belly while sleeping.
7. Try Light Walking
Gentle movement improves circulation and reduces stiffness.Avoid long periods of standing or sitting in one position.
