What is the Round Ligament?
The round ligament is a ligament that connects the uterus to your groin. The purpose of the ligament is to hold the uterus in its position during pregnancy. During pregnancy, this ligament can be stretched, which can produce pain.
How do I know if I have Round Ligament Pain?
Round ligament pain is usually a sharp or stabbing pain in the lower belly or groin area, generally either on the right or left side. It is a common complaint of pregnancy and is usually experienced during certain movements, such as standing up too quickly or rolling over in bed. The pain is produced when the round ligament contracts quickly during these movements. The pain is generally felt in the second trimester.
So what can I do to help reduce my Round Ligament Pain, or even prevent it?
Chiropractic care
Webster technique is a specific chiropractic technique used during pregnancy to help align the sacrum and pelvis, as well as address soft tissue imbalances such as round ligament tightness. Care before the pain starts may help to prevent the pain during your pregnancy.
Self-massage
Dr. Shadley demonstrating round ligament massage
The round ligament is located in the lower belly area. There are 2 ligaments, one on each side. To find the area, trace a line from your belly button diagonally down toward your leg and another one from the front of your hip bone diagonally down toward your other leg. Where these two lines intersect is generally where your round ligaments are located. To massage, take a broad contact with your hands and put gentle pressure up toward your stomach. Be careful, as the round ligaments can become very tender. If you experience round ligament pain frequently, it may be a good idea to implement this massage in the morning before you get out of bed.
Approximate location of the round ligaments.
Take things slow
The round ligament starts to produce pain with sudden, fast movements. Taking your time and moving a little slower may help to reduce the sharp pains. Turn slowly, try not to stand up too quickly when getting out of bed, and finding a less strenuous form of exercise are simple ways to reduce the pains.
Dec 07, 2020 at 3:49 AM
Thanks for this wonderful article with practical advice. Could you share a drawing of the lines? I'm not sure I'm understanding that part correctly.
Dec 07, 2020 at 9:56 AM
Thanks for your feedback! We've added a photo to the blog post with lines to help you visualize the approximate location of the round ligaments. Please let us know if you need any more clarification!
May 10, 2021 at 10:03 PM
I'm experiencing sharp pain on and off for 3 hours and been relaxing and it still comes and go no discharge and no cramps just this sharp 1 second pain that annoy me for hours though nurse isnt around and so what can I do and is this round ligaments can last on and off for hours while pregnant? Just had ultrasound 9 days ago and isnt baby he is fine so I'm still nervous though as it is 9 days later and started this
May 12, 2021 at 7:53 AM
Hi Jen! It would be wise to check in with your OB/Midwife to make sure everything is ok with you and baby. It could be your round ligaments, but it's hard to say for sure without proper evaluation. If you're local to us, we'd be happy to set up a complimentary consultation to see how we might be able to help. You can set that up here: rootschiro.janeapp.com
Jun 29, 2021 at 5:19 AM
Hi , I'm 19 , had my last period on 14 Feb , and had sex on 12 April 2021 ....my periods were due on 14 but didn't arrived , on 19 I did a pregnanncy test which was negative , on 23 I had bleeding with clots ......but it was not as like earlier , it continued till 4 day and then 2 days brown discharge but the bleeding was lighter than earlier . On 23 may , my bleeding was on time , but I bleeded only for 2½ day and then 3rd day little brown discharge , which continued till following 2 days ...... This time my periods are again delayed , by 5 days , I'm feeling pain in my right abdomen . Am I pregnant ? , I can't go to doc or have another test , please help ðŸ™ðŸ»
Jul 02, 2021 at 8:13 AM
We highly recommend that you see your doctor to be properly evaluated.