Belts & Belly Bands For Round Ligament Pain

Round ligament pain is an uncomfortable sensation in the abdomen, near the hips or into the groin area. It’s considered a “growing pain” that’s common and normal during pregnancy. The round ligaments are like two cords, or ropes, on each side of the uterus (womb). Each ligament is about 10 to 12 centimeters long. The ligaments connect the uterus to the pelvis and hold the uterus in place, which is why there is pain when they are stretched during pregnancy.

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 achey, crampy, sharp, or an unusual pulling sensation. The pain may occur on one side of the body or both sides. Though it usually only occurs for a few seconds, it can last hours, and often happens repeatedly during the second trimester. Round ligament pain may worsen with sudden movement like standing or sitting quickly, sneezing, coughing or laughing.

Round ligament pain can begin at the end of the first trimester, but most women tend to feel this telltale tugging and aching around week 14.

To help alleviate round ligament pain, avoid sudden movements. Change positions slowly (such as standing up or sitting down) to avoid sudden movements that may cause stretching and pain. It can help to flex your hips, and bend and flex your hips before you cough, sneeze, or laugh to avoid pulling on the ligaments. It’s also possible to apply warmth for relief.

Round ligament pain tends to be more common on the right side of the abdomen or pelvis, but it can occur on the left or both sides. The pain often occurs upon waking and rolling over in bed or during rapid movement or vigorous activity. To relieve round ligament pain, try gentle stretching and changing positions. Wearing a support band like our V-Sling Pelvic Support Band can provide relief.

Round ligament pain can continue throughout the second trimester, and even into the third. It can also come and go throughout pregnancy depending on the baby’s position and growth, but it almost always ends after delivery.

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 softens and stretches the uterus and the round ligaments. The discomfort you feel is caused by the tightening of this pair of ligaments, or by the irritation of nearby nerve endings. This stretching can cause spasms in the round ligaments, leading to the pain.