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What's round ligament pain? How to tell between other pains - when to be worried?
Penny found 20 sources
with relevant information
2 peer-reviewed research articles
2 professionally-backed sources
9 articles from healthcare institutions
Overview
Round ligament pain is a common, normal discomfort during pregnancy, usually felt as a sharp, stabbing, or pulling pain in the lower abdomen or groin. It is caused by the stretching of the ligaments that support your uterus as it grows. While round ligament pain is generally harmless, it’s important to know how to distinguish it from other types of pain that may signal a more serious issue.
What Is Round Ligament Pain?
What Causes It?
- The round ligaments are two rope-like bands on each side of your uterus that stretch as your uterus expands during pregnancy.
-
This stretching can cause brief, sharp, or stabbing pain, often triggered by sudden movements like getting up, rolling over in bed, coughing, or sneezing.
Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Uterus Round Ligament - StatPearls - NCBI BookshelfThe round ligaments of the uterus increase in diameter and length during pregnancy. During mid-trimester, the round ligaments may cause cramping and pain due to stretching and contractions of the round ligaments. At times, this pain may be sharp and can cause pulling sensations.Round Ligament Pain: Causes, Treatment & PreventionRound ligament pain is a common, normal pregnancy symptom. These pregnancy spasms usually occur in the second trimester, as your uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch. Rest and gentle exercises may help, and you may want to avoid sudden movements.Read full articleSource: Cleveland ClinicUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy· As your uterus expands to ... can cause the ligaments to become tense and even spasm. Sharp, Sudden Pain: Often felt on one side of the lower abdomen, but can occur on both sides of the lower abdomen....Read full articleSource: chicagopelvic.comRound Ligament Pain During Pregnancy — Physical Rehabilitation in Nevada CityOne of the best options for roundligamentpain is to seek out care with a chiropractor that specializes in treating the prenatal population.Read full articleSource: Radius ClinicROUND LIGAMENT PAIN IN PREGNANCY | Health2uIt can be quite common, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy, to experience a deep, sharp or jabbing feeling in the lower belly or groin area. It is usually brought on with movements such as sneezing, coughing, getting up, rolling over in bed, or taking a step.Read full articleSource: health2u.sgRound Ligament Discomfort in Pregnancy: Non-Invasive CareWu WH, Meijer OG, Uegaki K, et al. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPP), I: Terminology, clinical presentation, and prevalence. Eur Spine J. 2004;13(7):575-589. Last Updated Friday, May 23, 2025: RoundLigament Discomfort in Pregnancy: Non-Invasive Care.Read full articleSource: mychiro.com.myUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial HealthRoundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.Read full articleSource: UMM Health
What Does It Feel Like?
- Typically described as:
- Sharp, sudden pain or a pulling sensation
- Felt on one or both sides of the lower abdomen or groin
- Usually lasts only a few seconds to minutes
- Can sometimes become a dull ache if overworked
-
Most common in the second trimester, but can occur at any time during pregnancy.
Round Ligament Pain: Causes, Treatment & PreventionRound ligament pain is a common, normal pregnancy symptom. These pregnancy spasms usually occur in the second trimester, as your uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch. Rest and gentle exercises may help, and you may want to avoid sudden movements.Read full articleSource: Cleveland ClinicUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy· As your uterus expands to ... can cause the ligaments to become tense and even spasm. Sharp, Sudden Pain: Often felt on one side of the lower abdomen, but can occur on both sides of the lower abdomen....Read full articleSource: chicagopelvic.comROUND LIGAMENT PAIN IN PREGNANCY | Health2uIt can be quite common, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy, to experience a deep, sharp or jabbing feeling in the lower belly or groin area. It is usually brought on with movements such as sneezing, coughing, getting up, rolling over in bed, or taking a step.Read full articleSource: health2u.sgUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial HealthRoundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.Read full articleSource: UMM Health
How to Tell Round Ligament Pain from Other Pains
Signs It’s Likely Round Ligament Pain
- Pain is brief and brought on by movement or position changes
- Goes away with rest or changing position
-
Not associated with other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding
Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Uterus Round Ligament - StatPearls - NCBI BookshelfThe round ligaments of the uterus increase in diameter and length during pregnancy. During mid-trimester, the round ligaments may cause cramping and pain due to stretching and contractions of the round ligaments. At times, this pain may be sharp and can cause pulling sensations.Round Ligament Pain: Causes, Treatment & PreventionRound ligament pain is a common, normal pregnancy symptom. These pregnancy spasms usually occur in the second trimester, as your uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch. Rest and gentle exercises may help, and you may want to avoid sudden movements.Read full articleSource: Cleveland ClinicUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy· As your uterus expands to ... can cause the ligaments to become tense and even spasm. Sharp, Sudden Pain: Often felt on one side of the lower abdomen, but can occur on both sides of the lower abdomen....Read full articleSource: chicagopelvic.comRound Ligament Pain During Pregnancy — Physical Rehabilitation in Nevada CityOne of the best options for roundligamentpain is to seek out care with a chiropractor that specializes in treating the prenatal population.Read full articleSource: Radius ClinicROUND LIGAMENT PAIN IN PREGNANCY | Health2uIt can be quite common, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy, to experience a deep, sharp or jabbing feeling in the lower belly or groin area. It is usually brought on with movements such as sneezing, coughing, getting up, rolling over in bed, or taking a step.Read full articleSource: health2u.sgRound Ligament Discomfort in Pregnancy: Non-Invasive CareWu WH, Meijer OG, Uegaki K, et al. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPP), I: Terminology, clinical presentation, and prevalence. Eur Spine J. 2004;13(7):575-589. Last Updated Friday, May 23, 2025: RoundLigament Discomfort in Pregnancy: Non-Invasive Care.Read full articleSource: mychiro.com.myUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial HealthRoundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.Read full articleSource: UMM Health
When to Be Concerned: Warning Signs
You should consider contacting your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Severe, constant, or worsening pain that doesn’t go away with rest
- Pain accompanied by:
- Vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting (not related to typical morning sickness)
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Dizziness, fainting, or feeling very unwell
- Contractions or pressure in your lower back
-
Pain that is localized, abrupt, or associated with trauma
Round Ligament Pain: Causes, Treatment & PreventionRound ligament pain is a common, normal pregnancy symptom. These pregnancy spasms usually occur in the second trimester, as your uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch. Rest and gentle exercises may help, and you may want to avoid sudden movements.Read full articleSource: Cleveland ClinicAbdominal Pain in Early Pregnancy | PSNetRecognize when nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is abnormal. Identify the most common causes of non-obstetric abdominalpain and acute abdomen in early pregnancy.Read full articleSource: psnet.ahrq.govUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial HealthRoundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.Read full articleSource: UMM HealthSigns and Symptoms of Urgent Maternal Warnings Signs | HEAR HER Campaign | CDCKnow the urgent maternal warning signs, and what to do if you are experiencing them.Stomach pain in pregnancy - NHSAny of these could be the symptoms ... medical attention can cause stomach pain, including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, premature labour, placental abruption and urinary tract infections (UTIs)....Read full articleSource: nhs.ukPains in your first trimester of pregnancy (weeks 0 to 12)Cramps like period pains are common in early pregnancy but they can be a sign of something more serious. Find out when to get medical help in your first trimester.Read full articleSource: HSE.ieAbdominal Pain in Pregnancy: Causes and Management - Valley Perinatal ServicesAbdominalpainduringpregnancy is a common concern and can range from mild discomfort to severe, alarming symptoms. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek medical attention are crucial for ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus. Round Ligament Pain: As the uterus expands, the round ligaments that support it stretch and can cause sharp, stabbing pains in the lower abdomen. This type ...Read full articleSource: valleyperinatal.comCan Abdominal Pain Be a Sign of Pregnancy? - UME HealthFinally, gynaecological conditions ... ectopic pregnancy can cause lower abdominalpain in females. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. ... Abdominalpain can be classified into three different types: visceral ...Read full articleSource: UME Health
Abdominal Pain in Early Pregnancy | PSNet
Recognize when nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is abnormal. Identify the most common causes of non-obstetric abdominalpain and acute abdomen in early pregnancy.
Read full article
Source:
psnet.ahrq.gov
Stomach pain in pregnancy - NHS
Any of these could be the symptoms ... medical attention can cause stomach pain, including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, premature labour, placental abruption and urinary tract infections (UTIs)....
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
Understanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial Health
Roundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.
Read full article
Source:
UMM Health
Pains in your first trimester of pregnancy (weeks 0 to 12)
Cramps like period pains are common in early pregnancy but they can be a sign of something more serious. Find out when to get medical help in your first trimester.
Read full article
Source:
HSE.ie
Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy: Causes and Management - Valley Perinatal Services
Abdominalpainduringpregnancy is a common concern and can range from mild discomfort to severe, alarming symptoms. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek medical attention are crucial for ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus. Round Ligament Pain: As the uterus expands, the round ligaments that support it stretch and can cause sharp, stabbing pains in the lower abdomen. This type ...
Read full article
Source:
valleyperinatal.com
Can Abdominal Pain Be a Sign of Pregnancy? - UME Health
Finally, gynaecological conditions ... ectopic pregnancy can cause lower abdominalpain in females. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. ... Abdominalpain can be classified into three different types: visceral ...
Read full article
Source:
UME Health
Summary
- Round ligament pain is a normal, common pregnancy symptom, usually felt as a sharp or pulling pain in the lower abdomen or groin, especially with sudden movements.
- It is generally harmless and resolves with rest or position changes.
-
You should consider seeking medical attention if the pain is severe, constant, or comes with other symptoms like bleeding, fever, vomiting, or unusual discharge, as these may signal a more serious condition.
Round Ligament Pain: Causes, Treatment & PreventionRound ligament pain is a common, normal pregnancy symptom. These pregnancy spasms usually occur in the second trimester, as your uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch. Rest and gentle exercises may help, and you may want to avoid sudden movements.Read full articleSource: Cleveland ClinicSigns and Symptoms of Urgent Maternal Warnings Signs | HEAR HER Campaign | CDCKnow the urgent maternal warning signs, and what to do if you are experiencing them.Understanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial HealthRoundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.Read full articleSource: UMM HealthStomach pain in pregnancy - NHSAny of these could be the symptoms ... medical attention can cause stomach pain, including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, premature labour, placental abruption and urinary tract infections (UTIs)....Read full articleSource: nhs.ukPains in your first trimester of pregnancy (weeks 0 to 12)Cramps like period pains are common in early pregnancy but they can be a sign of something more serious. Find out when to get medical help in your first trimester.Read full articleSource: HSE.ieAbdominal Pain in Pregnancy: Causes and Management - Valley Perinatal ServicesAbdominalpainduringpregnancy is a common concern and can range from mild discomfort to severe, alarming symptoms. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek medical attention are crucial for ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus. Round Ligament Pain: As the uterus expands, the round ligaments that support it stretch and can cause sharp, stabbing pains in the lower abdomen. This type ...Read full articleSource: valleyperinatal.comCan Abdominal Pain Be a Sign of Pregnancy? - UME HealthFinally, gynaecological conditions ... ectopic pregnancy can cause lower abdominalpain in females. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. ... Abdominalpain can be classified into three different types: visceral ...Read full articleSource: UME Health
If you are ever unsure about the type or severity of pain you are experiencing, it’s recommended to contact your OB/GYN or maternity care provider, who can work with you based on your specific medical history.
Providing feedback helps us improve Penny's responses.
Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
1
Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Uterus Round Ligament - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
The round ligaments of the uterus increase in diameter and length during pregnancy. During mid-trimester, the round ligaments may cause cramping and pain due to stretching and contractions of the round ligaments. At times, this pain may be sharp and can cause pulling sensations.
8
Abdominal Pain in Early Pregnancy | PSNet
Recognize when nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is abnormal. Identify the most common causes of non-obstetric abdominalpain and acute abdomen in early pregnancy.
Read full article
Source:
psnet.ahrq.gov
Management of acute abdomen in pregnancy: current perspectives - PMC
Acute abdomen in pregnancy represents a unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Acute abdominalpaininpregnancy can occur due to obstetric factors as well for reasons that are unrelated to pregnancy. The diagnostic approach of acute abdomen ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
Abdominal pain in pregnancy: a rational approach to management - ScienceDirect
Abdominalpain is the most frequent complaint amongst pregnant women throughout pregnancy and occurs in all three trimesters. Although, most commonly …
Read full article
Source:
sciencedirect.com
Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy: Diagnoses and Imaging Unique to Pregnancy—Review | AJR
Uterine leiomyomas are commonly ... during pregnancy, mainly in the first trimester because of rising estrogen levels [51]. Abdominalpain and uterine contractions can result from necrosis and degeneration of leiomyomas secondary to rapid growth. “Red degeneration” is the most common type of degeneration ...
Abdominal pain and vomiting during pregnancy due to cholesterolosis - PMC
We present a 22-year-old pregnant woman at 15 weeks of gestation, with abdominalpain and vomiting. We demonstrate that diagnosis and treatment of vomiting and abdominalpaininpregnancy can be difficult. Therefore, involvement of other medical ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
9
Signs and Symptoms of Urgent Maternal Warnings Signs | HEAR HER Campaign | CDC
Know the urgent maternal warning signs, and what to do if you are experiencing them.
10
Stomach pain in pregnancy - NHS
Any of these could be the symptoms ... medical attention can cause stomach pain, including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, premature labour, placental abruption and urinary tract infections (UTIs)....
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
2
Round Ligament Pain: Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Round ligament pain is a common, normal pregnancy symptom. These pregnancy spasms usually occur in the second trimester, as your uterus and surrounding ligaments stretch. Rest and gentle exercises may help, and you may want to avoid sudden movements.
Read full article
Source:
Cleveland Clinic
3
Understanding Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy
· As your uterus expands to ... can cause the ligaments to become tense and even spasm. Sharp, Sudden Pain: Often felt on one side of the lower abdomen, but can occur on both sides of the lower abdomen....
Read full article
Source:
chicagopelvic.com
4
Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy — Physical Rehabilitation in Nevada City
One of the best options for roundligamentpain is to seek out care with a chiropractor that specializes in treating the prenatal population.
Read full article
Source:
Radius Clinic
5
ROUND LIGAMENT PAIN IN PREGNANCY | Health2u
It can be quite common, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy, to experience a deep, sharp or jabbing feeling in the lower belly or groin area. It is usually brought on with movements such as sneezing, coughing, getting up, rolling over in bed, or taking a step.
Read full article
Source:
health2u.sg
6
Round Ligament Discomfort in Pregnancy: Non-Invasive Care
Wu WH, Meijer OG, Uegaki K, et al. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPP), I: Terminology, clinical presentation, and prevalence. Eur Spine J. 2004;13(7):575-589. Last Updated Friday, May 23, 2025: RoundLigament Discomfort in Pregnancy: Non-Invasive Care.
Read full article
Source:
mychiro.com.my
7
Understanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial Health
Roundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.
Read full article
Source:
UMM Health
Round Ligament Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Struggling with roundligamentpainduringpregnancy? Find out the symptoms, causes and treatment for roundligamentpain through this guide.
Read full article
Source:
Care Hospitals
11
Pains in your first trimester of pregnancy (weeks 0 to 12)
Cramps like period pains are common in early pregnancy but they can be a sign of something more serious. Find out when to get medical help in your first trimester.
Read full article
Source:
HSE.ie
12
Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy: Causes and Management - Valley Perinatal Services
Abdominalpainduringpregnancy is a common concern and can range from mild discomfort to severe, alarming symptoms. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek medical attention are crucial for ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and the fetus. Round Ligament Pain: As the uterus expands, the round ligaments that support it stretch and can cause sharp, stabbing pains in the lower abdomen. This type ...
Read full article
Source:
valleyperinatal.com
13
Can Abdominal Pain Be a Sign of Pregnancy? - UME Health
Finally, gynaecological conditions ... ectopic pregnancy can cause lower abdominalpain in females. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. ... Abdominalpain can be classified into three different types: visceral ...
Read full article
Source:
UME Health
Managing Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy — Lady Bird PT
When that happens, the extra stress on your round ligament can contribute to pain. Working on deep core strengthening can make a big difference! First, you want to learn how to activate your deep core muscles. Then you want to progress! Check out this blog post for more on abdominal strengthening ...
Read full article
Source:
ladybirdpt.com
Pregnancy Pains & Discomfort: Types & Relief
Increased blood supply and hormones ... during pregnancy. Normal vaginal discharge is white or clear, nonirritating and odorless. It might look yellow when on your underwear or panty liners. Don’t worry. This is a sign of a healthy vagina. ... When it comes to vaginal discharge, the best thing you can do is recognize what’s normal and when you need to contact a provider about a possible ...
Read full article
Source:
Cleveland Clinic