What's round ligament pain? How to tell between other pains - when to be worried?
Penny cited the following
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.
1ArticleAnatomy, 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.→
National Center for Biotechnology Information
2ArticleRound 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.→Cleveland Clinic
3ArticleUnderstanding 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....→chicagopelvic.com
4ArticleRound 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.→Radius Clinic
5ArticleROUND 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.→health2u.sg
6ArticleRound 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.→mychiro.com.my
7ArticleUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial HealthRoundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.→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.
2ArticleRound 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.→3ArticleUnderstanding 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....→5ArticleROUND 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.→7ArticleUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial HealthRoundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.→
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
1ArticleAnatomy, 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.→2ArticleRound 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.→3ArticleUnderstanding 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....→4ArticleRound 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.→5ArticleROUND 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.→6ArticleRound 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.→7ArticleUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial HealthRoundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.→
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
2ArticleRound 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.→7ArticleUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial HealthRoundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.→8ArticleAbdominal 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.→
psnet.ahrq.gov
9ArticleSigns 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.→Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
10ArticleStomach 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)....→nhs.uk
11ArticlePains 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.→HSE.ie
12ArticleAbdominal 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 ...→valleyperinatal.com
13ArticleCan 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 ...→UME Health
7
Article
Understanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial Health
Roundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.
8
Article
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.
10
Article
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)....
11
Article
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.
12
Article
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 ...
13
Article
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 ...
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.
2ArticleRound 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.→7ArticleUnderstanding Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy | UMass Memorial HealthRoundligamentpain is a common problem in pregnancy.→9ArticleSigns 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.→10ArticleStomach 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)....→11ArticlePains 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.→12ArticleAbdominal 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 ...→13ArticleCan 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 ...→
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.