Round ligament pain and pregnancy

For some women, the second and third trimesters can herald in a new and uncomfortable pregnancy symptom known as round ligament pain.

This feels like a short, sharp stabbing sensation, or ache, deep inside your lower groin and abdominal area.

Your uterus is supported by a group of muscles known as round ligaments, which are stretched as your uterus grows. The pain occurs with movement. It can happen when you’re walking, if you cough, or change your body’s position (perhaps as you get out of a car). It’s not really something you can prevent and it will stop after your baby has been born. The pain should only last for a few seconds, so if you’re experiencing a more continuous type of pain, such as a fever, vomiting, painful abdominal cramps, bleeding or backache, contact your OB-GYN or nurse- midwife straightaway (in any case, it’s probably a good idea to get a diagnosis from your caregiver to confirm that the discomfort you’re feeling is in fact round ligament pain).

If you have any unanswered questions, use our answers page to gain wisdom from other moms or our resident experts for all those pregnancy niggles.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.