Ligament Pain During Pregnancy
Ligament pain during pregnancy is really quite common and something that many expectant mothers will experience at one time or another. Typically this pain is known as round ligament pain
Round Ligament Pain – Early Pregnancy
This type of pain is usually felt in the groin or the lower abdomen and it can range from a brief stabbing pain to a more profound and longer lasting aching. Most expectant mothers usually start to feel these sharp pains after their 14th week of pregnancy when the second trimester begins.
In general you will notice that you feel these pains mostly on the right side.
What Causes Round Ligament Pain?
The normally thick ligaments that help to hold your uterus in place will start to stretch and thin out as your uterus begins to expand to accommodate the growth of your baby. These ligaments can then cause a spasm or cramp, which causes the sharp pains that you feel.
These pains can be brought on by sudden movements or exercise; as an example when you turn suddenly in bed or make a quick movement. If you have been exercising or have had sustained periods of activity throughout the day, you may notice these pains are more pronounced than normal. It is quite common to feel this pain in your groin and throughout your hips.
How To Treat Round Ligament Pain
There are a few things you can do to help prevent these ligaments spasms from happening and treat the pain when it does occur. These include:
- Avoiding any sudden movements – you want to move more gradually whether it be rolling over, sitting or any other type of movement
- Warm bath or heating pads – you can apply a heating pad to the area, but be sure not to allow the pad to get too hot. You also may want to try soaking in a warm bath for some relief. Please remember that it is extremely important that you do not soak in water that is above 100°
- Taking Tylenol – be sure to speak with your physician before taking any medications.
When To See A Doctor
These pains should not linger for very long and if you notice some of the symptoms below, there could be an underlying problem:
- Fever, nausea or vomiting
- Bleeding or spotting
- Pain when you urinate
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you will want to contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation.
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